Chapter 2- Wiseacre Hey hun. Caitlyn said spotting me in the hallway, Hey, hows it going?

I asked, Good and you? Which way are you heading? Caitlyn replied. Good. Ive got Carter first. I told her, Cool we can walk together. She smiled. Great I wanted to tell you something. I said then relayed my talk with Rout. Eris probably wants you where she can see you. Caitlyn nodded. Tough cookies. I said, Youre not going to sit with them? she asked, surprised. No why would I? I asked, I think most people would. Eris can be a bitch when she doesnt get what she wants. Caitlyn explained, I can handle it. I shrugged, Yeah I guess. She said cautiously, Just remember not to take her wrath personally. Caitlyn joked but I could hear the real warning in her voice. Got it! I saluted as we separated. I entered the classroom ignoring the stares and glares from the pretty people and sat down in my seat. We saved you a seat. Rout called from his group. Rout and Satyr sat on either side of Eris, the empty seat was right in front of hers. It was quite obvious, she wanted to watch me and with me sitting in front of the guys I couldnt talk to them. Im fine here. I said taking out my books. To her credit Eris didnt start throwing things at me as I had expected. She just smirked smugly; as if I had just played into her game. Everyone around me looked between Eris and I warily. During the next few classes I had the strange feeling that everyone was talking about me. Even Mara was looking at me strangely. By the time recess came I knew that something was up and I was more than certain that Eris was behind it. Mara and I were walking out to her friends spot when I finally found out. Eris decided that today was your initiation. No one is supposed to talk to you. Mara explained, unable to look me in the eyes. Are you serious? I asked, It is stupid but people generally do whatever Eris wants them to. Most people are going to do it. Mara said, Are you? I asked, No. Shes not our master. Mara smiled but it wasnt very convincing. Its kind of a dumb plan then. I smiled back appreciating her loyalty. With everyone around us looking at and talking about me the group was a little tense at first. Hey, I heard that youve been quarantined. Caitlyn said coming up to me. Yeah, you did warn me about Eris wrath. I replied, Who cares about her anyway? Caitlyn said, Sheep? Mara suggested as a guy passed us looking

strangely at me, Baaa. I said staring back at him; he flinched and diverted his gaze. With that the group dissolved into giggling baaas and all of the awkwardness faded. When recess ended Caitlyn pulled me aside and we walked to class together. So how are you going to handle being around Satyr? Caitlyn asked, I dont know. Ill reply to him if he talks to me but Im not going out of my way. I shrugged. Which is what I was going to do anyway. I added. So its no skin off your back if he doesnt talk to you? Caitlyn asked, disbelief clear in her voice. Exactly. I replied, I just hope that you can be patient with him. She said gently. Caitlyns interest in the matter seemed a bit too intense for an impartial third party; it didnt make any sense. Why? I asked before I realised that I had thought out loud. Satyrs been panting after Eris for as long as anyone can remember. It wouldnt make sense for him to just turn on her now.Caitlyn said obviously misunderstanding my babbling. Sure I wouldnt judge him for it. I shrugged. It was English period after break; meaning group work with Satyr. A round of silence greeted Satyr as he sat down. For a few minutes we discussed the poem but everyone ignored Satyr. Although I appreciated their loyalty, isolation was Eris weapon, not mine. What do you think hes talking about when he says Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave, Whom Joves great son to her glad husband gave? I asked Satyr. The entire group looked at me warily as I watched Satyr calmly. I think that hes talking about Roman mythology. He shrugged. You know mythology? Jarred asked, Yeah, a little. My parents are obsessed with it. Satyr smiled, Okay so tell us what he means. Vinny said, Well Alcestis sacrificed herself to save her husbands life. Later Heracles rescued her from Hades, bringing her back from the dead and presenting her to her husband. Heracles was Joves great son. Satyr explained. So he thought that she had been rescued from death? Rob asked, No, I think that he used the examples from mythology to illustrate how impossible her coming back to life would be. Milton was a Christian and sane, he obviously didnt believe in Roman mythology. I said. Everyone aside from Satyr murmured their agreement. Satyr just watched me with his lips pursed thoughtfully.

