10 The Plot

After chemistry class ended, the students of Cherry Blossom High discovered that they had a free period. Theodora and Henry spent it together, trading rumors and gossip; Henry of course had more to tell, as he seemed to be more involved with those sorts of things.

"Do you think I'm strange, Theodora?" said Henry as the period drew to a close.

"Not at all, why?"

"The boys on my team think I'm a sissy for liking gossip and the lot," sighed Henry. They think I'm, I don't know...like a fussy old lady, I suppose."

"Maybe they just don't have enough respect for their captain!" said Theodora in a firm voice, although her eyes danced with laughter.

Henry began to blush. "Hehe..."

"Hey," said Theodora suddenly, changing the subject, "I heard that Noelle's hosting team tryouts today?"

"So? I'm a boy, and you hate Noelle. How does this apply to either of us?"

Theodora's mouth crept up into a smile.

"Because it's the perfect formula for some sweet revenge."

"You're going to dethrone Noelle by stealing her spot on the team?" said Henry excitedly.

"That's a good idea, it might come later," yawned Theodora. "But for now, I'm going to work on humiliating Ian and his new little pet. I can't be mad at that poor mouse TOO much, though; I was once in her same gullible position. I empathize with her. So the mouse... She'll just have to face my wrath in moderation."

"But she called you a wh*re!" gasped Henry.

"Listen, Henry, I'm new to this femme fatale thing, okay? I'm used to going along with what everybody says and letting people kick me around... I'm still getting used to the improved me." She sighed.

Henry cupped her chin and looked into her almond brown eyes.

"I'll never kick you around," he whispered.

"Yes, that's all very nice," yawned Theodora. "Now, what's your next class? The period is ending soon and I still need to talk to you..."

"I have geometry next."

"Perfect! So do I!"

Henry beamed in return, and together they walked to the geometry classroom, Theodora still contemplating Henry's heartfelt words. "I'll never kick you around," he had said. He quite obviously had a crush on her.

And it quite obviously made her nervous.