I could feel her annoyance radiate over me during class. Seriously does she hate me just because I beat her at her own game? Come on, it was a cover. She can't judge me on cover could she? Maybe she did. I'm just gonna have to find out myself. After class.
We were excused to our next class, and Cammie didn't even waste here time to get out of class. She gathered her books, and left class. I followed after her, and once we were out of class I decided now was the time to talk to her. "So we meet again." wow was that the best I could say. Pathetic Zach. Pathetic. She gave me this look that said Did he actually just say that?
Girls pressed against us from all directions, like a tide that was going out and coming in at the same time, but Cammie and I didn't get caught in the current. I started to survey the stone walls and ancient pillars surrounding me. "So this is the famous Gallagher Academy." "Yes." she replied politely, probably keeping in mind she was my guide. "This is the second=floor corridor. Most of our classes are down this hall."
I wasn't really listening, in fact I was just watching Cammie movements. I started out slowly, "And you're. . .the famous Cammie Morgan." She looked at me intrigued for a minute, after that I received a look I couldn't decipher. Was it something I did?
"Come on," she mumbled, after what seemed like an eternity. She started down the hall with me trailing behind. "Culture and Assimilation is on the fourth floor."I was just about ready to burst out laughing. "Whoa," I said stopping suddenly. "Did you just say you're taking me to culture class?" I asked, with a mocking smile playing at my lips, slowly showing. "Yes." And that's when i grinned. "Boy, when they say you've got the toughest curriculum in the world. . .they mean it." I didn't mean it, and I could tell Cammie knew I didn't either.
She looked like she was calling on every ounce of strength and composure she possessed as she started towards the fourth floor, pushed through the crowds, and said " Culture and Assimilation has been part of the Gallagher curriculum for more than a hundred years, Zach." We turned down a corridor to a room. "A Gallagher Girl can blend into any culture-any environment. Assimilation isn't a a matter of social graces" She stopped in the hallway leaving her hand against the door frame. "It's a matter of life and death."
She had me there. Making a pretty good point, as we walked into the class. My condescending look started to fade from my face. "Today, ladies and gentleman, we will be studying the art of. . .the dance!" Ooh, now I have the upper hand. Sorry Gallagher Girl, but I think I just won. And to prove my point I leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Yeah . . . Life. And. Death."
Our teacher, Madame Dabney I'm told stood alone beneath the crystal chandelier. She practically floated across the gleaming parquet floor, with a monogrammed handkerchief in her hand, as she said, "I have been saving this very special class for the arrival of our very special guests." I just wanted to be near Cammie again so I leaned back down and whispered in her ear again, "Did you here that? I'm special." I smirked as she started to respond "That's a matter of-", but couldn't finish as Madame Dabney said, "Oh, Cameron dear, would you and your friend like to demonstrate for the rest of the class?"
Gallagher Girl look like she wanted to disappear, but Madame Dabney pulled us both to the center of the room. "You must be Zachary Goode. Welcome to the Gallagher Academy. Now I must ask that you place your right hand firmly in the center of Cameron's lower back." I already love this class, I thought to myself. "Okay, now. Everyone find a partner. Yes, girls, some of you will have to take turns being partnered with a boy." Everyone scurried around us as they found a partner.
"Ladies," Madame Dabney directed, "You will place your hand firmly in your partner's palm." she did. I am seriously starting to love this class. But I still needed to talk to Cammie. "What's the matter, Gallagher Girl?" I said, eyeing her. "You're not actually mad about yesterday are you?" The music grew louder" and I hear Madame Dabney say, "We will begin with a basic box step. No, Rebbecca. if your going to dance with Grant, then you must let him lead!"
I was smiling at her, "It was a cover, Gallagher Girl. An op. Maybe your familiar with the concept?" And right before she could say anything, Madame Dabney placed one hand on Cammie and the other on me. "Hold your partner's tightly." she announced as she pushed us closer together. Okay its decided I seriously love this class now. And before we knew it, we were dancing.