Him.

elise

The High School what?

The lunch lady grasps my fingers and drags me towards the office, and I try in vain to pull back.

"Wait- I don't- I think there's been some kind of a mistake," I'm tempted to bite her - my fingers are turning purple.

My favorite mushroom earrings hit the back of my ear lobes and I try to resist itching them.

"No, dear, there's no mistake," she laughs as though I've said something strange.

The lunch lady jabs her thumb on the thumb sensor and I'm pulled into a room full of strangers, all watching me.

Through the reflection of one of the several mirrors in the sage green room I see a pineapple instead of hair.

I flush in embarrassment as the eight other people in the room watch my every movement.

Did I do something wrong?

The lunch lady rushes out and a tall man emerges from behind the kidney shaped table.

"Hello, hello everyone," he says in a crisp accent - like a bittersweet apple.

I recognize him instantly: Principal Herrington.

He speaks as if he's talking to the entire world - clear and concise.

"Us teachers have been watching you," he continues. "And we've noticed that you nine have been some of the most helpful students in the school. Because of that, we have chosen you to help us do some volunteer work! You will be separated into four groups; two people in each! I have your groups right here."

Principal Herrington points to a group of post it notes on his desk.

"Any questions?"

A short stubby girl with a dark smokey eye meekly raises her hand.

"What if we don't want to do this?" she asks, voicing my thoughts exactly.

Principal Herringtons eyes narrow. "Unfortunately, I never gave you a choice."

A cold edge lines his voice but his smile remains the same.

He brightens again.

"But, some jobs need more assistance, so you can definitely bring some friends with you!"

I nod hurriedly, checking the time and noticing that lunch was about to be over.

Principal Herrington notices my uneasiness and smiles in understanding.

"Now, hurry off," he says.

I practically shove the door open as he calls out, "Make sure to grab your Post it Notes!"

I sprint to the cafeteria and I'm out of breath when Soorin and Jaerin notice me.

"What was that about?"

It isn't Soorin or Jaerin, but Darek.

I don't even want to respond to that jerk.

But Jaerins watching me so I carefully recount all of the previous events - excluding my suspicions of Principal Herrington.

Jaerin laughs and pats me on the back, messing up my hair.

"You have the best luck."

I grin back, and the butterflies in my stomach spin as if they're in a snow globe.