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The Price of Knowledge “I don’t see why everyone had to do a project for the science fair,” Mara grumbled, stepping back to judge her set-up.
“I know,” Emily agreed. “They’re just so geeky.” “What!” The cheerleader had the grace to look embarrassed as Sofia stopped work on her display and turned around. “Science fair projects are not geeky,” the dark-haired girl protested. “Look, just chill, Sofia,” Emily said, raising her hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it.” “Besides, Emily’s just jealous,” Mara added with a grin. “Her project is just a rehash of one of last year’s rejects.” The blond gave her a piercing glare. “Well, I don’t think your project will be in ribbon contention either, Mar.” “Oh, contention. Big word, there, Em. Pace yourself,” Mara replied smoothly. “But, about the projects, I don’t really care, though it appears you do.” “Don’t you girls ever play nice?” Celeste asked with a sigh, surprising the trio. Grinning, Jonathan waved. Emily and Mara glanced at each briefly before looking away. Running a hair through her, Mara moved toward her guardian. “Celeste, I didn’t realize you and Jonathan were coming.” “Apparently not.” Mara felt her face heat slightly. “I mean, how did you know about the science fair?” “The principal, Mr. Martin, sent a letter to inform the parents and guardians about it. Considering how much time you put into this, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” “Well, isn’t that interesting,” Emily remarked, focusing on Mara. “And just how much time was it?” “Enough, Emily,” Jonathan said. “So, Sofia, think you have a winner?” The girl laughed. “If not, close to it. However, Peter Harris has an amazing project. He worked on it all summer.” “Overachievers,” Emily muttered. Jonathan discussed Sofia’s project with her, offering a few suggestions on her display. The two soon became immersed in their conversation. Keeping an eye on Emily and Mara, Celeste studied the other surrounding projects. Like any other compulsory assignment, the quality of work covered a wide spectrum. Some students, like Sofia and Peter, obviously took their projects seriously and it showed. Several merely did the bare minimum. However, she was proud that both Mara and Emily didn’t fall in the latter category. “The girls did a good job, didn’t they?” Jonathan asked, finally joining her. She nodded. “A very good job.” “I couldn’t agree more, Ms. Halley. I hope you take the time to view the exhibits outside in the covered courtyard as well.” Celeste turned in the direction of the voice and recognized the principal. “I will. You’ve done a wonderful job, Mr. Martin.” “Thank you. Who is your companion?” She fought to hide her smile at his directness. So, the young principal had been interested in her. “This is my boyfriend, Jonathan McKenzie. Jonathan, this is Mr. Martin, the school principal.” Both men caught the subtle emphasis on "mister". With a genial smile, Jonathan shook the other man’s hand. However, the principal took the hint and quickly moved on to greet the other adults. “Well, you certainly have a way of leaving a trail of broken hearts in your wake.” Celeste rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Jonathan.” “Embarrassed about your latest conquest?” “Look, I’m going outside. Whenever you think you can get over yourself, come find me. But don’t come until then.” Without a glance back, she turned and left the room. Jonathan remained there, staring at the door, until Mara touched his shoulder. “What did you say to her?” “Something stupid,” he said finally. He glanced down at Mara. “Come on. Let’s go find Celeste.” ‘What is it with these people?’ Zephyr fumed, watching the people mill around the various projects. He felt the surge of power again as he had passed the building. However, after minutes of searching, he had not seen the girl or her guardian. As he was about to give up and leave, he caught a glimpse of familiar red tresses. ‘So, she is here.’ He smiled. The girl, the key, shouldn’t be very far away. “Which one is yours?” Narrowing his eyes, Zephyr turned and stared down at the woman, who was definitely a teacher. “What?” “Which child is yours? Your child is in the science fair? That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” “No, I don’t have children,” he replied, smiling slightly. “However, I saw the fair as I was passing by, and curiosity got the best of me.” “That’s lovely,” the teacher said. “It’s nice when the community gets involved with the school.” “Indeed.” Already this woman was boring him. More importantly, she was interrupting his mission, causing to momentarily losing sight of the guardian. “Excuse me, I’d like to see the rest of the exhibits.” “Enjoy!” she called as he turned as walked off. ‘There’s something different about him,’ she mused. Brushing it off, she resumed inspecting the displays. “Hey, I’m sorry,” Jonathan said, kissing Celeste’s check. “Forgive me?” She smiled. “Always. So, Mara, how long will all this last?” “Formal judging begins at 2 and announcement of award will be about forty minutes later.” “Are we going to stay for everything?” Jonathan asked. “I’d like to,” Celeste answered, “unless Mara has any objections?” The girl shook her head. “No objections here. Let’s go see Peter’s amazing project. I want if it really can be better than Sofia’s.” Zephyr kept his eye on the girl and the guardian. Although the guardian could some problems, this would be best opportunity to get the girl and fulfill his mission. He made a pretense of studying the various projects as he followed them through the crowd. He was itching to make his move, but he needed some kind of plan. Their previous encounters showed that the element of surprise wasn’t enough against Sol. He needed something else to tip the situation in his favor. He stopped at a display a few tables away from his targets. As he watched a boy explain his project, inspiration struck. Maybe this could be fun as well. |
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