SINS (Completed)

RED'S THE LUCKY CHARM?

"How's the play coming along, Tessa?" Dean Brandon, asks with that voice of his, that is soft, yet authoritative, as he writes down something on the papers before him.

"It's progressing well, sir. They have covered quite a portion."

"Well, that's good to know. I always used to enjoy a good Shakespeare play back when I was young. My friends called me an idiot."

He looks up, keeping down his pen with a chuckle and I laugh lightly, then pause abruptly, thinking if it's rude.

But then Brandon never had been those typical 'insult me and I'll expel the hell out of you'. In fact, I quite liked him. He had some subtle similarities to Dad.

And of course, I related to enjoying Shakespeare and being called an idiot.

"Thank you, Tessa. I'm sure it will be fantastic."
He rests his joined hands on the table, with a small smile, and I return it gratefully.

"I just help a little, sir. And it's a pleasure."

He nods in understanding, and then leans back on his chair, taking his glasses off, and cleaning it with his tie.

"Yes I'm aware, Tessa. Unfortunately my boys don't feel the same way. I haven't heard back from Trevor or Hardin in a long while. I don't know what kind of a circus they have going on in the gymnasium. Take a look, will you. And let me know."

I take a pause at those names. He just had to, didn't he. And oh, I don't doubt the circus they must be having.

But, I remember that I am a free, independent, person now, and a responsible student.
Ugh, I feel like a nanny student, having to pick up after the troublesome ones.

"Yes, sir. Definitely."

"That's all then, thank you again. Enjoy your day, Tessa."

I nod, with a forced smile.

"You too, sir."

I turn and leave, closing the door behind me. This man, will not let me remain peaceful.

I start walking towards the gymnasium, the old gymnasium, that has been cleared and cleaned, for the installation. I can imagine it'll be glorious; it had been an enormous room, and an empty one at that would be even more so.

I stop in my tracks, to readjust the folds on the sleeve of my sweater. I had worn my favourite blood red sweater today, three folds at the sleeves, one at the neck. With my regular navy blue denims. I'm feeling beautiful, today. I smile to myself, and dab mentally.

This, is because I have accepted the internship offer today, and I wanted to spend the rest of it as a bright, happy day, and red, always does it for me.

My cellphone vibrates in my pocket and I fish it out, tensing up as I see Mr. Ostroff's name. I pick it up, not even knowing what I am going to say.

"Hello?" I wait, and wait, but I don't hear back. I bring it down, and it's switched off. My battery died on me.

I can see my face reflecting on the black of the dead screen. This is supposed to be a good day. And I'm already sensing a conspiracy from the heavens.

*

I trudge down the cemented floor, my hair flying lightly around my head. Ah, I do not want Hardin Scott to become a part of my day, today. I'm just going to go in-

Talk to anyone who is not Hardin, and tell them to report to Brandon and strut my pretty little self back. Piece of cak-

"Hey! What you doing?"