Athena: The Elements

Episode eight: Rising Tension

Previously: Cindra, who was knocked into the fountain, storms off from the apologetic Casper. Soaking wet, she finds her room. There she picks a fight with her new welcoming room mate, Sky, and leaves her hanging with a not so pleasant remark.

Raina POV

I slid my journal into the tall wood bookcase, standing back and whirling around, staring at every inch of my room in satisfaction. I had unpacked my last bag, and now everything was in place. 

I had folded every article of clothing and placed it gently in my drawer; I had organized my clothes, too. I had placed each and every book into my bookcase, organizing them by category and author. I then had placed my art and writing materials into piles on the desk (neat piles!) And I spread my blankets all over the bed, tucking my bunny slippers underneath it. Finally, I had taken my family pictures and placed it on the nightstand along with my snow globe and then put my make up, hair clips, jewelry and brushes onto the vanity.

My room was complete.

I grabbed my phone and texted my mother a photo. She wanted to see what my room looked like when I was done unpacking it.

After sending it, I remembered. I had nearly forgotten it!

I grabbed the picture I painted of a clear sunset over the hills and lake behind my house. I hung it on the wall and smiled in awe. Now, everything was absolutely perfect.

Interrupting my thoughts, a speaker sounded loudly from the hall, saying "Attention all students, report to the cafeteria quarters to receive your lunch. Afterward, there will be an assembly to welcome all students to Athena. Thank you."

I frowned, imagining how packed that cafeteria would soon be. I had to attend anyway if I wanted my meal, and if I wanted first serving and to get the first seats, so I grabbed my messenger bag containing my phone and important papers and headed out. It was all about being first, my father sometimes said.

*  *  *

I entered the grand cafeteria doors, swiftly making it to the assembled lunch line. I wasn't first, but very far from the last.

The line inched along and a short minute passed as I got to the line of delicious menu choices. When I saw all the millions of comfort foods, lined up in a row, warm tasty flavors drifting to my nose, I thought, I must have transferred to a "rich kid school."

I decided on a lobster soup, a side of stir-fried broccoli and carrots and a chocolate muffin. Then when I moved to the beverages, I picked out a berry smoothie.

I wondered if this was just a first day impression coarse, because it sure impressed me. But like always, my thoughts got the best of me...

I tumbled to the floor, causing a commotion to start, and I fell hard. Why was I such a cluts?

My lunch went across the cafeteria floor, and my soup went onto the girl in front of me's boot. He stepped back, and looked at the scene below her. Her hazel eyes sparked at me, and she held out a hand. "Need some help?" she asked, her smile welcoming me to take the offer. 

She lunged me up again and I stared down. "Your shoes! I ruined them. I'm so sorry!"

She laughed, unexpectedly. "No worries. It's a old pair." she said examining her high black boots.  She grabbed the tray and dumped it in a nearby sink, then proceeded to hand me a new tray.