Renata ignored her and turned around, then she spoke again, “I’m . . . I’m Naya. What’s your name?”
Revi didn’t utter a single word. Naya spoke again, “I won’t report you, don’t worry.” Revi clenched her jaw because of that. Do you think I’ll trust you? For sure, you’re a hypocrite.
Revi took a step forward and didn’t mind Naya, but Naya chased Renata. “Hey, wait!” She grabbed Revi’s arm.
Revi’s eyes widened and immediately retrieved her arm. “Get your filthy hands off me!” Her eyes were bloodshot.
Naya was stunned. “I-I just . . .”
Renata slowly came closer and closer to her. Her eyes became black and her voice was ominous. “Do not dare to touch me again with your filthy hands. I did not give you any permission to do that, and don’t ever go near me, she murmured, “you—wicked victor.” With those words, she left Naya alone and speechless.
She walked quickly to go back to her classroom. She clenched her fists. Her day was completely ruined. She’s disgusted, irritated, and resentful. It felt like a curse she couldn’t escape.
While walking, another set of peculiar things flashed in her mind. This time, it was about strangers fighting using a sword while thunder roared in the sky; scorching flames were everywhere; and the wind intensified. That was strange.
Revi was dumbfounded at what she just saw. She started to tremble and took a deep sigh. Maybe it was just a scene I read from a book someone gifted me before the departure.
Unexpectedly, she saw her art teacher while walking back to her classroom. The teacher was raising an eyebrow at her. “You’re late.”
Revi wanted to groan, but she couldn’t. Instead of saying sorry, she lowered her gaze.
“You’re Renata, right?”
Revi nodded. “Call me, Revi.”
The teacher nodded. “Your writing teacher told me about you. You . . . were scared?”
Revi gazed above to look at her. “I’m . . . having such thoughts, Miss.”
The teacher smiled. “Just call me Teacher Rory.” She offered her hand to Renata but Renata ignored it. Rory was dumbfounded a bit. “Do you have any problems? Feel free to tell me and I’ll help you.”
Revi shook her head. “No, thanks—I mean, I don’t have any problems. Thank you.”
She was about to walk away when Rory spoke, “by the way, I saw your painting, Revi.” Renata dumbfounded. “It was marvelous. You have a potential in arts, Revi.”
Revi gazed at her. “What are you saying, Teacher?”
Rory came closer and brushed Revi’s hair using her hand. “In the class, you have the most beautiful work. If your parents will allow me, I can teach you art lessons in your house.”
Revi slowly averted her gaze. “I doubt it, Teacher. My father is strict. He wouldn’t let anybody enter our house.” She sighed. “And why are you doing this?”
“Because I’m worried,” Rory answered.
“Worried?”
“Yes, worried, because you’re not interacting with your classmates and you’re angry at Naya. Why is that so?” Because of Rory's question, Renata’s heart started to beat rapidly. “Are you afraid?”
“Of . . . what?”
Rory's moment of silence made Revi overthink. What if they caught me? What will they do?
Rory kept her distance a bit away from Renata. “Germs, perhaps? Do you have mysophobia? Because you don’t want people touching you and you avoid physical interaction. You also often wash your hands and keep your things clean.”
Revi sighed after hearing what her teacher said. “I promised my mom that I won’t be too lazy to clean anymore. I don’t have mysophobia or what, Teacher.”
Rory chuckled. “Oh, sorry for that. You’re a good girl then, huh?” She sighed. “By the way, I saw your handwriting. It was good but you can do better. If you want, then I’ll help you improve it. Although your journey is still long and you have plenty of time to improve your penmanship, wouldn't it be better if you practice early?”
Revi nodded. “Y-yeah? I think so too, Teacher.”
Rory smiled. “That’s great then. Tomorrow you’ll be sitting next to me, is that clear?” Revi nodded.
Renata walked away from Rory. She secretly clenched her fists after remembering what Rory said, “please don’t be rude to your schoolmate next time.” She calmed herself and took a deep sigh.
Hours passed and the school was finally done. Renata immediately went home with Yner.
While they were walking home, they fought again. These two kids never stopped fighting and their parents didn’t even know that they’re fighting. All they knew was that Renata and Yner barely talk with each other.
After fighting with Yner, Renata went to a river near her house. There she found fresh air to breathe. She stayed there for a few more minutes until a butterfly landed on her shoulder. The animal made her smile. It was her only friend in Madreign.
Then, she returned home. Felix welcomed her, “how’s school, Revi?”
She sighed. “Nothing interesting. I was having a hard time doing tasks given by my teachers. I just can’t . . .” She groaned.
Felix shook his head. “You need to get used to it. We’ll stay here for years, Revi, you know that.”
“Yes, Father, but that doesn’t mean that I should have friends, right?”
He answered, “you can have friends if you want to, but you must never trust them a lot.”
Revi nodded and went to the stairs. She gazed at her father. “By the way, Father, my art teacher wants to come by. She said she wants to teach me art because I have potential. Also, I messed up earlier so I will be receiving special classes in writing from her. What’s your thoughts about those, Father?”
“Do you think she’s trustworthy?”
“No enemy is trustworthy. She isn’t exactly our enemy but she belongs to the nation of Madreign. I’ll ask Yner about her, he knows her more perhaps.” Then, she went into her room to reminisce the unforgettable compliment she received from Rory. It was her first time to receive compliments about her art since people in Atolon were focused on her other talents.
To be continued . . .