Castleside Academy

Chapter Seven: Lexi

I try to pretend nothing happened. It’s easy. No one talks about it in front of me and that’s all I need to keep me on my feet.

            By Friday, I can move again. I’m back in classes. First period, Math Class, Luther’s practically turning text book pages for me. He stops when I playfully smack his hand, laugh, and say, “I can do it myself. Thank you, though.”

            When Lord Heartleafe isn’t looking, Luther quickly holds my hand to his lips. He smiles sweetly.

            Second period, free. We hide in the library. I guess this is the time Luther goes to Writing. He doesn’t have the same free period.

            Third period, science. Maya and I team up for an experiment that goes completely perfect. Nothing, fortunately, goes wrong.

            Fourth, social studies. Boring. Nothing happens.

            Fifth, English. As long as I can speak the modern language, I’m good.

            Sixth, dancing. Luther takes my hand in his and pulls me close. Lady and Lord Talon demonstrate gracefully as the other pairs copy their movements. I barely see Lady Whisp pass by the classroom and glance in. She smiles briefly and continues on.

            Seventh period, Etiquette today (it’s Friday), Luther and I have to practice our proper conversations. Sometimes Lady Willard makes us have fake conversations as if we are talking to peasants, nobles, etc. Luther has fun pretending to be the stable boy like in the play for Drama Class. He’s very good at it.

            Eighth period, drama. So, we start the play. Lady Austin directs us as we perform the first scene over and over again. Tyson, the thug, attacks my character. Luther’s character, Jasper, saves my life and we have a small conversation easy to memorize. We hold our scripts as we act. We usually do this the first couple run-throughs. No props, no setting on the small stage in the Drama Room. Lady Austin sits in the front row of chairs of our miniature auditorium, directing us. Back in the real classroom, we have our chairs set up in a weird semi-circle. We like this room better.

            When all classes are over, Maya and Henrietta quickly take me back to our dorm. “You sure you’re okay?”

            I nod and laugh. “I’m fine, thanks, guys. You saw me acting today. I think I’m healthy again.”

            “That bandage isn’t helping the healthy look, Lex,” Maya laughs.

            I rub my arm lightly. “I guess you’re right.”

            “Oh,” Henrietta says, walking over to me from across the room, “we found these this morning. Here.” She hands me three envelopes. All have my name printed on the front of them.

            “Thanks,” I say, sitting down on the edge of my bed. I rip open the first one.

Dear Princess Lexina,            

            I’m really sorry about what happened to you. I hope everything gets better for you soon. I hope we can be good friends because I don’t know you that well, and I’d like to. See you in the hallways.

Sincerely,

Princess Hazel

            I smile at the sincerity in her letter. I’ll thank her next time I see her.

            Next letter.

Dear Princess Lexina Talon,

            Hey, we’ve never really talked before. My name is Jackie. I just want to say that we’re praying for you and hope you get better. See you around.