Independent Study

Chapter 3

Thomas.

As he sees me he smile and runs towards, embracing me in a hug.

"Mal, I am so happy that you got accepted " he says

I blush. "Yeah, they called my Dad, I guess this morning,  they said that we weren't supposed to leave til, the next morning " I say

Thomas scratches his head in confusion. " Really they told my parents that we were leaving in a couple of weeks?" he says dropping his hand from his head.

We both stand quietly until further instructions are told. We see Mr. Bridges walking towards the central square.

He smiles when he sees us. "Goodmorning ladies and gentlemen, I am so happy you all can make it here today" he says still smiling.

I look around to see who else got chosen. I see a couple of kids from my school, James, Keller,  and Rayla. I never really have spoken to any of them before.

I look back at Thomas who is sinking in every word Mr. Bridges says. And that's when I remember he is talking.

Great already being distracted on the first day Mal?, you better get your act together. 

I guess my discretion was obvious,  cause Thomas looks my direction and asks if everything was Okay.

"Yeah,  I was just looking to see if anyone we know are here, cause I do not see Chelsea " I say

Thomas thinks of what to say next, I can see in his eyes that he has no idea what to say. "We will get though this together Mal, no matter what happens we'll get though this." he says and smiles.

Gosh his smile, it curves perfectly around his mouth, making it hard not go look at him.

I blush, as always. "Thanks Thomas, and I hope we do get through this together to" I say and smile.

"As you all know you are chosen to come to city hall for a reason, and that reason being that we know you all are capable of helping our world from the disasters that happened years ago"  Mr. Bridges

"There will be challenges, some you will have to work together at, they will explain further instructions at city hall, you will also receive a mentor, who will show you around the campus, were your dorm is, and were to meet on the first day of training, congratulations and Good luck to you " he says and gets off the stage.

We wait til the train comes and everyone gets on. I sit next to Thomas, I'm glad no one else sits in the same Booth as us.

I look to see who else came. I see Zariah. How could Zariah be here when she flunked our grade twice?, she sees me watching her and makes her way towards me and Thomas.

"Hey guys, can you believe I made it here?" she says

I just look at her with a smile and say " Well here you are, were all here together "

She takes a seat next to Thomas. I feel a pang of jealousy shoot through me. It's no Good for Zariah to sit next to Thomas, all she does is flirt.

"Hey Thomas, it's been along time since we've talk you know" she says batting her lashes.

I just sit there minding my own business. While Zariah tries and makes the moves on Thomas. I can tell he is not enjoying it to much. I really want to laugh.

I Sigh, and they both look at me.

"Is there something wrong? " says Zariah she looks at me with disgust.

"Oh nothing,  I just had a little something in my throat" I say but I'm obviously lying.

I look at Thomas for any backu, so far nothing.

"Oh Okay" she says in a sweet tone. Then revising her attention back to Thomas.

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The ride seems like forever, but then the train stops are a station in "Kame lake" I have never been to this district before, actually I have never been any where besides "Hammond lake" .

"Ladies and gentleman,  we are stopping here to have a lunch break and for all you guys could freshen up a little" the driver says.

Me and Thomas get off the train leaving Zariah by herself.

I want to ask him if he is interested In Zariah. But I have the feeling it'll give away my hint of jealousy.  Before I can think of what I said I let the words come out of my mouth.

"Do and Zariah have like a thing?" and that's when I realize what I just said. " Sorry it's Okay if you don't want to answer I should have never even asked in the first place" I say reassuring him.

Thomas just smiles, "No, I don't even like Zariah, I like someone else but I am not sure I want to tell her, it might ruin our friendship" he says and looks away.

Now I really wanna know who Thomas likes, what I lucky girl. But I came here to study and learn, not to worry about boys and other stuff.

Mal, you better get your act together.  You can't let a boy get the way of all this, you just can't.

I make into the diner, and sit at a Booth. I would expect that Thomas would sit with other guys but he site across from me.

"Mal, I just wanna say that whatever happens we would get through this together" he say and I can tell he is being serious.

"Tom, thank you and I will always want that but I can take care of myself" I say flatly

He looks at me in awe. "Well I am still here for you Mal" he says.

The next couple of seconds are complete silence between us.

Then a Man, brings us to separate platers.

One containing, sandwiches, fruit and vegetables. The other having two Ice cream floats.

I try not to eat that much, I never really had a big appetite.