Page 12 of Group Studies
Roisin’s nose wrinkled on her adorable round face. “From what I heard, you kinda had it coming. Didn’t I warn you on like day one moving in on Saffron was a bad idea?”
I wanted to tell her it wasn’t my fault, but it was. Everything was.
My good mood fell and I scowled at the last bite of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the cheapest thing on the menu.
Roisin leaned forward. “Do you want to use your words?”
I shook my head.
Roisin didn’t know about any of the drama in my life. She was a good person who wanted to make the world a better place for misfit mages. I, on the other hand, seemed to make everything worse everywhere I went.
Before the silence got awkward, Roisin changed the topic. “One of the MA agents came and hung out in my Safety and Sanitation class today.”
I blinked. “In the Cosmetology hall?
“Yup.” She nodded.
“Ah, why?”
Roisin shrugged. “No idea. Maybe he was looking for something.”
“Or messing with someone,” I whispered, thinking of Derek.
Roisin narrowed her eyes before our gazes drifted to the doorway. The red and blue uniforms of two MA agents stood out stark against the stone walls. Hate burned in my gut. Between them destroying my life and punching Derek just a few hours ago, what few good thoughts Ashe had tried to force into my head evaporated.
It didn’t matter they destroyed my life for the better. They stole everything, even the jewelry off my body. Now they hit my friend who couldn’t defend himself without repercussions from the same system letting him get hit.
I picked up my water. The glass shook in my hand. The cool liquid slid down my throat. I reined in my anger. I didn’t need to push my friend away. Roisin had already eaten with her Coterie. It was nice of her to stop at my table at all.
Briefly, I regretted not joining one of the Institute’s clubs but the feeling passed quickly.
Roisin subtly pointed at something. “See him?”
I scanned the direction she pointed. I’d no idea who caught Roisin’s attention, but Beryl’s new table, further away from the MA and closer to the food, was suspiciously empty of said mage.
“Do you see Beryl?” I asked Roisin, scanning the room for his dark creamy skin and bright sapphire eyes.
“I don’t know why I even bother,” Roisin sighed. “I was pointing out Henry to you. The guy Sandy’s got a thing for at the moment, but obviously, he stood too close to what’s always on your mind.”
I flushed and stammered out an apology.
She let out a puff of air which rustled her bangs. “You’ve got to get over Beryl. He’s bad news all around.”
“You’re right,” I said absently as I focused on Beryl’s best friend. Was his name Nitis? I couldn’t remember. We’d never actually met, though Beryl talked about him a few times.
Roisin sighed again. “Now, I know you’ve got no idea what I’m saying.”
“Sorry,” I said, turning back to her. “I need to talk to his friend, alone, and this is the first time I’ve seen them apart.”
“Just be safe,” Roisin replied with a shrug, heading back to her old table.
I popped my last crusty bite into my mouth and jumped up, making my way toward Beryl’s lanky Native American friend. Trying to look casual, I crossed my arms, then uncrossed them, before slowing my steps in hopes he noticed me trying to get his attention. Perched on the edge of his table, he wore the same uniform as the rest of us, though with his rolled up sleeves and most of the buttons undone on his shirt. He’d woven his pink tie into his long black hair which hung over one shoulder.
A student stood in front of him and the two of them chatted. I wrinkled my nose recognizing one of my tormentors, Alrick, but I couldn’t miss this chance.
Hovering uncomfortably close to them, I tried to draw attention to myself without interrupting. Beryl might come back any moment. If he found out my plans, no doubt he’d put a stop to operation DUMP.
The two stopped talking. Nitis’ gaze flicked to me as Alrick turned. His frown promptly morphed into a creepy smile.