These thoughts helped me drive away the tears, and I began to analyse my actions, looking for the reason for Cedric's rudeness: either rudeness was a characteristic of his character, or I'd done something to him. But with what? I was only surprised that Morgan read Baudelaire. Isn't that an insult to him?! That I dared to question his high literary taste?
"I will never meet him again. Never again. He is a rude and proud man! – I thought, walking briskly to the bus stop. – But it's my own fault! I let myself make the mistake of giving Cedric Morgan qualities that he doesn't have and never had. That's a lesson to you, Viper: don't open your mind to anyone and don't be seduced by a pretty face. Because there may be a monster hiding behind it. Like this Cedric."
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.