Sofia slid her perfectly organized binder across the table. "I already outlined the whole project. We can divide the sections today and be done by Friday."
"Whoa, slow down," Mia laughed, pushing the binder away without opening it. "We just got assigned this. Let's at least brainstorm first. Maybe we could do something different, something creative!"
Sofia felt her jaw tighten. "Different usually means disorganized. I've been on too many group projects where 'creative' meant I did all the work."
"And I've been on too many where 'organized' meant boring and safe," Mia shot back, but her voice was friendly, almost teasing. "Come on, Sofia. Live a little."
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Sofia surprised herself. "Fine. One brainstorm session. But then we make a plan."
Mia grinned. "Deal. Who knows - maybe we'll actually have fun?"
Sofia tried not to smile. "I doubt it," she said, but she was already reaching for her binder to take notes on Mia's ideas.
| Sofia | Mia |
|---|---|
Marcus had always been the star of the family - varsity soccer since freshman year, honor roll every semester, the one their parents bragged about at every family gathering. Noah was just "Marcus's little brother."
So when Noah made the school's robotics team, he didn't expect much reaction. He was wrong.
"Wait, you actually got in?" Marcus looked up from his phone, surprised. "That's actually pretty impressive. I heard they only take like ten people."
Noah shrugged, trying to look casual. "Yeah, I guess."
"No, seriously." Marcus set down his phone - something Noah rarely saw him do. "You built that drone thing all by yourself, right? The one that delivers snacks?"
"It's a simple automation project," Noah mumbled.
Marcus laughed. "I can barely send an email. That's not simple." He paused, then added more quietly, "I'm proud of you. Really."
Noah didn't know what to say. In thirteen years, he couldn't remember Marcus ever saying that. For once, he didn't feel like "Marcus's little brother." He felt like himself.
"You should come sit with us," Kaylee said, her smile perfect and practiced. Around her, the other girls at the popular table watched the new girl, Zara, with interest.
Zara glanced at the empty seat, then back at the corner of the cafeteria where a girl sat alone, reading a thick fantasy novel. "Actually, I think I'll sit over there today. Thanks though."
Kaylee's smile flickered. "With Hannah? She's... she doesn't really talk to anyone."
"Maybe she just needs someone to talk to," Zara said simply, and walked away.
At the corner table, Hannah looked up as Zara approached. Her eyes were wary, suspicious even. "Can I help you?"
"That book - is that 'Shadows of the Realm'? I've been meaning to read it."
Hannah's expression shifted from guarded to surprised. "You know this series?"
"Know it? I've read the first four books twice." Zara set down her tray. "Can I sit?"
Hannah hesitated only a moment before moving her bag. "I'm on book five. But fair warning - I might spoil it for you."
Zara grinned. "I'll take my chances."
Across the cafeteria, Kaylee watched the two girls laughing together. She had never once asked Hannah what she was reading.