Six of Crows in Middle School

Matthias Benedik Helvar

Everyone forgets that his middle name is Benedik. I did too, until I looked it up online. This part's gonna be good my friends. JK it's gonna be just as trashy as the other five parts.

Kay here's Matthias' point of view.

Matthias didn't want to be attracted to Nina. She was Ravkan. Fjerdans weren't allowed to be attracted to Ravkans. Ravkans were the reason why Matthias was forced to move to Ketterdam. They were the ones who made his life a living hell. 

But nonetheless, Matthias stayed up late thinking about the details of Nina's face, the gentle wave of her auburn hair... He couldn't get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried. Matthias knew what the teachers at his old school in Fjerda would say. If you begin to trust a Ravkan, there is no turning back. 

But he still accepted Nina's invitation. He still texted her, late that night.

11:35

Matthias: Hello Nina.

Nina: Hey its the blonde tulip!

Matthias: What?

Nina: Thats my nickname for you. 

Matthias: Um okay.

Matthias: What are you doing tomorrow?

Nina: Whyd you wanna know, fjerdan? Matthias blushed. He was not prepared to answer that question. It took him a few minutes to respond.

Matthias: I just want to know. Okay, that works, he thought.

Nina: 'm going to the waffle house with Inej, if you really want to know.

Nina: Wanna come? Matthias thought for a few minutes there as well before responding. Do I follow Fjerdan ways or do I do what I want to do? Finally, he responded.

Matthias: Yes, that sounds fine. I'll come.

Turning off his phone, Matthias stared off into the corner of his room, his mind warring with itself. Did he just sacrifice everything he knew, or did he just make his foundations stronger? Did he throw away sacred Fjerdan traditions, or was he just being a normal seventh grade kid?

Matthias' bedroom door opened with a creak. He jumped and hid his phone underneath the blanket on the bed. "Nothing!" He yelled, out of habit.

It was his mother at the door. (I don't want her dead in this version) "I told you to go to sleep twenty minutes ago!" She nagged in Fjerdan. Before Mattie could respond, his mother said, "You know what, just go to sleep. I'm tired and we've got a big day tomorrow."

"Actually, about that," Matthias said guiltily. "I made plans to hang out with my friends. Do you think we can maybe... cancel our trip?"

"I can't cancel our trip!" His mother shrieked. "I made all of our plans months ago! You can't just bail on me!" She knew exactly how to make Matthias guilty. And it worked. 

"Alright, fine! I'll talk to my friends."

11:40

Matthias: Um, Nina?

Nina: Ur lucky Im still awake. What is it?

Matthias: I kind of have to cancel.

Nina: Aww why?

Matthias: I forgot my mom made plans to take me into the University District tomorrow.

Matthias: Please forgive me?

Nina: Of course, tulip.

Nina: I guess I'll see you Monday then?

Matthias: Yes. Definitely.

(Alright, that's it. I know it doesn't exactly further the plot very much but I just wanted a glimpse into Matthias' mind. I hope you liked it! 

<3, Devon)