Staci gasps. The door opens up to reveal the most magnificent classroom she’s ever seen. Vaulted wood beams line the triangular ceiling, framing a diamond-shaped stained glass window. Martha is standing at the head of the room. Sun pouring in through the stained glass casts her in an auspicious light. “Like I announced in the dining hall,” She begins, side gazing in their direction. “We will be utilizing this time to set up and focus on the social media aspect of our mission.” 

 

Cleo looks at Staci, aghast. He is not accustomed to being late. The door they entered through is situated at the front of the classroom. They need to traverse the entirety of the room to get to the open desks. He appears as bewildered as Staci had been in the forest. He doesn’t mind the spotlight, but not when it is for something negative. Staci, on the other hand, is unfazed. She has been critically scrutinized all her life. 

 

Courageously yet quietly, she forges a path to the open seats in the back of the room, as discreet as anyone can be who has 30 pairs of eyes on them. Cleo bumps into three chairs on the way, resulting in loud shrills as their metal legs scrape against impeccable hardwood. Staci cringes every time. He will need to work on his inconspicuousness if he is going to be hanging with the likes of her. This will be the first of many situations where eyes will be on them.