Dear Lucy

Chapter 3: Hidden Connections

After class, Lucinda hastily approached her teacher.

"Excuse me, ma'am, may I switch groups for the project?" she asked.

The teacher turned to her, "I'm afraid group assignments are final, but you can appeal to the administration office if you'd like to make a change."

Lucinda exhaled in relief.

"Thank you, ma'am," she said, as the teacher walked away.

Elated that she still had the option to change groups, Lucinda's primary motivation was to avoid working with the boys at all costs. She glanced at the time – 10:05 AM – and realized she has time before visiting the principal.

As Lucinda walked, she met Xena, who greeted her with a warm smile.

Lucinda reciprocated, but her smile faltered when Xena said, "So, we're in the same group."

Lucinda hesitated, "Uh, about that... I'm actually heading to the administration office."

Xena's curiosity was piqued. "What for?"

Lucinda explained, "I want to change groups. I don't want to work with those boys, and Angelina seems... challenging." She paused, glancing at her shoes before meeting Xena's gaze. "I just don't want to be in that group."

Xena nodded understandingly. "I get it, but be aware that changing groups takes up to five days to process. Your new group might progress without you, and your scores could suffer."

Lucinda's eyes widened in concern.

"Really? Oh no!"

Xena reassured her, "Don't worry about the trio; with me in the group, everything will be fine."

Lucinda wondered if Xena had connections with the the boys

Xena continued, "The meeting starts at 11 AM in the PSR room. We could've used empty classrooms, but I think that room suits us better."

Lucinda mentioned her principal appointment

"11am?? But I have to see the principal by that time "

"Don't worry, I'll escort you to her office later. We'll explain our group project discussions. Besides, the principal is currently in a meeting."

Lucinda smiled, grateful for her new friend Xena, beautiful, brilliant, and kind.

~~~~
(11am)

At the PSR

Xena noticed Lucinda's discomfort and intervened, "Alex, I think you're making her uncomfortable." She glanced at Alex, who was sitting beside Lucinda on the couch.

Alex smiled at Lucinda, "Don't worry about us, focus on the sixth member who's delaying our start." He teased, aware of Lucinda's unease.

Lucinda attempted to deflect, "I think she might have gotten lost; it's her first time here too."

"But I explained to her and ......" Xena looked at Ethan who was engrossed in his game, "Ethan, please pay attention. We need to discuss our project."

Ethan replied, still focused on his screen, "But it seems you haven't started anything yet."

Xena's gaze shifted to Liam, who remained silent, and she smiled warmly.

Lucinda noticed the tender glance and wondered if Xena might have feelings for Liam.

Xena suggested, "I think we should begin, considering—"

Just then, the door swung open, and Angelina entered, her tardiness evident. Xena's expression turned stern. "Well, you're late."