I.D.E.A. (International Diadem Elite Academy) [RECENTLY UPDATED!]

Chapter 30

(15 years ago)

"You're lying. I don't like you."

Every student in the classroom was in shock to hear such vulgar words coming from a 7-year old young, almost doll-like looking, girl with long blonde hair. She was just introduced by the teacher in front of the class. She was staring intensely at the teacher for a long time without blinking an eye after uttering those words. There was no sign of remorse on her face.

"I...I have no idea what you're talking about but that was...a very inappropriate thing to say, Jasmine.", said the teacher, gritting her teeth. She appeared to be in her late 20s, wearing a spectacle with the ends of her shoulder-length hair curving away from her face.

"I heard you talking to someone by the corridor. You were gossiping about me and my parents.", Jasmine continued to stand her ground, unbothered by the whispers of her classmates. "I remember every word you said. I can recite it in front of the headmaster and my parents. Maybe that will help you remember."

Mavis who was seated in front, gazed at Jasmine not with a hint of judgment but curiosity and amusement. Jasmine, who just transferred to Mavis' elementary school in the middle of the semester sure knows how to make an impression. Mavis knows about her, but that was the first time she actually met her. She was told that a new family moved into their neighborhood and that the daughter was meant to go to her school. They've been the talk of the block for a while as it appeared the parents were quite famous, mostly in a scandalous kind of way. Mavis, somehow found the rumors quite unnecessary but after meeting Jasmine, she was relieved that the talks won't bother the family too much. It seems like Jasmine has been raised in a household that sure knows how to stand their ground and make others' attempt at inducing discomfort fire back.

"Well, you must have heard wrong. Why don't you just take your seat for now, next to Mavis. She's our class representative, she'll guide you on things you need to know around here. Seems like you're badly in need of a proper orientation.", said the teacher who seemed to be breaking a sweat, unsure of whether to report Jasmine for her behavior or let it slide. "Excuse me for a moment."

With one look, Mavis knew who was telling the truth.

As the teacher left the room in a hurry, Jasmine turned to look at Mavis, with one eyebrow raised.

"Yes, I'm a bitch. Deal with it.", she said while slowly glaring her other classmates. Mavis could hear irritated and judgmental murmurs going around but none dared talk loud enough to deliberately provoke the already grouchy Jasmine.

"I think you're just being honest." Mavis said, smiling. She wasn't faking it.

Jasmine looked unsure as if she was trying to figure Mavis out.

"You look pretty cool, actually.", Mavis added. She then turned her attention to the book she was reading.

After about a minute of just looking at Mavis, Jasmine finally decided to take the seat next to her.

"You're right. I am cool.", she said, proudly. "Okay. We're friends now...Mavis." She said as she moved closer to Mavis to read the name plate attached to her uniform. Then, she finally smiled and took out what appears to be a fashion magazine. "Wanna see my ad for a clothing line?", asked Jasmine excitedly as if nothing remotely out of ordinary happened.

Ever since that day, Mavis and Jasmine became almost inseparable. Although they seem to differ in personality, and most of their classmates and teachers see them as an odd pair, their bond kept on growing and growing by the day.

<Present>

Mavis found herself staring at the photo of the three girls by the records shelves while Knight went out. Strangely, she felt drawn to it. Their smiles seemed so pure and genuine, it was making her heart feel a little warmer after having been drenched in the cold rain the night before. She was wondering of the last time she had smiled like that.