The Soot Princess [Hiatus]

58

Charles Dean Eingall

The bell rang, saving the class from an unexplainable kind of agony. It was lunch time. Every typical students favorite time of day. A time to laugh with friends and chat about whatever class they are dreading or what was so fun that they must share, under any circumstances. Today's lunchroom discussion was the later. 

I met up with Derrick and Paul again, but were joined by a female classmate of theirs, who greeted Paul with a more than appropriate look for a school, but then again, Mason is allowed to attend here, so what should I expect?

"How was practice?" I asked.

"Tryouts, but they were different from last year," Paul said. "I don't know, it was much more, basic skills? Would you agree?"

"Yeah, normally from what I've heard Coach does stamina the first day and then divides everyone up, based on skill level and who played last year."

"That's about right."

"Okay," I replied. 

"By the way, why weren't you there yesterday after I invited you and everything?" Derrick wondered.

"Oh, I had things."

"Uh-huh."

"Whatever, just do something other that come to school and go home, or your popularity is going to wear off and you will only be left with us and whatever crazy girl wants to pester you, until she becomes your girlfriend."

"Doesn't matter too much."

They looked at each other and shrugged. We were just finishing up as lunch ended. Off to study hall, time to waste some time.

Once seated and roll was taken, the class milled around to their separate groups once again and went about their business. Eevon was at the very back of the classroom, just watching people. I turned sideways to see her better. I hope she is okay. I mean, my back is still bruised and I only was hit once. Her eyes met mine briefly, but I looked away. One of the girls had been talking to me and I hadn't even realized it.

"Someone seems preoccupied."

"Not really," I replied.

"So who is it, I bet it is Sarah you're looking at. The blonde talking on her phone by the window. Her parents are old money, a Duke and a Duchess, I bet you might have seen her at the palace at one of the charity balls the Queen likes to hold. They are almost famous for how much they give. I was at the one for the orphanages and they gave a million dollars. That is why Sarah wears such gaudy jewelry. They own a diamond mine in Russia."

"I didn't know that."

"You can come to me for your student investigative inquireries. I specialize in knowing everything about anyone who is someone, as well as, gossip and spreading rumors." She slid a business card in my direction. "Emma, Emma Holmes, you can reach me by phone or email, any time, but it'll cost." She sauntered away to another seat and winked.

"She's a crazy one," the guy next to me whispered. "In bed!" he finished, laughing, when he filled in his omission.

The day continued. It blurred by. My mind wasn't paying much heed to what was taught. I was surprised to see how much I already knew history wise. The private tutors had prepared us well for at least this. I don't know how much I remember of the politics series, though.

They day ended as the first did. Announcements made while changing from our Physical Education clothes, back to the blazer and slacks. The car pulled through the front gates to pick the five of us up. Eevon, again did not show up. I hope she doesn't hate us. We really aren't bad people; my parents are a bit dated. Okay, maybe a bit more than dated. Excessive? Possibly. Princess Julie joined us boys after bidding farewell to other students.

"Well, there's Princess Popular!" Mason cried out as she sat next to him.

"And Prince Popular to you!" She said back. "They, the girls, everywhere I was, you were the talk of the town. That and the Soccer team, apparently a bunch of their boyfriends are trying out, so we are going to go watch tomorrow, when the finale hits and they make final cuts. Anyway, how was your day?" she directed this to James. The two of them spoke the rest of the way, leaving a dejected Alex and myself blissful.

Not everyone likes to speak about their day. I, personally, need time to mull over my thoughts. 

We went off to do our own things. I went to finish the homework assigned. We had some readings for the earth science course. Just basics, stuff I had gone over on my own or with the royal tutor a couple years ago. It took longer than I expected. By the time I had diligently finished my work, it was time to be getting ready for another family dinner. 

After changing into what was provided for me, I strolled down to find my seat in the dinning room. Princess Julie was there and we talked briefly. She did not show much interest in talking about school and the different teachers.

Mason finally burst in, with Eevon tailing him. He strode a brisk pace before stopping in a huff to say, "I don't know how you deal with her!"

"Did she tear into you?" I asked

"Just a little," he replied wide-eyed.

"It's her specialty," I snicker. The thought of him being lit into by Eevon is a comical notion. It was too good to be true. I wish I had been there! But alas, woe is me.

After my mother and father sat, the food descended, salad, roast duck, hickory ham, fresh baked rolls and baguettes. The smells and the tastes, I wouldn't trade that for the world.

I finished with a full stomach like always. "These chefs are going to make me fat!" I said.

"Charles!"

I took a deep breath, "I was saying it as an expression of my appreciation to the chefs skill!"

"That was a very peculiar way of expression your opinion. I'm not sure this school was a good idea... Your manners have severely deteriorated." 

"Mother," Alex spoke. "I like my new school, though. Would you pull all of us out?"

"We will speak later," she looked back to me. "Well, I, at least will take my leave for the evening," she continued and bid farewell to us.