– 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.
"Can't make it today. Tomorrow at five, same place," the note said, written in beautiful, firm handwriting. Brief and indifferent.
"Does he seriously think I want to meet him again? He's also overconfident as a donkey!" – I thought grudgingly, crumpling the note and smiling mockingly.
No, Cedric. We'll never see each other again. You will never hurt me again.
I texted Julia a message: tomorrow at five, desk number 8.
At five o'clock I was in the library. My new "friend" turned out to be a nice smart girl from the sixth year – Marit. She was a little surprised to see that I sat at her desk instead of Julia, but I convinced her that it was the will of the management. Marit gave me a friendly smile and we started the class.