Interstellar Academy

21: Motives

The first day of school was rather slow, as to be expected. Both Jim and Nova had taken more physically demanding classes; come junior and senior year their training would really begin, and they wanted to be as prepared as humanly possible.

"Have you heard back from Charlotte? Or heard any news about Helena?"

They were jogging in their year two physical education class, and they were on a walking break.

"Charlotte's being admitted tomorrow, Ruse said. He's so worried, I'm afraid that he's going to tear his hair out." She paused while they ran another two laps, continuing once she caught her breath. "As for Helena, all I've heard is they're going to officially sentence her in the next couple of months. She writes to Ruse a lot, since… you know…" Jim nodded. "And she just hates where she is. They keep her locked up, and when they're on 'rec break' the other inmates beat her up. I just couldn't imagine…"

"Are you feeling better? From the other day, you know?"

"Yeah, I feel really horrible for what happened to Charlotte, but physically I'm fine. But how have you been!" She wiped the frown from her face, smiling brightly. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you in… well, months, honestly."

"Fine, I guess. Silver, Rayn and me went on that crazy adventure. Did you know crystal caves are frequent homes to giant flying plasma breathing creatures?"

"Well, I didn't before, and now that I do, I'll keep that in mind. It could occur on a test, anywhere!"

Gym class finished, and they felt sore afterward, they had to carry each other out. Only, this caused a lot of tripping and laughing.

"Ah, hey, Jim." Leslie hovered over the giggling two, looking rather… annoyed.

Jim cleared his throat and stood up, helping Nova to her feet. "Hey, Leslie. Ready for your next class?"

"Yeah, I am. I wanted to talk to you anyway."

Jim waved good-bye to Nova before rushing off behind Leslie. He grabbed hold of her hand, though she didn't squeeze back.

"Hey, Leslie, what's wrong?"

The red head sighed, rolling her eyes. "What do you think? You were laughing with your EX-girlfriend." She turned on her heel, her bright eyes twinkling with agitation. "I don't want you to hang with her anymore."

This took Jim aback. "Pardon?"

"You're MY boyfriend now. And I don't like to be possessive, but when it comes to girls like her, she'll do nothing but try and take you from me!"

"Leslie, you're being completely unreasonable." He pressed his hands down on her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "Listen, you're my girlfriend now. And that's all you need to worry about. There is no one else. OK? Trust in that. As for Nova, she's my friend. She's my BEST friend. We have our ups and downs- and yes we dated- but that's in the past. Alright?"

Leslie gave a small smile and kissed him on the cheek. "OK. I'm sorry for being so… idiotic."

Jim kissed her forehead and headed off in the opposite direction for his class. However, Leslie had a different idea.

She found her in the courtyard, breaking pieces of bread and feeding them to the local animals. Two squirrels and a flock of birds huddled around her feet for food.

"You're so sweet, Nova, you know that?"

Nova smiled at her. "Hey, Leslie! And thanks you're awful nice yourself!"

"I mean, you're practically perfect. There's nothing wrong with you, right?" Leslie sat next to Nova, too close for comfort.

Nova cocked her head to the side, confused. "Leslie, is everything alright? You're talking differently."

"Oh, yes. I'M fine. Unfortunately, Jim…" She bit her lip and looked away. When the other girl placed her hand on her shoulder, she had to stifle the smile curling the edges of her lips.

"What about Jim? Is there anyway I can help?"

"Actually…" She cleared her throat and looked at her, fake tears brimming. "Yes. Jim is trying to move on and really succeed this year. But he's having so many distractions. Like you, for instance. I know you guys had a thing before, and that it meant a lot to you both. But don't you think it's about time you went your separate ways? Completely?"

"You mean, like, not being friends anymore?" Leslie could tell this broke the girl's heart, but also knew Jim was her absolute weakness.

"Well, yes. I don't want to ask something like that of you, I really don't, but for Jim, I think we can both agree that's best."

Nova thought a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right. If it's for Jim's benefit, then I won't speak to him anymore." She stood up, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. "Thanks, Leslie. For taking care of him."

When Nova was out of earshot, Leslie let out the cackle she'd been holding in.

"As long as they're not together, they're not at all safe. Isn't that right, Roger?"

Roger appeared from behind a bench, taking off the sunglasses at the bridge of his nose. "Absolutely, my dear Leslie."

"They're not going to humiliate you, as long as I live."