As is typical in Beverly Hills? The weather was essentially perfect. So, of course, people wanted to be outside, despite the pandemic. They'd only just gotten back to in-class learning.
Unlike thousands of people across the nation who didn't do their part to end it? Everyone in this school had done their part to end Covid. Masks, vaccinations, frequently decontaminating, the whole shebang.
Presently, the seventh graders were in health class. They'd repeatedly learned the truth regarding the virus. Today their teachers were discussing various eating disorders. A young psychologist had been jointly teaching the course for the last month. The hope was that this would better enable students to understand multiple health issues' physical and mental aspects.
12-year-old Aleena Ewing dutifully took notes. Her penmanship was quite impressive. One of her mother, Clover's employees, had a sister who did calligraphy. She'd been giving her lessons for six months now. The adorable blond girl and her best friends were all honor students. They're also part of the student council. So they're pretty pleased with their accomplishments.
Finally, the final bell rang, so the students were released. Everyone on their way out utilized the hand sanitizer station. They'd placed one at every entrance and exit. The trio of girls made their way outside. Once outside, they took a moment to unwind by the school water fountain.
Bonnie Yang sighed loudly, "I'm wishing this ridiculous pandemic was over already! I want to get back to how our lives used to be!" taking off her magenta fingerless gloves—retrieving some aloe lotion from her bag. She proceeded to use it before passing it over to her friends to help them moisturize.
"Thanks, Bonnie. I get why we've to use so much sanitizer, yet it still isn't good for your skin to be overexposed," Ananda replied as she returned the bottle.
"Either way, we're doing our part to end this pandemic. That's better then a lot of other people," Aleena pointed out. She quickly checked her phone for messages and groaned.
"What's the matter, Aleena?" Ananda asked after Aleena grumbled. "I've got a text saying Mom's driver's automobile is in the shop. So I'll have to take a bus to get to Mom's headquarters. Public transportation during a pandemic is a nightmare!"
"Why don't you stick around? My brother will be here shortly. He can drive you there," Bonnie suggested, to which Aleena shook her head. "I'd love to, but not today. Mom has already gone half-insane from the stress of the pandemic. She's also gotten extremely overprotective of me since that mugging last week."
"Yikes! You got mugged?" Ananda asked to which Aleena shook her head. "Not me, my mom. She was coming home late and got mugged. Now she wants me as close as possible. I better get going, or I'll miss the next bus. I'll text you guys later. See you!" as the attractive blond dashed down the street to catch the next bus.
She narrowly caught the bus on time. She looked around for a seat, but none seemed free. Suddenly a young female voice said, "You can sit here if you want." Turning in the direction of the voice Aleena spied a gorgeous teenager. Like her friend Ananda, she appeared to be of Indian descent. Her long coal-black hair was curled with streaks of caramel, wearing a belted tunic, skinny jeans, and platform sandals.
"Thanks," Aleena sat down, putting her backpack between them. Then, knowing it to be an extremely long bus ride, she figured she could chat with the girl. "Hi, I'm Aleena. What's your name?"
The girl took out her earbud before turning, "Mind repeating that? It's hard to hear between the noise and our masks."
"Hi, my name's Aleena. What's yours?" she spoke a little louder and clearer.
"Kaksha Shukla."
"Where do you go to school?"
"I take online courses. I've not been enrolled in an actual school since I got emancipated last year," Kaksha replied, to which Aleena blinked in confusion.
"Emancipated? I thought you'd to be sixteen for that!"
"I was emancipated a week before I turned sixteen. Before you ask why? Let's say my parents and I have significantly different beliefs."
"Okay. So what are you up to today?"
"I'm going in for an interview at Lady Luck. I've always had design aptitude. Something my parents disapproved of," she complained. Aleena's bluebell eyes widen in surprise. "That's a coincidence, seeing how my Mom is the CEO of Lady Luck."
"Wait? You're Ms. Ewing's daughter?! I mean, I knew she was a single mother. But I didn't know her daughter's name," Kaksha exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, I'm her daughter. I can help you out when we get there," offered the preteen.
"Thanks, I'd like that. But, first, tell me whether your mother will disapprove of my attire. I don't own any dressy apparel," she questioned nervously.
"My mom isn't one to quibble what her workers or potential employees wear. She only cares that everyone behaves and dresses respectfully. Trust me. She's had plenty of teenagers apply for internships. None of them wore suits. So she'll be fine as long its nothing provocative."
"Then I guess I'll be alright with my dress style. Any other tips?"
"Mom values honesty, respect, and people being open-minded. The more innovative you are, the better. But willing to learn and do the hard work. Also, be willing to compromise. Remember there is no "I" in team. That's the most useful recommendation I can offer." Then seized her backpack. "This is our stop. Come on," as they both got off the bus.
Aleena politely waved to the security guards. Then, quickly explained, she was escorting the girl upstairs for an interview. Then, they made it to the elevator, running into a few more familiar faces.
"Boy, that was crazy! I thought it'd be toned down some due to Covid," Kaksha exclaimed out of breath.
"Everyone here complied with vaccination mandates. Everyone has been vaccinated and got boosters. They realized their career is more important than some insane online conspiracies," Aleena responded in a huff.
Kaksha offered Aleena some chewing gum to which she took. They chewed in silence before Kaksha replied. "I've never comprehended people's thought process over getting vaccinated. You've to be vaccinated to go to school. So, therefore, why is this one any different?
How do they expect to end the pandemic if people don't do something as simple as getting a vaccine? It's not infringing on one's rights! It's simply doing your civic duty!" she complained loudly.
Aleena wondered if this was one reason her new friend got emancipated. But, then, taking a deep breath, "Unless you vaccinated and masked up? We're never going to get rid of this virus! No way around it, period!
However, as doctors say? You can't fix stupid. Okay, this our stop!" as she guided to her mother's office. Aleena walked right in, with Kaksha hesitantly following.
Aleena gestured to a small side room. She flipped the light on and sat down. "This is my private room when I've to stay here while my mom works. As you can see, pretty perfect for a teen." Yep, it was. Flat-screen, laptop, mini-fridge, AC, music. Everything a teenager could want. Aleena checked her timepiece. "What time's your interview?"
"Um, 4:30?"
"Well, you can chill here till then. The staff will have sent word that I brought you here. So don't worry. So do you want chips or Cheetos?" opening the mini-fridge.
"Chips, please," as she caught a bag. The girls chatted and worked on homework while waiting for Kaksha's interview. Quarter to 4:30, Aleena helped fix her new friend up then gave her a thumbs up. Finally, she closed the door to her private room. Her mother didn't like her eavesdropping while working. But like any other teen, Aleena couldn't help it.
She opened the door a crack to listen in. From what she could make out? It sounded like her mom was greatly impressed by Kaksha's resume. Her mother smiled happily then shook the sixteen-year-old girl's hand.
"Yes!" Aleena pumped her fist. Then quickly shut the door so her mom wouldn't know she had been eavesdropping. But, Clover wasn't fooled as she went over to her daughter's room.
"Aleena?"
Aleena cracked her door, "Yes, Mom?" she said nervously.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood from hiring your new friend. So the three of us shall go out to celebrate. However, remember I won't let things slide always."
"Yes, Mom!" as she grabbed her backpack and the three of them left to go celebrate.
Aleena: Chiara Zanni- Eva Wei Oban star racers
Bonnie Yang: Kelly Sheridan: Sango Inuyasha
Ananda Bakshi: Moneca Stori: Kagome
Kaksha Shukla: Nasim Pedrad: Dalia Aladdin 2019.
Kindness
When someone says something kind about you, choose to believe them.
