= Wands High =

Chapter 38 - 19 May 1998, Tuesday

- Hey, man, you feel like going to... uh, hi, Cynthia.

Reginald had just rushed in their bedroom carrying a book in one hand and something that seemed like a freshly polished broom shining like brand-new, in the other. He expected to find his roommate inside... but not that he would have company.

- Hey, bro, what's up? – Ender gave him a nod running his fingers through his messy, partially dyed blond hair.

He was wearing a black tanktop and basketball shorts as it was a hot summer afternoon and the air was barely moving through the open windows. Cynthia, leaning against his desk, was also in casual clothes – black leggings, yellow sleeveless shirt with floral motives and flat open shoes, her hair tight in a ponytail. Upon entering the room, Reginald had heard laughter but the presence of the girl surprised him and he froze mid-sentence. Not that he hadn't seen them together lately... just not in here.

- Hi, Regg – she smiled for a brief moment at him before turning her eyes back to Ender.

Reginald barely nodded and after a moment of hesitation went to his bed tossing the book on the bedcover.

- You okay, man? You were saying something about going somewhere? – Ender asked looking at him.

- Nah, nothing. I just remembered I have to stop by the library – Reginald muttered with the corner of his mouth and left his broom in its usual spot, leaning against the wardrobe.

- You sure? Thirsty for knowledge all of a sudden? – The youngest Slade jokingly laughed.

- Indeed – Reginald gritted his teeth. Trying not to look at them or around the room, with the corner of his eye he still caught sight of Ender's wrinkled school uniform shirt and blazer carelessly thrown on the chair where the other boy usually left his clothes. But what threw him off was his friend's uniform tie lying on the floor half a meter away from the chair – as if his clothes were tossed in a hurry in that general direction. That, and Ender's visibly moist hair, as if after taking a bath – and Cynthia's red cheeks; the fact that the girl wasn't wearing any make-up just put the final touch to the general picture.

- I was joking, man. What's wrong? – Ender asked, his smile fading.

- Nothing, all cool – Reginald shuffled around for a few moments, stuffing his drumsticks and several other things in his backpack, his movements stark, almost nervous.

- Cynth, give us a minute – Ender said to the girl, his eyes still locked on his best friend.

- Oh, come on, guys, can't we... – she began, smiling carelessly, but Ender's voice cut the rest of the sentence off:

- Cynthia – he was now looking at her, if only for a heartbeat, with a stern expression. – Give us a minute.

She stared him down for a moment then left the room, abruptly closing the door a bit louder than necessary.

- Okay, man, spit it out – what is it? – Ender said getting on his feet.

- You didn't have to kick her out like that – Reginald snapped shoving his antique "tuner" in the backpack as well.

- What? Oh, come on, it's not like she'll curl in the corner crying. And it seemed like you needed to vent off a little steam without others around.

- Right – Reginald muttered barely tossing a look at his friend. – The moment she stops being fun you just throw her out the door, huh?

- The hell are you talking about, man? Is that why you look like you've bitten a lemon in half? Cause I asked Cynthia to let me talk to you, my best friend, in private? – Ender raised his hands in a questioning gesture.