6 Linda's Plan

Cassadrei POV

I was rooted to the spot, unable to move my feet, unable to decide my next course of action. Should I go after him again? Won't that make me an absolute weirdo, or worse a stalker? I shuddered at the thought! Me, Cassadrei Iphigenia Mafhaelore stalking a random disinterested human mortal! How much more shame is left for me to bring to my family?

I waited for a while, until I saw Jacob going out of my sight. Breathing a sigh of relief, I walked back to the classroom... unable to contain my unease. I'd probably have to come up with something else.

The whole day was rather a blur. Everytime I tried to approach Jacob, he deliberately fled the scene. Or was it my foolish imagination? I couldn't find a moment alone with him and so I couldn't retrieve any information. When I went home, I was greeted by a rather eager Sofosys.

"Well.." he said with an elaborate hand gesture, "what did you find out?"

I hated to disappoint him. Is this my life now, disappointing everyone that is close to me?

"Umm... I tried talking to Jacob, but he was reluctant. He isn't as friendly as you all seem to think he is." I said hopefully.

Sofosys sighed audibly.

"Okay, tell me what did you do?" He said with his eyebrows arched.

I told him the whole story. What other option did I have? I couldn't suppress a smile while I narrated it, I could clearly see where I had gone wrong.

After I completed telling him,Sofosys blinked in astonishment. We were both quiet for a while. 

Then, he spoke, " Why on Earth would you ask him about his bowel movements? My Goodness, Cassadrei, haven't you ever spoken to a single person before? I mean…. obviously he was reluctant...what do you expect him to be? If you can't even talk to Jacob, how would you ever speak to Michael?". He was clearly exasperated. I felt a bit shameful, but I tried hard to manage it.

"You really are of no good." Sofosys said, and as I tried to protest he raised his hand, "No, no...you won't be able to do this... atleast not alone. You need a consort, someone who can talk on your behalf and can extract information very easily. Someone who can be trusted to make a conversation that won't drive the other person away." He glanced at me meaningfully. 

I recoiled slightly, then said in a small voice, "But who?"

"Who else, but your dear friend Linda. Well, I have heard that she's healthy enough to attend school now. And she has enough social skills to even baffle Jacob. Go to her and tell her that you have a crush on Michael and you wish to know about him through his roommate."

I shouted in protest, "I do not have a crush on anyone! How can I have a crush on someone I don't even know?" I rolled my eyes at Sofosys. 

"Well dear, you have to tell something logical if you want to let someone else do your dirty job." Sofosys smirked, "and if you tell Linda that you like someone, she will leave no stones unturned until she excavates all that she can find about this guy!"

I couldn't deny that he had a point. However, my mind conflicted over this trivial information, and I wondered why am I having such a conflict? I mean, it's just a harmless lie right? Right??

The next day, Linda and I waited in the familiar corridors once again, she was giddy with excitement and I felt a little sick. Linda had spoken almost non-stop since I had confided my "crush" to her. I wad afraid, she isn't going to forget it. When we spotted Jacob, as usual surrounded by his numerous friends, Linda jumped in anticipation. 

"Let me handle this, Cass!" She blared and giving her hair a slight flip, she confidently trudged towards Jacob. I timidly followed after her.

To my surprise, Linda easily penetrated Jacob's friend circle, giving hugs and high fives to several of them as they all greeted her enthusiastically. I guess they all knew about the accident and the fact that Linda walked with the help of a crutch garnered a lot of sympathy. Also,  Linda genuinely had a lot of friends.

"Hey there Jake! Whatcha doing?" She said with a confident smile and lashing of eyelashes.

Jake was blushing again! How many girls does he have a crush on?

Linda grabbed my arm and curled her arms around mine like a tangle of snakes, I was utterly uncomfortable.

Jake spotted me..and gave me an uneasy smile which I returned.

"Now, now boys! Go find yourself something else to do….we need to talk to Jacob" She said theatrically and winked, " we have a secret."

"Oohhhhh Jake boy has got female followers!" The other guys started shouting and whistling, Jacob beaming with pride and Linda gave them a stern look. They all retreated...not before giving Jacob a nudge in his ribs.

I heaved a sigh of relief, now that we were alone. Jacob and Linda started their torrent of conversation and I just stood there looking at their individual faces. They were speaking so rapidly, it was almost impossible to decipher what they were saying. 

A lot of time seemed to be passing and I grew restless with each passing moment. Linda seemed to be enjoying her time with Jacob too much, she had completely forgotten about her actual mission. I was wondering when they would broach the subject of Michael when, to my surprise, Linda said, "Jaky...do you mind having coffee?" She gave a coquettish smile. Jacob turned crimson but he nodded enthusiastically. I frantically ribbed Linda, but she ignored all my hints and went along with Jacob humming.

I stood dumbfounded! This can't be happening again, I thought.

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