What an Odd Alliance

THE QUAD SQUAD

The day passed by much smoother than she anticipated, and exactly as Zain illustrated in the forest. They attended all the classes together, and were officially assigned as partners in-class. The morning classes were all mainly introductions of each student, going to some class activities, reviewing the syllabus for the term, and taking notes of what was explained. She didn't enjoy much of the classes, but found an interest in Physics and Biology classes. There was no sign of the Headmistress, which left Zoya a bit guarded but calm.

Zain led her to a grand room where tables were spread neatly. Zoya could smell the food before she entered the ball, and it was magnificent. Her nose picked up various scents from sweet to sour to spicy food. Once she stepped into the grand room, she mesmerized how lively and colorful it was. It was more colorful to her white classrooms. They were variations of colors and shades ranging from red to blue and sprinkles of purple and yellows. It had grand windows that reached the roof, and honed so much light that if Zoya wasn't used to training outdoors she couldn't have been blinded by its intensity. Interestingly; however, there was no heat. The room was cool, and had natural wind from the open windows. It was fresh and soothing. It felt right.

The more Zoya discovered parts of the school, the more she realized it was the best choice she had taken. The food reminded Zoya that she hadn't had breakfast that morning and her stomach chirped in hunger. She was ready to have a feast. Before she was about to leave Zain to find the nearest table, he interrupted her famished thoughts.

"Eh, Zoya? Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm going there to eat, of course," she replied pointing at the nearest empty table on the right-wing of the room.

"You're going to have lunch, alone?"

"Yes, I always have lunch in my room. I'm not much of a people's person when I eat," she answered innocently.

He smiled at her confusion, and pointed at a table on the far left-wing of the room. It was near a tall window, where it overlooked the forest. There were four students already occupying the space, and whispering something like it was the most important topic of their lifetime.

"See them?" he said, "those are my pals. Why not come join us?"

She looked from them to him and snickered.

"Like I said, I'm not much of a people's person," she refused and sat at the table she originally chose.

She was clumsily sat on the bench, and placed as much food as possible on her plate to start her delicious hot meal.

Zain stood there surprised by her reaction, but decided to surprise her and followed. With half a chicken-wing in her mouth and the another held in her other hand, she studied him as he sat on her table.

"What are you here for?" she muffled, her mouth too full to pronounce the words properly.

He laughed at her, "I'm here to eat of course. Or is it just you who hasn't eaten all day?"

She shrugged too busy to care, and continued to gracefully devour her meal.

It was the best meal of her life. She felt so warm and quite drowsy after the meal. The cafe ladies placed drinks after lunch was done, and placed desert, fizzy drinks and fresh juices. Zoya could never let the servants have that much variety in her home. Her father was too conservative when it came to the quantity of food made per week.

Four student walked towards the table where she and Zain continued to devour their deserts, and interrupted their mouth-watering session.

"Zain? Why are you sitting here alone?" asked one of the girls eyeing me then Zain in confusion.