181 Days of Madeline Jesty

Chapter 55: Alma Mater

Small red, white, and gold flags decorated the school when students returned in preparation for its foundation day. Monday was dedicated for these preparations, which was why our minds wandered during classes. Tuesday was the real thing.

While there were no classes and we only had to stay until three o'clock in the afternoon, we were still obliged to attend mass and watch performances from hired professionals—singers, dancers, acrobats, and more—in the multipurpose hall. Then higher grade levels would have to transfer in the auditorium, while earlier grade levels would have to stay in their classrooms for their respective programs prepared by their advisers. We were free to go afterward, though.

Different commercial stalls also lined up on the corridor, and we had to buy food and other products using "paper money," which was also equivalent to real money. Even after studying in this school for more than a decade already, I still couldn't understand why we had to do that.

Mickey and I agreed to meet at the bar at two in the afternoon, supposing the activities would end early. If not, then either of us had to wait for the other. In the letter she said she had plans for us, which was why I could not focus on the priest's homily. The performances by the professionals were amazing, but I just couldn't get my mind off Mickey's plans. Even the walk to the auditorium made no difference.

And then finally, lunchtime.

Thank God for good weather, many students were able to lay their picnic blankets on the grass, including Steph. Iola joined us soon after. It was oddly funny how Iola had already been a part of a circle in three weeks' time. Before a duo, now a trio.

In the last fifteen minutes of the lunch break, Steph left to buy herself a drink after spilling her juice. I was left with Iola.

"Have you chosen your club?" she asked while munching fries. "First club day starts this Friday."

I nodded. "Will go with yours, of course."

She returned my assurance with a smile and a question: "You know all clubs want you. Why Green Thumbs?"

"Not all. Margaux and Jane will push me away from their territories."

"You know what I mean. Not those witches."

"Hmm. Well, for one, I haven't tried nature clubs. Two, you're there."

Iola blushed. It was apparent with her now red ears, which she hid using her hair strands. "Stop flirting with me if you know your heart belongs to someone else."

I threw my handkerchief as I laughed. "Cringe."

"Damn, I was hoping you'd deny it." She returned my hanky before putting out another question. "You wouldn't go with her? She obviously likes you, not Jane. If you were in the same club, you could spend more time together without being worried about Jane and her minions. Our club has sleepover activities, you know."

"Tempting, but no. She's into sports, and it's obvious by her choice of clubs. I wouldn't want to lure her in a club she doesn't want to join."

"What if she does . . . but because you're there?"

"Then it's her choice. My conscience is clear."

"You won't stop her?"

"Why will I? Again, it's her choice."

In the middle of our conversation, Steph came back with a cup in her hand. As soon as she sat and removed the lid, the sweet aroma of hot chocolate permeated the air. Familiar with the scent, I looked at the cup she was holding, but her palm was covering the label.

"I'm sorry it took me long. Several students was holding this drink, then I suddenly had hot-choco cravings."

"Where did you buy that?" I asked.