Talk to him

The rest of the weekend passed rather peacefully, Nora's foot healed, thanks to Tina's therapeutic massage.

"How are you gonna deal with the Fare now. I mean Rachel and you on the same team. Who knows what she's going to do this time." Tina said.

"I'm going to talk it out. There's no way I'm gonna back out." Nora said determined.

"Okay, you're the boss. I'm heading to the library. Take care of yourself and call me if anything happens."

"Yes I will." She nodded.

Mr. James smiled at the sight of Nora, she greeted him and entered. "So, today as I promised you all, we'll be talking about viruses. Something that has been fascinating all of you for quite sometime." He said with a smile.

"Viruses, as the name suggest, is like a flu virus, it spreads from host to host. They replicate themselves by modifying computer programs and then they insert their own codes. There are many types viruses, we have the computer 'worms', spyware, adware, ransomware and my personal favorite the trojan horses."

"Mr. James, is it possible to make a virus from scratch?" A girl from the front desk asked.

"Yes, it is but it depends on how skilled a programmer." He answered.

"Mr. James, any famous viruses, over the years." A boy sitting in front of Nora questioned.

"Yes, there are many, MyDoom, for example, it is a computer worm, it came as a wrapper of an email, as soon as the person opens it, he's done for good. This particular virus did create a havoc in the industry. Then there is Conficker, Sobig, to name a few."

"So, you mean we can build these viruses, if we have the skill." The girl asked.

"Yes, but I wouldn't recommend you, who knows what you kids are going to do with it." Mr. James smiled.

"Did you ever build one?" Another student asked.

"Well, I would pass that question." Mr. James said with a smirk.

The class went on, with students asking questions and Mr. James answering them enthusiastically. Then the bell rang.

"Okay now everyone, today we had a gala time, tomorrow we'll get back to our topic." He said. "Nora and Joseph, in the library, now." And he left.

Without any further a due they moved to the library. Mr. James stood at a table looking down at some books. "Here you are." He said without looking up, he picked up two books and moved towards them. He handed both of them a book, "This book, I recommend it personally. It will help you with the shortcuts, dealing with problems and brush up your concepts. Go through it once." They both nodded.

"So, how are you both mixing up with the other two?" Mr. James inquired.

"Ah, about that." Joseph stammered.

"It's good professor, we're getting to know each other very well." Nora said.

"That's great. I'll leave now, go through them once." He pointed to the books and left with a smile.

"You're not going to tell him?" Joseph asked.

"Not a chance." Nora said. "We'll have to get through this anyway. I'll leave now." She said.

"I'll stay and read the book. Though I know everything written in this book, still."

"Of course you do." Nora rolled her eyes.

When she got out, someone ran past her, she stepped back, and looked at the person. He was familiar, "Hey Luke." She shouted. He stopped and turned around.

"Are you busy? I wanted to talk to you." She said gathering every inch of her courage.

"No. It's fine, go ahead."

"Can it be somewhere more quiet?" She asked, looking around at the students bustling.

"Sure, actually I'm on my way for my class, you mind talking on the way?" He asked. She nodded and walked up to him.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" He asked.

"I'll tell you but first can you slow down." She said.

"Slow down? I'm walking at a normal pace." He looked behind at her who was practically sprinting to keep up with him. "I see, your legs are too short to keep up." He smiled.

Nora stopped, and glared at him, "On second thoughts, I don't want to talk to you. Forget it." She turned her back to him.

"Hey! I was kidding." She didn't budge. "Fine I'll slow down." He sighed.

She smiled, "Shall we?" She motioned with her hands.

"So, what is it?"

"Well it's about Friday, you know.... about what happened. I don't exactly know what I did, but still I'm sorry, if I did something... inappropriate." She stated. "And if it's possible, you know..."

"Forget everything?" He looked down at her. "If this is all about that, then don't worry. I apparently don't mind anything."

"Is it? Thank you, I was kind of nervous but you already have everything under control. So bye, I'll go." She sped across him, without waiting for his reply.

Luke saw her disappear round the corner. "Well that was easier than I thought." He mumbled.

"Luke!" He looked back, Rachel was standing a few steps away from him. "Why aren't you answering my calls or messages." She said moving towards him.

"I didn't want to."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said Rachel. And I would suggest you to stop, I won't reply, not any time soon." He said and started walking away from her.

"Why wouldn't you? Is it because of that brat? Are you serious, I mean, it was just a prank. You guys are over reacting. Especially you. You don't give a damn about anyone. What's different this time?" She shouted.

"I don't care about her, my reaction would've been same if it were anyone else. And what you did isn't a prank, you drugged her, with god knows what and for the time being I don't wish to engage myself with you. As for the competition we'll work it out, I don't want to see those two suffer because of this." He said, and continued down the corridor.

Rachel stood there in disbelief, "He never treated me like that. I've known him for ages, how could he? It is her fault, definitely it is her fault." She muttered and stomped away.