Dude, I dont know how you knew that Ive never heard of this stuff. Jarred told Satyr shaking his head. Yes you have, Heracles was the Roman equivalent of Hercules and Jove was the Roman Zeus. Greek mythology is just better known than Roman mythology. Satyr explained. No way. I loved Hercules as a kid. Kevin said, Yeah, Meg was hot. Vinny nodded. I burst out laughing. You realise that that movie had about 0.09% of actual Greek mythology in it, right? Satyr asked looking annoyed while the rest of us laughed. Relax, you are allowed to have a good time while working. I assured him; he just shrugged. Okay, we probably should get back to the serious stuff. I said clearing my throat. For the rest of the period Satyr was a part of the group. We were all still talking together when we left class. Satyr do you mind going to my locker for me and getting my history book? I forgot it. Eris said in a slow deliberate drawl. Uh, yeah okay. Satyr said turning towards her. I had refused to pay her any attention since I found out about my initiation. I hadnt even monitored the looks passing between her and Satyr during class but this was too much. She was marking her territory and the liberalist in me couldnt handle that. Later Satyr. I called not missing a beat. Later Ray. He called back. Mara smiled and hooked her arm in mine. Eris passed me knocking my side deliberately. Mara made as if to say something but I wasnt in the mood for a fight. My dad and I were talking about the meaning of words last night and I asked him the meaning of your name. I said to distract her. Yeah? You talked to your dad about me? Thats so sweet. Mara said looking surprised. I told her the definitions my dad had given and we entered our next class snorting with laughter. As much as I like the evil vibes definition, Mara isnt my full name, its Miranda. Mara explained, That totally doesnt suit you! I exclaimed. Kind of like Grace doesnt suit you. She replied, Too true. Im about as graceful as a rhino. I said shaking my head. I disagree. Rout said interrupting us. You havent seen me fall over my own feet yet. I shrugged, Id catch you. He replied. Mara snickered beside me. Cheesy. I said and made to pass him but he caught me by the arm. I will never let you get hurt. he vowed. I was dumbstruck by his serious tone and he walked away before I could form a witty comeback. What was that about? Mara asked, I have no idea. I replied honestly. Seriously what did you do to Rout and Satyr? Satyrs always

staring at you and agreeing with you in our group. Routs taking pictures of you and feeding you cheesy lines. They treat you like they do her. Jarred said obviously referring to Eris, I dont know them at all. I replied. I hadnt even noticed Satyr agreeing with me. I may have noticed the staring but I had thought that that was in my mind. After school Caitlyn, Mara and I were standing at Caitlyns locker while Caitlyn swapped her books. From my position I could see that the door to the girls bathroom was held wide open with a bucket; probably for cleaning. From inside I heard some chattering, I didnt want to eavesdrop but my ears perked up when I heard my name. I really tried to take her in, you know? I asked her to sit with us at break and during class and she just rejected me in front of everyone! But thats not what I dont like about her. Have you seen the way Satyr and Rout are all over her? Eris said in her best victim-voice, Yeah, theyre so pathetic. Her companion said. Thats the thing, how did she get them to act so whipped? I only know one way to get a guy on that level of crazy but I would never resort to that! I mean Im not a prostitute! Eris went on dramatically. By then Mara and Caitlyn had noticed my snooping and were listening in too. Mara gasped looking utterly pissed and Caitlyn shook her head disbelievingly. You dont think she slept with them do you? the girl asked with surprise, Im not saying she did but how else do you explain it? But to hook-up with both of them in like a day after meeting them? How skanky are you? Eris exclaimed. Shes like the biggest slut in the entire school! Eris companion cried back. Mara moved towards the bathroom but I shook my head at her. Dont worry Eris is a lying cow no ones going to believe anything she has to say about me. I said loud enough for Eris and company to hear. god she really cant stand Rout and Satyr flirting with you.Mara replied as we walked away. She is such a bitch! I cannot believe she said that! Mara cried indignantly when she was sure that we wouldnt be overheard, Shes trying to ruin your reputation. Those rumours are probably going to spread like wildfire. Caitlyn said looking concerned. If you guys are sticking with me Ill be fine. I shrugged. Duh. Mara laughed

