Umber In Level 8

+Chapter Twenty+

"We have to do something!" I paced across my room, talking to Trix over the Imparter.

Trix rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We?"

"Yes! I can't do this alone!"

Trix didn't look as enthusiastic as I expected. "I thought you were hailing me to apologize for lying, not beg me to save the job of someone you don't even like." [A/N: "Trix" autocorrected to "Twix". XD]

"Well, I didn't lie. I didn't send the revenge ideas to Gisela on purpose!"

"Yet she somehow knew who the list was for." Trix said suspiciously.

"It said, 'for Trix' at the top." I said innocently. "It's not my fault!"

"It kinda is."

"Fine. Do you forgive me now?"

Trix looked unsure. "You need to settle things with Gisela, Umber. Things can't be awkward between you two forever. After that, I'll consider being friends with you again."

I sighed. "I don't think we'll ever be friends again."

"Don't say that. You've been friends with Gisela for such a long time. Your friendship can't just... End."

"We most definitely can no longer be friends. Can we change the subject now? We have to come up with that plan for making sure Alina doesn't get fired. What if we get a worse principal after she's gone? What if it's Bronte? He seems involved with this whole Foxfire thing."

"Stop spiraling, Umber. Chances are, you understood the conversation wrong, and Dame Alina's at no risk of getting fired."

I laughed. "I think not."

"So we're really doing this? We're spending all our time coming up with a plan to save the career of something we don't even like?"

"Something like that."

Trix groaned.

+++

Dearest Councillor Bronte,

I hope you're well.

I wanted to tell you the real reason why Foxfire hasn't been doing well as of late. It seems that I cannot get you out of my mind. I have loved you for years and always wanted you to notice me. Then, I had a great idea—If Foxfire fell into ruin, the Council would have no choice but to pay attention to me. That's why I've fallen behind on my duties. It won't happen again. Please reconsider your threat.

Love, Dame Alina ;)

"Is the winky-face really necessary?" Trix asked. "Is this whole letter really necessary?"

"Yes! It's perfect! If all goes well, not only will Bronte no longer threaten to fire Alina, but he'll be distracted, too! That way, he'll forget all about the problems at Foxfire and focus on how he feels about Alina. Plus, it's a good way to get revenge on Alina for all she'd done to me."

"Is that the real reason you're writing this letter? Was the 'helping Alina' thing just a cover up?" Trix raised an eyebrow.

"Of course not!" It wasn't that much of a lie.