For few seconds nobody says anything.
Nathan's words hung in the air . That was a valid point Carter's mind helpfully supplies . But it doesn't change the truth . He didn't do that . If anything math is one of the few things he actually loves .
Sure Nathan is the topper . Comes up as 1st position more than Carter ever has . But this allegations?
" I study to compete?" He asks slowly.
Nathan's downcatsed eyes look up " you do "
"How do I ? "
" You try so hard to understand the concepts. Nobody does that. You are here to learn . And test results are just a proof that you did learn it . "
Carter raises his eyebrow " How is that related to your notes ?"
" That would be the easy way for you. If incase you are tired of competing. Or trying your best all the time ."
Carter exhales loudly. Almost bemoaning.
" Well I still am not the theif. You need to reinvestigate? "
"Nah .." Nathan sighes " it is what it is . Grades are out , summer is over and so is redoing my notes " .
He stands up quickly before Carter can ask anything. Eyes moving towards the door .
Carter really wants to ask more but Nathan doesn't give him the chance . He brushes off dust form his pants. Already moving towards the door.
Carter starts " Hey ! You are still accusing me ! But I didn't do it !? "
Nathan turns the door knob open " for all it's worth....I will see you next exam " .
And with that he is gone . Carter stand dumbfounded in middle of the storeroom , skeleton's missing limb organised rather neatly at the side .
------------------------------------------------------------
It's been good 30 minutes since Carter left for the item they needed. A shield.
No they were not about to okay captain America in the okay . It's just a prop necessary for war . The lord has left, to answer his nation's calling. To fight a list war. And some ofchai souldiers require a shield as protection.
Rachael watches the stage , students jumping around. The lord's actual actor finally being serious for once. He barks orders from scripts in hand. Haven't quite memories them yet .
Ms Miranda , has arrived. She is standing on tej opposite far corner. Just next to the dip of stage . Alphonse was speaking with her few minutes ago . And now he too is barking back at the actor about how they haven't memorize their script yet .
" Incompetent foold ! If not till today, when the hell are going to remember your lines ?"
Alphonse screeches , jumping on his feets.
Rachael watches them smilling, typical day here . Ms Miranda waves , calling her to the other side.
She jogs upto her " good afternoon ma'am! "
Ms Miranda nods acknowledging her .
" How was the detention? "
Rachael scratches her neck " huh... intresting? I talked with Nathan? He seemed pretty upset .."
Ms Miranda sighs " when he is not annoyed ? That boy ? Class topper my foot...he is increasingly becoming rude . "
" Is he ? " Rachael questions. She had never really directly talked with Nathan before.
Her teacher's frowning deeepens at her question.
"He is . He used to be calm . Like really calm . Almost like Carter."
" That's new ! I never heard that ! "
" he is talented you know. I just wish for him to be polite " Ms Miranda chuckles silently " how is he adjusting to the club? I sent someone to bring him here .."
Rachael smiles " oh yes. He is annoyed. Like very. Thinks we are gonna kills by labour. Like working in factory or something!"
" Let him be. He needs to understand action have consequences Rachael. Don't you try to help him Rachael "
Rachael tries to control her smirk " but mam Alphonse even said Nathan is very dramatic. Will fit right in . "
A laugh escapes Ms Miranda " ugh god ! I send him to help you out . Not to fit him in your club. Make sure he doesn't start bullying here again".
" We won't ma'am!"
Ms Miranda huffs. She really has made a habit to be a mother hen for drama club . Some student call her sister Miranda behind her back. This isn't even a missionary school !
Her worry for either of students doesn't end though. Rachael knows it. This woman , their club advisor is great poetry expert herself. Perhaps it's life that she is not famous.
Ms Miranda soon sits down in one of the side chairs. Watching the play , Rachael sitting legs sprawled on the floor.
They watch The lord's future becomes doomed with each step he takes towards war. Lady love slowly becoming a ghost of her former shelf. That's when suddenly someone points out Carter isn't back with the shield yet.
Alphonse looks at Rachael " where is Carter ? You send him inventory right ? " He looks at the wall clock " half an hour . Where is he ? " .
Rachael stand suo quickly.
"Let me check where did he go. Keep on the practicing "
She almost jumps out of stage , sprinting towards geenroom.
The security guard, notorious for dozing off during his shifts, was deep in conversation with the same girl who had once played the lady love from the demonstration.
Rachael calls out " Hey lola ! "
Lola looks back " oh hey ! What's up ?
Rehearsal complete?"
Rachael screeches halt near her , huffing from running so fast .
" Where's Carter? You have him the shield right ? "
Lola stares at her for a few seconds " OH it wasn't in the inventory. So I send him to store room."
" What ? " Rachael stares at her " store room ? "
" Yes . Why ? "
Bruno, who was supposed to hurry them up picks at them from behind curtain " you send him where ? "
Lola entirely cluelessly nods " at the store room ? In the 3rd floor ? "
Rachael looks at Bruno. Bruno stares back at her . Both their eyes widen slowly.
Rachael screeches as realisation dawn on her " Nathan is there ! "
" He ? Why is he there ? "
" He is collecting the lost bones?!
"And Carter went there ? "
" He probably is still there ! "