Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 7: The After Shock

Brielle was adamant, and perhaps a bit stubborn, in forcing herself to look her normal calm and collected as the jeering students got louder and louder. She was definitely a bit taken aback, though, when laughter turned to screams and complete chaos erupted in the gymnasium.

She took the opportunity and broke away, all but running for the exit. There was still time left until the next class was supposed to start, but after what had just occurred, she didn't feel like waiting in the classroom. There would be eyes there. More students waiting around, gossiping; and her being there meant the conversation would be focused on that stupid night. The night that never seemed to end.

She needed to fix this. And to do that, she needed answers. As far as she was aware, there was no proof about what had actually happened. People were making assumptions—and yes, they were correct—but they didn't know for certain. At least, as long as Kelam had kept his own counsel.

She waited in an unobtrusive corner by the front door, partially shielded by a hedge. Her eyes swept the quad as more students fled the gym. Finally, Quincy himself surfaced in the crowd. He also seemed like he was eager to get away, heading for another corner of the campus to hide. The perfect spot for a confrontation.

She chased after him and found him unceremoniously leaning against the back of the arts building, eyes closed and breathing deeply.

"Of course I'm here trying to mend the situation, and you're just meditating behind the school."

His eyes shot open. Quickly, he pushed himself from the wall and spun to face her. He looked like a deer in headlights, stumbling for something to say.

"Don't strain yourself," she said, holding her hand up to silence him. "I'm working on damage control. I need to know what you've told people. I've admitted it to a couple people but as far as I could tell they haven't spread it. But if you've told people that it's true, then I can't start the debate in favor of it all just being rumors."

Finally, Kelam regained at least a fragment of his composure. "Is that what you want then? To say it didn't happen?"

Brielle didn't bother hiding the disgust on her face. "You actually are an imbecile. It shouldn't have happened at all, and now our classmates know about it! Or, maybe they've just been making assumptions about it, but that doesn't change any of what just happened in there!" Her hands trembled as she pointed towards the gymnasium. She swallowed hard. No matter what else, she had to remain cool. She continued, her voice even: "So tell me, who have you told?"

"Just a couple friends, same as you."

"Good." Brielle laced her fingers together, assembling the plan. "Now, we need to start denying people when they ask about it. We can't make it obvious, though. I'll be fine, but you should brush up on your acting perhaps."

Kelam had been watching her with wide, confused eyes. As she looked at him, he gave a slight frown. "I don't get a say on how we could handle this?"

"No, quite frankly I think you've done enough," said Brielle firmly. "If everything goes smoothly, this will all be forgotten by the end of the month."

"I've done enough? What's that supposed to mean?"

Why was he so determined to linger on this? Brielle took in a sharp breath and raised her chin, trying to put an end to the conversation she barely wanted to have in the first place. "That's all I wanted to discuss with you. Just do your part."

If the boy understood her tone and body language, he chose to ignore it. "You know, this is just as much your fault as it is mine. Don't act so high and mighty."

Brielle had started to turn to walk away, but her eyes blazed and she whipped back to him. "As a matter of fact, I don't remember anything after we started drinking, which, by the way, you instigated. So as far as I can tell, what happened afterwards could very well be your fault, and your fault alone."

A flash of surprise lit his face. "You don't remember anything?"

The school bell rang out, somewhat drowned out by the distance and the many thoughts running through her mind.

"Goodbye, Quincy."

She didn't look back as she headed to her class. Her mind was a fog for the whole period; her note taking was off, which was definitely going to bother her later. But for now, all she could think of was the mess that she was in.

She seemed to have switched two of the stages of grief. Denial and anger had definitely occurred. And she did allow herself to cry when she was alone in her room a couple nights ago—she figured the situation was deserving of it—so that was depression. Only now came bargaining, as she sat in French class drawing up every argument, statement, and possible conversation she might have in order to turn the tides in her favor. Brielle was a problem-solver, damn it! She was a Prescott, and winning was what she did best.

The only bit of enjoyment the day seemed to offer was that the chess club met after school on Fridays. Of all the sports and clubs she was in, this was easily the best. Chess was one of her favorite pastimes, so being able to play it and have it on her college applications was just the icing on the cake.

Plus, there was never really all that much banter at the meetings they had. She allowed some conversation at the start and end of the session, just to be friendly with everyone and then talk about the games and what happened, how to improve. But once the pairs were made and games began, the room was in perfect silence apart from the occasional "checkmate".

And that's exactly how the meeting was going, until Iridia Trilliaris came barging in.