Elite Affairs - Book one

Chapter Seventeen

Although this chapter may seem boring to some, it's packed with valuable educational content. Through my research, I gained insight into American art and history, topics that were unfamiliar to me as a non-American. I hope you'll find the lessons just as fascinating as I do.

I am drawn to the way you want me to be my better self

Mariya stood beside Aiden, her blond hair falling straight down her back like a golden waterfall. She wore the school's second uniform with ease, the navy blue blouse and black skirt with a thin blue stripe running along the hem accentuating her slender figure. A black blazer with a blue trim and the school crest on the pocket added a touch of sophistication to her overall appearance. Her backpack, adorned with subtle gold hardware, hung from her shoulder, and her polished white socks and  black flats gleamed in the morning light streaming through the hotel windows.

Aiden, standing tall and handsome, complemented Mariya's elegance with his own refined style. His black hair was combed back, revealing an amused crease of his forehead and piercing dark eyes. He wore the male version of the uniform with equal panache, his navy blue dress shirt and black trousers immaculately pressed, and his black blazer with a blue trim perfectly fitted. A silver watch glinted on his wrist, and his polished black shoes shone like mirrors. His backpack hung from his shoulder, and a hint of cologne wafted from his direction.

As they stood inside the lobby with the other few students, waiting for the others to arrive, Mariya turned to Aiden and whispered, "I think your friend was dropped on the head as a baby." Aiden's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

Mariya has been complaining about Pagonis being stupid all the time she sees him. They were speaking since last night and the tension was better than before.

Aiden chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Mariya, Pagonis is a genius. He's just...unconventional," he said, his voice laced with amusement.

Mariya stared at Aiden, her expression deadpan. "A genius? You're kidding, right? He's going to rule a country someday. Greece needs someone who can string together a coherent sentence." Her eyes never left Aiden's face, her skepticism evident.

Aiden scoffed. "Pagonis is smarter than you think. He's just...creative. And he's got a heart of gold." He folded his arms, his expression defensive.

Mariya raised an eyebrow. "Prove it. Show me one intelligent thing he's said or done recently." Her voice dripped with challenge.

Just then, Pagonis strolled by, Léon walking beside him, looking like he wanted to hide but had resigned himself to Pagonis's antics. "I'm telling you, Léon, the ancient Greeks invented pizza. It's a little-known fact," Pagonis declared, his eyes shining with conviction.

Léon's expression was a masterclass in neutrality. "Really, Pagonis?" he murmured, his tone diplomatic.

Pagonis nodded vigorously. "Yes! They just called it 'flatbread with toppings.' Same difference." He grinned, oblivious to Mariya's stunned expression.

Aiden smiled wryly. "See? He's got...perspective." Mariya shot him a disbelieving look, and Aiden shrugged. "Hey, being unconventional doesn't make him stupid."

Mariya shook her head, her blond hair swaying. "I hope Greece has a good cabinet system in place."

Aiden thought for a moment. "Okay, well, Pagonis is actually really good at...strategic planning. He can think several steps ahead and come up with creative solutions to complex problems."

Mariya raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Strategic planning? That's just a fancy way of saying he's good at making things up as he goes along."