The Sapphire Ring Of Destiny

Chapter 10: Figuring the friend and foe

Awhile before the final elections were to be announced, Sophie discussed with Frederick and her won-back friend, Edward.
She told them another strange thing she believed to be one of qualities of her mysterious ring. Sophie believed that if she was putting on the ring, and someone wanted to help her out of a difficult situation but wouldn’t come out to tell her openly, that particular solution of the person intending to help is revealed to her by her ring even when the person had buried it within.

The incidence of the previous day, in which Mr. Bearing desired with undeterred fervour that she solved his Algebraic equation written on the board, was Sophie’s first reason to believe this. The whole class might not be aware of it but Sophie never solved the Algebraic equation, Mr. Bearing unknowingly gave the answer to her.

Frederick and Edward were cynical at first, they didn’t agree until Sophie’s told them was what was recently revolving in their minds. She told Frederick that she won’t steal Gwendoline’s ring as he wanted her to, and highlighted Edward’s strong belief that if she talked the whole school out of Gwendolyn’s spell she would be able to win the class-captain— but Sophie wasn’t interested in the elections at the moment.

‘How did you know?’ Edward first inquired.
‘That is exactly what is on my mind?’ Frederick followed in a bewildered response.

‘You see! I’m right about this, but there is something else strange.’ Sophie said
‘Isn’t everything about your ring and Gwendolyn’s strange?’ Edward questioned somewhat rhetorically.

‘Eddie is right. What kind of strange are you talking about?’ Frederick asked Sophie.
‘Someone else is trying to help me. I can feel it but I don’t know if it’s much of a help since I can’t ascertain what to do.’ Sophie said.

‘Who?’ asked Frederick
‘It should be Constance.’ Edward replied.
‘No, it is Robin.’
‘Robin?!’ both boys screamed in disbelief.
‘Sophie, are you sure of what you’re saying, maybe you just desire help so badly that you think Robin want to help you.’ Frederick said
‘Robin despises you. Why would she want to help?’ Edward added.

‘No, Robin doesn’t despise or hate me. The hard truth is that she dislikes you and Constance; she wanted me in her group but I refused because she didn’t want the both of you.’
‘Well, that’s not good enough reason to make our days in school difficult. And, besides, I’m the one whom is always picked on by Bobby.’ Edward bemoaned.

‘Robin wants to be class-captain and wants Frederick as a member of the Robin Shell, she wants to remain primus interpares and we stand in her way that’s why she has been this unfriendly.’ Sophie explained.

‘You seem to be defending her quite strongly. Did something happen between you guys?’ Frederick questioned.
‘What? No! Nothing, what do you mean— why are you asking that? I don’t what you mean.’ Frederick noted Sophie’s strange nervous language and was certain that something must have happened between Sophie and Robin. However, he decided not to pry at the instance but some time later.

‘If Robin wanted to help then why haven’t you gotten her suggestion? Why doesn’t she offer you a solution like Mr. Bearing did?’ asked Frederick.
‘I don’t know. I’m not sure, maybe she does but I haven’t noticed or understood it.’

‘Or maybe she doesn’t want to help you and your mind is just playing tricks with you.’ Edward inserted and Frederick nodded in agreement to his suggestion. They all had nervous spikes and vibes as Constance walked up to their seat.
‘Sophie, I’m sorry.’ A sudden familiar voice came from behind.
‘Constance!’

‘I am so sorry for turning my back on you and leaving. I’m so sorry for turning my back on our friendship. I was so stupid, so angry and so jealous that I allowed Gwendolyn take advantage of me. Could you find a place in your heart to forgive me?’ Constance said meekly.

‘No, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness, Constance. I kept secrets from you and betrayed our trust. Please forgive me and let’s return to being good friends.’ Sophie replied.
‘Of course, I forgive you Sophie but to be assured that you all have forgiven me. I will stea— I mean stretch out my hand to you all for a friendly handshake.’ Constance responded.

‘Edward I’m sorry.’ Constance stretched out her hand but Edward was reluctant to shake hands.
‘Sorry for what, exactly?’ Edward demanded.
‘Sorry for every cruel and unfair thing I had said earlier. Constance replied. Edward smiled and now pleased shook her stretched out hand.

‘Can you forgive me, Frederick?’ Constance replied turning to Frederick, and stretching her left hand to be shaked.
‘Not until you tell me how you managed to breakfree free from Gwendolyn.’

‘I did not. Sophie was the one who did it. She was calling unto me, that’s all I can remember.’
‘Fred, just shake her hand.’ Sophie said hastily. Somewhat grudgingly, Frederick extended his hand and shook hands with Constance.

‘And finally, to the person’s handshake I cherish the most. Sophie, let us shake hands to a new beginning.’ Constance said with a smile.
‘Wait!’ Frederick yelled as the two girls were about to lock hands. Sophie raised eyebrows at Frederick. ‘Why don’t you girls hug, instead.’ Frederick proposed.

‘I don’t know why you prefer us to do it but it’s an excellent idea.’
‘Yes, it’s a wonderful idea but I insist on a handshake then maybe after that we could hug.’ Constance said stretching out her left hand.

Frederick stared immensely and suspiciously at Constance hand. He kept on wondering why she insisted on a handshake and not a hug. Then he thought of something ominous.
‘Wait!’ He yelled one more time but both hands were already in a grip.

‘Fred, what is wrong?’ Sophie screamed
‘I do not think Constance has been freed. That isn’t Constance, dammit. That is not your friend; it is Gwendolyn speaking for her.’ Frederick cautioned.

‘What?!’ Sophie exclaimed but it was already too late. Before Sophie could withdraw, Constance snatched the ring from her finger.

‘Frederick is right. This isn’t Constance, this is Gwendolyn and your worst nightmare has begun!’ Constance replied laughing eeringly. Then as they were still watching nervously and with disbelief, she transformed to the visage and body of Gwendolyn!