10 The accident

Tina felt like a helpless prey surrounded by her predators. "It was a joke. You guys got fooled." She managed to blurt out. No reaction, they both just sat there staring at her. "Nora, that lucky brat, escaped at the right moment. Think Tina, divert them." She murmured to herself.

"You said something." George asked.

"Ah no.... actually yes, the reason I did that was revenge. You hurt Nora." She said pointing at Luke, "So I took the revenge by pranking you."

George nodded. "I don't buy it." Luke said, his face resting in his hand. Tina tensed.

"Hey guys." It was Nick.

"Hi Nick." Tina almost shouted.

"Luke, George, good I found you guys here. I think we'll have to drop our plan of mountain biking." Nick said.

"What's the matter?" Luke asked.

"You didn't see the news?" He pulled out his phone and set it in front the three of them. "There was this huge accident at St Lucius street. The building under construction collapsed out of nowhere, cars, people, got crushed under the rubble. As for now all the emergency services are busy managing the accident. So, leaving now, I don't think it's a good idea." Nick informed.

"You're right." Luke said looking at the news in the phone.

"Hey isn't this the road we were about to take, the shortcut." George said pulling the phone out of Luke's hands.

"Yes it is." He confirmed. "When did this happen?" Luke asked Nick. "1:30-ish in night, not sure about the actual time though."

George looked up at Luke with shock in his eyes. "Damn that was close." He muttered.

"What's the matter? " Nick asked sensing the environment.

"We were supposed to take that road while returning from the party and the timings match, thanks to somebody we didn't make it." Luke said looking at Tina who froze under his gaze, "Tina played a prank on us and made us drive in the opposite direction, saving us." He straightened himself.

"Holy crap. Thank you Tina." George said, holding her hands.

"Oh no it was a complete a coincidence." She said.

"That was one heck of a coincidence." Nick said surprised.

And then the bell rang. "Looks like I gotta go, meet you at 8 Tina" Nick said hugging her.

"I didn't see that coming, our philosopher finally found someone." George said mockingly. Nick gave a sheepish smile.

"Great Tina. You better keep hold of that guy." He added, "And thank you once again." He patted her shoulder.

And then they were gone, leaving Tina alone. She was lost deep in her thoughts but jerked herself out of them. "It's not the time Tina, get yourself together." She muttered to herself. She grabbed her things and left the cafeteria.