Pandora's Box: Maenads (Book 2)

Team Dynamics

The school bus stops in front of the school and the first one out the door as it opens is Jemma. She makes her way to the front door, noticing the weirdness around her. While previously there was writing on the front walls with a fantastic paint job from the clean up, now there are other areas that are painted specific colors and sometimes even labeled. There are signs like 'Chess Club Only' or 'Debate Team Only' in areas. She reaches the front door and walks through.

Once inside, she's greeted with even more color coding and signage. Jemma makes it over to her locker, one of the only sections of the hallway which doesn't have colors surrounding it and opens up hers. She puts her bag in and pulls out the books she needs, closing it, only to see Pandora standing there waiting for her.

"Hey..." says Pandora with a cheerful tone.

Jemma smiles back, "Hi."

"Missed you the other day." Pandora says, again keeping an upbeat tone.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I've been a little busy." tries Jemma, attempting to sound convincing.

"It's okay. I just... saw you on the bleachers and you didn't come over." adds Pandora.

"I didn't want to interrupt. I know being on a team can be really stressful and needs a lot of focus." suggests Jemma.

"I'm always happy to be distracted by you." flirts Pandora before adding more seriously, "Although honestly you probably have a point."

Jemma watches Pandora when she doesn't elaborate, "Everything okay?"

Pandora sighs, "I've been having trouble with the routines. I keep stepping on people's toes and messing up."

"Well I guess that's what happens when you join the cheerleaders suddenly." Jemma states with a weird tone.

"What?" asks Pandora.

"Nothing, I just mean... you probably need a little more practice." says Jemma with a little more encouragement.

"True, I hope it doesn't get me kicked off the team before I get it down though. Otherwise..." Pandora begins before stopping herself.

Jemma follows Pandora as she moves away and they start walking towards class, "Otherwise?"

It takes Pandora a while to answer, "Oh, um, otherwise I'm going to disappoint my dad. He's been really excited that I want to get involved in the school. I don't want to let him down."

The formerly possessed teenager doesn't seem quite convinced by the answer, "Really?"

"Yeah... why?" responds the teenager with a destiny.

They walk in silence for a bit, then Jemma says "No reason... I gotta get to class. I'll see you at lunch?"

Pandora is put off a bit by the weird vibe between them, "Sure."

Jemma walks away, making sure to turn down the corner and out of Pandora's view before ducking into the sociology class. Hermes is there, setting up his class for the day.

"Mr Turms?"

"Hello Ms Epimetheus. What can I do for you? I'm not expecting you until third period." Hermes asks.

"I think you were right." Jemma declares.

"About what?" again Hermes asks, clearly enjoying himself.

"About Pandora... I don't think she's telling me everything." the young student insists.

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