Two for tragedy. Volume 1 - стр. 24

The fresh air and the walking helped me: I no longer felt the burning in my chest that had come from Morgan's insult. I got on the tram and pondered, searching for a way I could refuse Cedric's "help" and never see him again. I was mentally going over ideas, analysing the possible consequences, when suddenly I saw a way out, not quite legal, but one that would allow me to keep the university administration out of it. Strange, why hadn't I thought of it sooner? And, for the first time in three days, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The very next day after the first class, I asked my friend Julia to switch places with me.

– Switch! – she replied with a joyful and surprised exclamation (although there was more joy than surprise). – I mean, I'll study with handsome Cedric, and you'll study with my nerd? You ask?!

Julia was glowing with happiness, and I guess I was, too, from the joy of getting rid of Morgan's boorish society and from the fact that my friend had expressed her full and enthusiastic consent.

– So, we have a deal? – I said.

– I'm in! Viper, you're wonderful!

I smiled, and my friend kissed me on both cheeks in gratitude.

It was as if a huge stone had fallen from my soul: I was relieved that I wouldn't be seeing Cedric Morgan again.

– Will you have to make arrangements with him? Does he know you're going to switch with me? – Julia frowned suddenly.

– Trust me, he'll be pleased! He doesn't want to study with me. So he'll be glad," I replied, quite sure of what I was saying.

– That's just great! – Julia was delighted, but suddenly added quietly: – But why doesn't he want to study with you? Did he tell you that?

– No, he didn't say it, but I know it. He can't stand me.

– Why not?

– We didn't get along.

– You say that… Is he so bad at helping you, or did he harass you? – my friend asked me.

I laughed merrily at the suggestion, and at the very thought that Cedric Morgan would ever condescend to pay attention to a girl like me, or even molest me.

– No, it was just to show me how much he disliked me and how stupid I was compared to him. And you know I never liked him," I replied cheerfully to my friend's silly question.

– And I'm sure Cedric's a sweetheart! He may have treated you like a pig, but it's not going to be the same with me! – Julia said firmly with a determined look.

– Maybe I'm just crazy," I suggested.

– No, you're just very strange. Not wanting to be with Cedric? And even when you have the opportunity? Are you sure you won't regret your decision?

– No, I'm not!

– And you won't ask to switch back?

– I swear!

– Well, then it's a deal. I'm so glad. But I have to run to a couple of… So, here's the deal: your meeting with my, I mean, now your nerd, is tonight at the library, five o'clock, table four.

– Great!

– When am I meeting Cedric?

– Oh, I think I forgot to make an appointment with him," I frowned. – But I'll find out where and when tonight and I'll let you know.

– Great! I'm waiting for your call! – Julia kissed me on the cheek and walked with a light, beautiful step into the classroom.

I was extremely satisfied. All that remained was to somehow arrange a meeting with Cedric. But even that matter resolved itself: Morgan himself had passed me a note through my classmate.