IIIIIIII Scarlet IIIIIIII

Miss Faragonda places her free hand on her hip. "Would you mind telling me why you have a book flying on the grounds?" She tilts her head down slightly and raises an eyebrow at me.

I clasp my hands behind my back, failing at appearing innocent. At least it's not Griselda, but it's still not the best predicament to be in. Maybe Faragonda doesn't know the book's from Cloud Tower, but I know she knows more than she lets on. My parents hate Miss Faragonda for helping defend Planet Domino from the three witches, as well as Griffin- which is weird that let me go to Cloud Tower. People always talk about the incident like it was centuries ago, but it's barely been two decades.

"Someone enchanted my book," I say. "It happens about every other month."

She sighs and starts walking. "Come to my office, please."

My shoulders slump. I sigh and nod as the other Alfea girls watch on. Miss Faragonda's heels click against the stones and up the stairs, and I follow behind. Trish is inside holding my things, and when she see me, her eyes widen. I shake my head, hoping she doesn't get involved. I've caused enough trouble already.

We finally reach her office.

"Please, sit," Miss Faragonda says.

I choose the seat farthest away from her bookshelves. The chair is stiffer than I I thought, and I have no idea where to place my arms. I fidget for a few seconds before settling them in my lap. I glance up, and Miss Faragonda is watching me. The room smells like lavender, and the silence makes it all the more unbearable. Is this an intimidation tactic?

"You've seem to be getting in trouble a lot, Miss Lusinga." She clasps her hands and rests them on her polished desk. "Is there anything you wish to tell me?"

"People enjoy messing with those who don't fit it, Miss Faragonda." My back straightens, and I realize I'm applying what my parents taught me as if this were a diplomatic matter. my hands now rest on my crossed legs, and I add, "Alfea is no exception to this fact of life."

She nods silently. Her eyes slowly travel down to the book and she says, "This book looks awfully familiar. Do you remember by chance where you found it?"

Oh, she knows, alright. She knows exactly where this book came from. I don't show it though as I reply, "It's an old book from where I lived. It's one of the few things I liked there." Not untrue, at least.

Miss Faragonda nods again. Her movements are painstakingly slow, as if she wants to draw this moment out for as long as possible. "Very well. I'm sorry the students have been unkind. I know it can be difficult. Have you made any friends besides your roommate?"

"No," I say. My voice drops and I glance to the window. "No one wants to be affiliated with me."

"I see." She adjusts her glasses, and adds, "I would encourage to try to get out more, perhaps join some recreational groups. I'm afraid that by isolating yourself, students are starting to think you're too good for them. Things like this happen from time to time."

I immediately want to lash out at her, to say that it's not my fault. Why do I have to change when it's the other girls that won't accept me? I've already tried to put myself out there- have tried to fit in. But no one wants to talk to me, or even be paired with me on a classroom assignment. And I know why- they've noticed I'm more prone to dark magic than light. And instead of helping me, they avoid me like a plague. It's not like I use dark magic on anyone, or act like a witch. It's just pretty much everyone decided on the first day I wasn't worth their time.

But I know it'll be no use. Miss Faragonda would never understand, anyway. She's the most powerful fairy, after all, and I'm just a witch pretending to be one.

"Are you alright, my dear?"

I blink, nod my head, and say, "Of course. Sorry." I respond too fast and short for it to be a truth. I'm slipping, and if my parents were here I would have been disciplined immediately. I'm getting weak, I think. I need to get my head together. I'm better than this, I know, but right now there's a pit in my chest that I can't seem to claw out of at the moment. Maybe people should avoid me, maybe I really am not worth their time.

Birds chirp outside, and Ms. Faragonda readjusts in her chair. "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know. My door is always open to those who need it."

I nod with a straight face and reply, "Of course, Miss Faragonda."

She sighs, picks up the book, and hands it to me. "Try to stay out of trouble, if you can, and remember to keep your belongings safe from prying eyes. You are dismissed."

A breath of relief escapes me as I hold the book against me. "Thank you, Miss Faragonda." I bow my head and stand. We make eye contact, and her eyes pierce through me. I turn and walk out before I can say anything, before I reveal anything.

'Keep your belongings safe from prying eyes.' Does Ms. Faragonda already know my secret? She did interfere with the book and made sure I got it back. Is she helping me, or is she just doing what a headmistress would do?

She definitely knows something, and I realize too late that I might as well be walking on a tightrope. Just one push in either direction, and I'm done for.