FLOWER

CHAPTER 5.4

 I look for a hint of normality from Nasturcja at break time, who first makes a stop at the toilet. I wait for her in the corridor, admiring the wall. My sister answers the phone. And the sound carries to my ears despite the noise in the corridor and my sister's hushed voice.

- Don't panic, mom, I have everything under control. Just like at the gym. I'm careful. You're the one calling me instead of writing. How many times do I have to repeat? And if she comes up behind me, what will you do? See you.

What kind of suspicious reporting is this? Why I'm not in the know. Sister finally comes out of the toilet. She comes to me.

- Something happened.

- No, why? Mom just asked how our day at school was going.

- That's all.

- Yes.

- So who's going to sneak up on you from behind? - Her reddened skin showed up in parts without makeup. She's lying to me.

- You've made something up. Listen with your ears, not your stomach, next time. Come on, the girls are waiting.

The sister is nervous. She walks like a torpedo in front of me. Without looking at me. I don't give up so easily. Only in my mind I can't think of a single sticking point. What is this strange exchange of words all about. Or maybe I am already too paranoid. In a moment I will attribute evil intentions to everyone. I know what I heard. But apparently I can't get anything out of her now.

The school canteen encourages one thing, to leave as soon as I can. Gray paint with gray chairs and tables blends in with the rest of the building. And the bars on the windows give you a bit of a prison atmosphere. Next time I will eat anywhere but here. Sheila informs us with regret in her voice that the fan club doesn't care about the invitation for a shared second breakfast. What a pity. I'm going to eat a sandwich. And Nasturcja consumes its own in a few seconds. And he starts looking my way.

- Where did you live before? - The thought of the old apartment made me feel sad.

- Everything's all right.

- Yes, forgive me. I don't really like this move. This hovel.

- It'll be all right.

- I'm still getting used to how many responsibilities the house generates. Not like living in a block of flats.

- You still have something to do there, I don't envy you. No one lived on the hill for a long time. It's a bit worn out. - A bit of an understatement. - I know how you feel. We had to move from the house to a block of flats. It was a shock for me, it's still going on.

- Things can always change.

- I hope.

I realize that someone has quite a craving for my half of a sandwich. Nasturticja's hungry gaze leaves no doubt. I'm starting to get amused by her peeking. If I catch her staring, she looks away.

- Has your period started?

- Yes, how do you know?

- You devour everything like a bulldozer. You want. - I point to the sandwich.

- Just so you know! I feel insulted and I can't imagine not being apologized to. - I take half a sandwich in my hands. - But if the sandwich is to be wasted, I'll ignore your sarcasm. - And she snatches it away from me.

-I am very pleased with your forbearance.

I am too good for you.

One, two, three and the sandwich is only a memory. The nasturtium's gaze still wanders around my side of the table. To get lost without coming across anything.

- When are we going to box again?

- I forgot. - Alexander didn't write to her. Strange. - I'm writing now.

- Who trains you? - Sheila asks.

- Lianem.

- It's hard to get to. How did you manage to do it?

- We went to the open day.

- Seriously. He doesn't like coaching women. And they him because he is boorish.

- No exaggeration. - This is my sister speaking. - He's a good trainer.

- Actually, you're probably right. Maso would not allow himself to mistreat his pupils.

The sound of a message comes to my mind. I glance at my phone. The blond wrote several dates. I show my sister a message from Alexander.

- Tomorrow maybe.

- It suits me too.

I replies to the blonde. And my sister takes advantage of my moments of inattention. And she rummages through my backpack. She's probably looking for something sweet. I look at her expectantly. She clears his throat. However, she doesn't care about it. She just continues to rummage around.