Unclassified; Zero and Still Standing Chapter 55: Tomorrow

The sun was setting.

Echelon Academy was already half covered in colourful tents. Equally colourful rope lights hung from one end to another.

The student event planning committee had started decorations at the beginning of the day, but they were still yet to finish.

Students chatted excitedly as they wove through the beautiful sight on the way to the dorms.

Yesu strolled along, staring at everything her eyes could see, in wonder.

With the colourful tents, lights, and overall mood of the students, the rigid atmosphere of Echelon seed to have faded away.

It was a sha though. After tomorrow the academy would go back to the way it was.

The way it had always been, as she had been told.

The only thing Yesu didn't fancy was the idea of staying over the weekend.

To train, they had said.

It sounded more like a closing in.

She began wondering what Greta would make for dinner tomorrow evening. And if Arrow would co down to eat or stay cooped up in his office.

She wondered about saturday breakfast too. If Greta would bake her special bread again and if Arrow would eat alone in the dining room, drinking tea and reading newspapers.

And then there was sunday.

"Yesu!"

Yesu stopped and looked behind.

Farida was making her way to her. She still had that bright smile on her face, too bright to be genuine.

"Hey." Yesu said as Farida reached her.

"You're going to the dorm? Let's walk together."

"Uh… okay"

They were already walking.

"So… um," Farida fumbled with her words. "Reggie is… uh… really sorry about what happened last week."

Yesu wrinkled her forehead in thought.

"Last week?"

"Yeah." Farida was looking at her shoes, like she was the one who was sorry. "He… uh… promised it won't happen again."

Yesu frowned in confusion.

Last week…

She couldn't recall anything that would warrant an apology.

Then her eyes suddenly lit up.

Oh, yes. He had approached her aggressively in class, asking about her being in Prep.

That was it.

Yesu smiled at Farida.

"Don't worry. I totally forgot about it." She waved a hand dismissively.

Farida was surprised.

"Oh. That's really kind of you, Yesu." Then she fumbled with her hands, smiling nervously.

"Could you please… uh… convince Apollo to let Reggie off?"

Yesu stopped walking.

"Apollo?"

Farida stepped back, then took a breath.

"Yes. Reggie's been reporting to him all week. Please help."

***

Only a handful of students remained in class 11-A.

Mahirah's wristwatch beeped.

She imdiately closed the textbook she had been reading, placed it in her backpack along with other materials.

She stood from her desk and made her way to the door.

Then suddenly stopped.

And after much hesitation, she glanced back.

Apollo was still in his seat, reading. More like skimming through.

Mahirah sighed deeply. Then she went over to him.

"Hey," she said.

Apollo didn't look up.

"Aren't you leaving?" She asked.

"I will."

"I'm leaving now."

"Okay."

Mahirah let out a slow breath. Patience.

"Do you want to walk with ?"

"No."

Mahirah folded her arms. "Are you still upset or what?"

"Not really."

Mahirah cocked her head. "Then?"

Apollo glanced at his watch.

"I'm waiting for soone."

Mahirah didn't bother to ask who, just muttered sothing under her breath and walked briskly toward the door.

She bumped into soone on her way out.

Seth.

"Watch where you're going." He said, more tired than annoyed.

"Why don't 'you' watch where you're going?" Mahirah shot at him and left in a huff.

Apollo finally looked up.

Seth's gaze barely lingered on the door before he went to his desk, grabbed his backpack and walked out.

There were only three students left in the class.

Apollo glanced at his watch again.

"Oh well, I tried."

He packed up his things, took his backpack and left the class.

"Apollo!"

Soone called from behind as he walked down the hallway.

He could hear running footsteps, he didn't bother looking back.

"Apollo."

The person had reached him. Apollo stopped and turned.

Reggie stood panting.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I had to report to my horoom instructor."

"It's past five."

Reggie panted so more. "I know, I'm sorry. Please don't cancel it, I don't want to get in trouble."

Apollo studied him.

"You seem to be in much trouble already. Would one more even make a difference?" He pondered.

Reggie held his breath.

"I'm sorry."

Apollo glanced at his foot, then at the crutch.

"If only apologies could heal broken bones."

Reggie was still holding his breath, eyes wide.

A mont or two passed.

Then Apollo sighed.

"I suppose we could continue our arrangent."

Reggie finally let out a breath.

"Thank you."

Apollo took off his backpack and stretched it to him.

Reggie reached for it eagerly.

"Hey!"

A voice sounded ahead.

Both of them automatically paused and looked forward.

Yesu was marching toward them.

Reggie looked surprised, then annoyed.

Apollo just stared blankly.

"What are you doing?" Yesu asked, stopping in front of Apollo.

Reggie hurriedly took the bag from Apollo, holding it tight like a lifeline.

"aning?" Apollo asked.

Yesu didn't hesitate.

"Bullying is against academy rules, is it not?"

"Bullying…" Apollo said to himself, like he didn't understand what the word ant.

Then he shook his head slowly and turned to Reggie.

"Do you feel bullied?" He asked, looking confused.

"No." Reggie replied before the question landed completely. "Not at all."

Yesu took a step back, eyes narrowed.

"Drop it." She said to Reggie.

"Are you nuts?" Reggie yelled at her, holding the bag tighter.

Yesu was puzzled.

Apollo moved past her and continued walking forward.

"Stay out of this." Reggie said under his breath to Yesu.

Then he rushed to catch up with Apollo.

"Would you like so juice?" He asked, eager to please.

"Water will do."

Yesu stared after them quizzically.

"Is he on mind control or sothing?" She muttered.

***

Ava was dashing around the room. From her wardrobe to her bed to her dresser.

She picked out different clothes, spread so on the bed, posed in front of the mirror, added a scarf or two, tried on multiple hats.

Then tossed it all away and went in search of more options.

The door opened.

Yesu ca in and paused.

Half the room was drowning in a heap of clothes.

As always, Ava's movent was too fast for Yesu's eyes to settle on her, let alone follow.

"What's going on?" Yesu asked.

Ava halted.

"Oh, Yesu."

She sped to her, so clothes went a few inches up in the air.

"Thank goodness you're here. I just can't seem to find what to wear to the festival tomorrow."

Yesu struggled to hear her clearly.

Ava noticed and laughed, slowing down.

"I'm excited." She said, then leaned closer keenly. "What are you going to wear?"

Yesu stalled.

"I haven't thought about it."

Ava gasped in shock.

"For the festival of the school year? Not happening." She went over to Yesu's wardrobe and flung it open. "Let's find you sothing."

Yesu looked around. How would they clean up all this?

And Ava was already tossing out Yesu's clothes.

"And oh," she said In afterthought. "Your housekeeper called."

Yesu frowned. "Greta?"

"Yes."Ava sounded more excited. "She said soone called at the house for you."

Yesu froze.

"Who?" She asked carefully.

Hopefully.