Chapter 22

inly couldn’t help but feel that Eugene’s approach was missing the print. If people judged her based on her appearance, it was their issue. She thought that instead of just making her feel better, Eugene should be teaching them to be more accepting

But as she was about to say something, she noticed Mandy beside her, wiping her eyes. Mandy was looking down, crying softly, her tears falling in big drops and her body shaking just a bit.

Following Quinlyn’s gaze, Eugene sighed and gently patted Mandy’s head. “Mandy went through some rough times last semester with this kind of stuff, but she made it through. Right, Mandy?”

Mandy sniffled and slowly nodded. “Yeah”

“Good girl.” Eugene smiled softly and reached out, his fingers lightly touching Mandy’s neck.

Her hair was tied in two neat braids, leaving her neck bare. Eugene’s hand lingered there for a moment, and Quinlyn watched, her brow furrowing in confusion

When they reached the classroom door, the bell hadn’t rung yet. Eugene told Mandy to go inside first, then turned to Quinlyn. “Let’s wait and go in when class starts,” he suggested gently.

“It’ll be a fun surprise for everyone. We can hang out in the office for a bit, and I’ll get you some candy,” he added.

Eugene’s voice was smooth and coaxing, but Quinlyn shook her head. She didn’t take candy from strangers–especially not after hearing stories of poisoned treats in the borderlands. She suspected this teacher had something similar in mind.

“Don’t be scared. Your brother asked me to keep an eye on you, remember?” Eugene said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Quinlyn hesitated, then nodded slowly. But as she began to follow Eugene, a kid at the classroom door shouted, “Quinlyn“”

In an instant, kids streamed out from the classroom, rushing to crowd around her.

Is that Quinlyn? The one who stopped the robber?” one kid asked.

“Yeah, she was like a superhero! Like Spider–Man, another kid replied

“No way, she was more like Batman,” a third kid chimed in.

excitement, like they were waiting for her to do something

and glanced up at Eugene. I know these kids. It won’t be much of a

connections,” he said, trying to sound friendly. “In that case, why not

into the classroom, all dolled up and ready to turn heads. She was right on time, expecting to be the star

one of the kids called out “Quinlyn is so clueless. She’s never even

“Harriet, get

dolls. That’s insane, another

and I’ll bet she’s never collected trading cards, someone else added.

1/3

Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 29

turned to Harriet, waiting for

“She’s from the sticks. Of course, she’s never heard of that stuff. Guess she’s been

someone from the backwaters,

bite.

played with Batman, but she can save people just like he does one

a big deal. Dolls can’t stop bullets,” another kid chimed in.

girls rallied to defend Quinlyn, Harriet was left fuming. She slumped in her seat, too angry to move for the

came, Harriet got up to go to the bathroom. As she passed Mandy’s desk, she knocked her pencil case to the floor and stomped on it a few times before

Mandy bunch over to gather

stepped on the pens as they walked by. Mandy just remained quiet, her face

strange and didn’t move to help. She figured Mandy could handle picking

herself.

She initially struggled with the first chapter, but soon found her rhythm and

textbook and realized it was Mordorian–the same language from that

and memorizing as many words as she could. By the end of the morning classes, her brain was fried and her stomach

boy who had a secret stash of snacks in his desk. He’d sneak

she stayed quiet–even though the smell of those chips just made

piece of chocolate. She glanced up to see Mandy, with her

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255