Gift Zero

[Astrid's POV]

I was still trying to understand what had gone through my head to accept that. Mira, as always, didn't seem the least bit impressed, as if nothing could shake her calm. In fact, she never seemed impressed by anything, which, to be honest, was nothing new. Mira had always had this almost annoying ability to seem oblivious to the chaos around her.

She was the kind of person who could be in the middle of a fire and still not change her expression. I could picture her perfectly, in the middle of the flames, with that carefree look that said something like: "Oh, look, everything's really on fire." It was impossible not to wonder what was going on in her head - or if anything was.

"Mira, to be honest, I'm still trying to figure out what I came to the boardroom to do with you."

I muttered, while keeping my voice low, even though no one was listening.

Mira arched an eyebrow, and a subtle, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her lips.

"It was a simple decision. Since I'm the class representative and I needed someone to support me, you, my best friend, were the first person I thought of."

Mira not only failed to answer my question as I'd hoped, she also made a point of winding up the conversation.

"Support you in what?"

I retorted, casting her a look of incredulity.

"Don't tell me you're in trouble again?"

"Oh, come on, Astrid!"

Mira rolled her eyes, as if it was all a big joke.

"I didn't do anything wrong. The principal just called me into his office for some reason, but I'm sure it's nothing serious. Trust me."

I frowned, still skeptical. Mira had this tendency to make everything seem simpler than it really was.

"I really hope you know what you're doing."

I commented, trying to hide the concern in my voice.

"Of course I do. And when have I ever gotten us into any trouble?"

Her confident tone only served to increase my apprehension. If there was one person who attracted trouble without realizing it, it was Mira.

"Astrid, relax."

Mira added, flashing that smile that managed to be reassuring and, at the same time, irritating in an inexplicable way.

We were walking through the corridors towards Principal Arden's office. Despite his frail appearance, marked by age, he still managed to emanate an undeniable authority.

He was known for being kind and fair, but also stern when necessary. His demeanor left no doubt that he did not tolerate disrespect or disorder, which made many fear him.

However, for those lucky enough to know him more closely, Arden was a good soul. He knew how to listen and had surprising patience, even with the most problematic students. He was the kind of person who, with a look or a simple word, could convey both a firm rebuke and sincere encouragement.

"Do you think he's angry?"

I asked, trying to disguise my nervousness as my footsteps echoed down the corridor.

"Angry? At me? Of course not."

Mira replied, with her usual confidence that seemed unshakable.

"The principal likes me."

I watched her, trying to understand where all this certainty came from. How could she be so... calm? Beside me, my stomach churned at the thought of what might happen when we entered that room.

On the way, several people greeted us, and Mira smiled openly at them, waving quickly. It was almost automatic, her gesture, as if she had rehearsed every social interaction over the years.

Although Mira was 'polite' to everyone who spoke to her, a doubt arose in my mind. Had they not yet realized that that smile was fake and forced? As always, she did the bare minimum to appear approachable, but I knew the truth.

Having known each other since childhood, I already knew her true character.

Mira had the ability to make everyone around her believe that she was the most sociable person in the world, but I knew her better. I knew that, behind that fake smile and friendly façade, there was a girl who was much more reserved, even a little suspicious.

Not that she was a bad person - far from it. Mira was just... different. She had an almost obsessive passion for fighting, something she viewed almost as a hobby. What's more, her love of heavy rock was unmistakable - the kind of music that made the most sensitive cover their ears in despair.

The truth is that, at our school, Mira was so famous and admired that everyone deified her, treating her like one of the Miss Beauties. And I, who was always by her side, ended up, almost without realizing it, gaining a piece of that fame.

Just like me, who hated that title, Mira didn't give a damn either, being as indifferent as I was. For her, the applause and attention were just part of the game, something she accepted out of sheer convenience, but without ever letting it get to her.

We weren't the popular girls, and we weren't the girls who lived to be noticed or adored by anyone. But for the rest of the school, that's exactly what we were, and no matter how hard we tried to ignore it, it ended up defining us in some way.

The thoughts were fading from my mind when I realized that we had finally reached our destination.

I stretched out my arm and was about to knock on the surface of the door, but stopped when I realized that it was already ajar, letting some voices escape from inside. They were almost certainly the principal's.

He was talking to someone, and something in the way he expressed himself made me hesitate. Whenever someone else arrived to meet with him, the conversation took a more serious, more... formal turn. I didn't know whether to interrupt or wait. The last thing I wanted was to walk in on an important conversation.

"Are you going to tell us what really happened, or am I going to have to force an explanation out of you?"

I heard Principal Arden's voice, which didn't sound friendly at all. I didn't know who he was talking to, but I was pretty sure that this person was in trouble.