Debbie plunked her dinner tray down next to mine uninvited. She glanced at the empty chair on my other side. “Why’s Faith been avoiding you all day? I thought she’d be excited to see you again. Have you two had a fight or something?” “Something.” I moodily stirred my bowl of lentil sludge, elbow on the table and my head propped on my hand. My eyes stayed fixed on the teachers’ table, just in case the Headmistress conveniently decided to reveal her true nature. Unfortunately, at the moment, she was just demonically eating some peas. “We had a disagreement. About our families.” “Oooh. That’s tough.” She ran her tongue over her top lip. “Well, you know, if you’re not chasing around after her anymore . . .” “I am.” I sighed, dropping my spoon into my now cold soup with a clink. “I mean, I have to. It’s kind of a higher calling.” “Pity,” Debbie said, though her expression softened as if I’d just produced a fluffy kitten out of my jacket. She nudged me with her elbow.
