Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Gallagher Series.
Ok. I hope of you like this so far. I don't know what's going around in Zach's mysterious head so don't sue me. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. The next chapter is going to be when Tina is talking to Cammie about Zach. Any ideas of what Mr. Solomon and Zach could be talking about?? Please give me some. I hope you'll like it. Thanks again.
Chapter 4
"So we meet again," I said to Cammie as girls brushed up against us from all directions but we didn't get caught up in the current. I surveyed the walls and ancient pillars of the mansion, not believing that I was actually here-- here at Gallagher Academy. "So this is the famous Gallagher Academy."
"Yes," Cammie responded politely. "This is the second-floor corridor. Most of our classes are down the hall.
I couldn't care less though. Instead, I stared, amazed I was actually in the presence of Cammie Morgan. "And you're…" I started slowly '…the famous Cammie Morgan." Like I didn't know everything about her. Girls continued to crush against us, but I ignored them, paying attention to only Cammie. She truly was the most gorgeous girl I've ever laid eyes on. But there was something about her expression that was off…
I guess my staring was a bit too much for her because after awhile, she mumbled, "Come on." She was already moving away from me and down the hall. "Culture and Assimilation is on the fourth floor." Seriously? That's the best this Gallagher Girl could do? I thought this was supposed to be the best girl academy in the world (according to Jonas at least and I wouldn't bet against Jonas and his mad hacking skills).
"Whoa," I said, stopping suddenly. "Did you just say you're taking me to culture class?" I said, trying not to laugh but I felt a mocking smile grow onto my lips.
"Yes," came her curt answer.
I couldn't help but grin now. "Boy, when they say you've got the toughest curriculum in the world… the mean it." But of course I didn't mean it. Blackthorne Institute could definitely give these girls a run for their money.
Her expressions were turned up in disgust for a second,, but she quickly calmed down. She began pushing through the crowd of girls. "Culture and Assimilation has been a part of the Gallagher curriculum for more than a hundred years, Zach." If I didn't know any better, I would've thought that she said my name with venom.
We turned to the tea room. "A Gallagher Girl can blend into any culture--any environment. Assimilation isn't a matter of social graces." She stopped in the hallway with her hand against the door frame. "It's a matter of life and death."
Ok, I have to admit, she does have a good point there. But then I heard gentle strains of music come floating into the hall. I heard some teacher say, "Today, ladies and gentlemen, we will be studying the art of…the dance!" Just my kind of thing--not.
So I leaned down toward Cammie and breathed, "Yeah…Life. And. Death."
***
We stepped into the tea room and everything was pushed to the edges of the room, and the teacher, I think her name is Madame Dabney, stood alone beneath the crystal chandelier. The teacher floated across the gleaming parquet floor, a monogrammed handkerchief in her hands, as she said, "I have been saving this very special class for the arrival of our very special guests." That's right, Mrs. Dabney.
"Did you hear that?" I whispered. "I'm special."
"That's a matter of--" she started, but she couldn't finish, Madame Dabney said, "Oh, Cameron dear, would you and your friend like to demonstrated for the rest of the class?" Well, this was going to be interesting.
Madame Dabney pulled us into the center of the tea room. "You must be Zachary Goode. Welcome to the Gallagher Academy. Now, I must ask that you place your right hand in the center of Cameron's lower back." And I did just that-- I put my hand on Cameron's waist I mean. My heart began to beat at the simple touch and I tried to read Cammie's expressions.
"Okay, now. Everyone find a partner," Madame Dabney instructed. "Yes, girls, some of you will have to take turns being the boy."
Laughter and giggles filled the room and out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jonas and Liz Sutton step on each others feet, but I kept my main attention on Cammie as I waited for further instruction.
"Ladies," Madame Dabney said, "you will place your right hand firmly in your partner's palm." She did this and boy, was she squeezing my hand hard. Ouch. Good thing I was a properly trained spy-to-be or else I'd wince at the pain in my left hand. What was the matter?
"What's the matter, Gallagher Girl?" I said, tying to comprehend her expressions. You're not actually mad about yesterday, are you?" I was trying to impress her, not make her hate me. I guess I'm not good at everything.
The music grew louder and I heard Cammie's teacher say, "Now ladies and gentlemen, we will begin with a basic box step. No, Rebecca, if you're going to dance with Grant, then you must let him lead!"
But I was smiling at her, knowing that I too would hate it if someone beat me at my own game. What could I do to make her understand that I was just doing my mission? That it was nothing personal? "It was a cover, Gallagher Girl. An op. Maybe you're familiar with the concept?"
She tried to say something but then Madame Dabney placed one hand on me and the other on Cammie and announced, "Hold your partners tightly." She pushed us closer together and I was so glad I was a good spy. I didn't want her to know how blissfully happy I was to have the girl of my dreams in my arms, dancing. I didn't want her to know or even me to know how hard I was falling, which could be one of the most dangerous thing any spy could do.
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