The Deluge (On Hold for now)

Superfluous Instructions

 Madam Lagash practically dragged me out of the room after filing documents. The sun was shining; this was supposed to be a good day not a bad one. I half expected the rain to begin falling; it would definitely match my mood.

 “Trisha, would you please stop sulking. I bet it’ll make everyone think we’re holding you hostage,” Madam Lagash said exasperatedly.

 I raised my eyebrow and challenged her, “Aren’t you?”

 She sighed and shook her head. “Your parents gave consent. They are your legal guardians. But, why are you so afraid to do this?”

 “Because,” I said whipping around to look at her, “It’s stupid. Why can’t nature help itself? It doesn’t need a push from me or anybody.”

 Madam Lagash raised an eyebrow. “What about in times of drought? How can nature help itself then? All we do then is allow enough rain to fall in order for the drought to end.”

 “Where do you get the water then?” I asked with instant curiosity.

She smiled and continued walking. “You’ll learn, over time.”

 I grimaced and continued walking; it was obvious they’d do anything to get me interested. But, I wouldn’t crack that easily.

 Back in the sparkly room had an effect on me. I expected to see a hostile glare again. But, I didn’t. Actually the room was a bit vacant. I was glad, if this was where Madam Lagash would be explaining things to me. I took a seat and looked up at her expectantly.

 She laughed heartily and continued walking, muttering something about kids these days. I gritted my teeth and followed her. Did she expect me to know how everything operated in this lunatic-infested place?

 Madam Lagash pulled open a side door in the sparkly room that revealed more doors.

 “Why couldn’t we stay in there?” I asked pointing to where we were coming from.

Again she laughed, “That is the lounge, why would you want to practice in there?”

  A wave of embarrassment flooded over me. I should’ve known from how high-tech and fantastic it looked, though. No one could possibly learn in there, I was no exception.

 We stopped at the second door on the left. Madam Lagash opened the door and led the way inside.

 The room was big, with chairs set up in the audience, it resembled an auditorium. There was a small podium and Jared was on there doing a presentation. The lights were dimmed and I don’t think anyone noticed us enter.

 He actually sounded smart, he didn’t look stupid but I just thought he was-an effect of all the arguments. The presentation, from what I heard, was on protecting yourself from dehydration.

 Jared’s eye drifted to where we stood and narrowed. “I’m not doing this in front of her.”

 “Jared,” she replied exasperatedly. “Please don’t be difficult.”

  I seethed and spoke through my teeth, “Do you hate me so much that you can’t do a simple presentation with me here?”

 Madam Lagash pulled my arm and spoke softly, “I don’t think it’s the best idea to stay here today.”

  I yanked my arm away and walked ahead of her. “Surely, you don’t have to tell me twice. That whole I hate Trisha thing is getting pretty old.”

Madam Lagash smiled a little. “Yeah, well…”

 The next room wasn’t as auditorium-like; it was smaller, with few desks and chairs. Seated on a chair was Arianna.

 She turned to us and smiled brightly. “Hey Trish-“

 Madam Lagash interrupted her, “Aria, why aren’t you at the presentation?”

Aria shrugged and smirked at me. “I’ve heard that enough times already. The question is why aren’t you there?”

 I chuckled and replied, “What can I say? We had a spat.”

 She didn’t have to even ask who. It was becoming quite routine, she just nodded.

“What are you doing here anyway?” I asked.

 “Just reading up on some stuff, hey, I’ve got an idea. Want to show me some of your tricks?”

 I began shaking my head but Madam Lagash insisted I do it. What tricks? I knew nothing of this crazy thing.

 I shifted uncomfortably. “What do I do?”

Aria smiled and gestured to the cup of water in front of her.

 I sighed and walked closer to it, coaxing my hands to make some freaky movement. If it didn’t work, I would’ve tried, right? I lifted my hands and made some circular movements.

 Arianna raised an eyebrow and said, “Maybe it’d work if your hands were closer to it.”

 I nodded and lowered my hands until they were almost atop the water. I started the same weird movements and the bowl toppled over.

 Aria gasped and bit her lip. “Is this part of your act?”

 I shrugged and looked at Madam Lagash who had an amused expression on her face; I turned my hand over and did a sort of pulling motion.

Suddenly, droplets of water floated in front of my face. It was almost unreal. I wondered if it was a trick of the light and moved my hand a little. Water splashed us all.

 Silence followed until I chuckled a bit and all three of us burst out laughing. Madam Lagash looked younger than ever.

 A knocked sounded on the door and Jared appeared, he too in our appearance and actually looked amused infinitesimally.

 “Aria, can I see you for a minute, please?”

Arianna got up and walked over closing the door behind them.

 I was in too much of a euphoric mood to care. I asked Madam Lagash if this was some sort of magic thing and she replied quickly that none of them believed in magic or magical powers. I was relieved, anything to not be in a cult.

 A few minutes later Arianna slipped back in apologizing for her absence.

I stood and glanced at my wrist-watch. “Wow,” I muttered. “It’s late.”

 Arianna’s face lit up. “Do you think you could maybe sleep over?”

 I raised an eyebrow. “Well, my parents aren’t here. I’d have to ask permission. Besides tomorrow is school.”

 “Yeah, we could leave for school together and stuff. And you can always call them on your cell phone.”

I smirked. “Dead.”

 She shrugged. “You can come over and call them from there. I’m sure they know where I live if they decide against it; your mother at least.”

 I sighed and tried to look past her puppy-dog eyes. She was doing a pretty good job. I rolled my eyes and nodded. She jumped up and down excitedly. I wasn’t as excited, this would be my first sleep over if it even happened anyway. Oh joy.