hooking her arm into the crook of mine. I think this calls for an all-girls coffee date, Im buying? Caitlyn offered hooking-in on my other side. Im in. Mara smiled, That sounds like the perfect cure! I agreed. Caitlyn, have you always been in our year? No offence but I dont remember seeing you around until you came to talk to Ray yesterday. Mara asked thoughtfully, No Ive always been in your year. Do you really not remember me? Caitlyn laughed, No I know that youve been at our school for as long as I can remember. I just havent really seen you around. Mara replied sounding a bit distant. I turned from the passengers seat to look at her in the back seat. I vote for Mugg and Bean, they do bottomless. Mara said smiling suddenly. Sounds good. Caitlyn replied. I shook off the weirdness of the moment ready to get in some quality girl time. In my previous school I had had two girlfriends whom I missed sorely. For the next hour Mara and Caitlyn filled me in on all of the gossip in S.B. (Steve Biko) High over coffee and half-slices of cake. They reported that Rout and Satyr had been fighting over Eris for as long as they could remember. Eris had always been queen bee and the rest of the school worshipped her. My arrival had thrown out every norm. After first break people had slowly started talking to me again despite Eris wishes. It seemed they werent all her sheep anymore. For the rest of the time Mara talked about Jarred and whether his behaviour meant that he liked her or hated her. I told her that he definitely liked her but that didnt seem to be what she wanted to hear. She made us dissect everything he did and said to her. Caitlyn was much better at it than I was so I gladly let her handle it. Hey dad! I brought supper, hope youre in the mood for Chinese. I called as I walked in. I was just about to start cooking. He called back from his study. I rolled my eyes but didnt comment. How was your day? I asked unpacking the food containers, Good, I worked up a storm. He said as he laid out plates and cutlery for us. Did you unpack the rest of your boxes? I asked, I was planning on doing that this weekend actually. He assured me. I laughed and he looked embarrassed. So whats our word for the day? I asked, Wiseacre. He said, I think Ive heard it around but Ive never really paid attention. What does it mean? I asked, It refers to someone who is self-assured to the point of being irritating even thought they

arent all that intelligent. It originated in the 16th century. My dad explained, Huh, I wouldnt have guessed that it was so old. I replied as we started eating. I could come up with someone to use it on. I muttered, Whos that? he asked. Eris. You wont believe what she did today! I exclaimed then launched into the story. Shes jealous and trying to isolate you. It didnt work though. Youve got some good friends. My dad answered. My dads optimism usually chaffed with my realism but I needed it at that moment. The worst part it she hates me for no reason! Ive never done a thing to her! I cried my anger flaring. Its not fair. I concluded. Honey you are smart, funny, beautiful and kind. If she had spent any time trying to get to know you she would have liked you just as much as your friends do. And they liked you so much that they stood up for you against the entire school. My dad smiled at me. I knew that it was true. Eris didnt have a problem with me; it was all her own thing. You always know what to say dad. I smiled getting up. Wed already finished so I rinsed the plates and loaded them in the dishwasher. Its a dad thing. Listen I know Ive been really in my own head for a while. He said. I stared at him confused, when hadnt he been in his own head? So I was thinking that we could eat out tomorrow and maybe go watch a movie? he asked. Okay, Ill book the tickets online. What do you want to see? I asked, Its fine Ill do it. He replied, I gave a good-natured laugh. No I really will this time. I swear on it! he said, Okay, I have fitness after school so Ill be home by 16:15. I answered. Perfect. He said disappearing into his sanctuary. I chatted to my friends from my previous school online as I always did before bed. The boyfriend that I had left behind, Chase was still arguing for a long-distance relationship. I explained, for the umpteenth time that I didnt think that it was a good idea. Christie and Alyssa, my best friends were still complaining about the suddenness of my move and the complacency I had accepted it with. Why exactly do you have to move? Christie asked from the three-way group chat that we were in. I told you, my dad needed to. I replied, I dont understand. Hes a home-based consultant; he works FROM HOME. He doesnt need to move for work. Christie said, You guys know that he wouldnt have made me move if he didnt need to. I said, Maybe he developed a gambling debt and hes trying to skip town. Alyssa

suggested true to her random nature. I dont think that moving from Johannesburg to Cape Town would throw anyone off. I said laughing. Maybe hes actually a secret agent of some sort and not an etymologist at all. Alyssa tried again. Or maybe he realised that I was being influenced by you two crack-pots and wanted to get me out before it was too late. I offered, Oh honey, its already too late for that. Christie said. Okay girls can we focus on some real problems now? I asked knowing from experience that they could blabber on forever if allowed. We have problems? Alyssa asked, Youre going to try and run away? Christie said almost simultaneously. Yes we have problems and no Im not running away! Where did that come from? I replied, My only problem right now is that youre not here! Christie explained. I think that Rays talking about the fact that Chase mopes around after us every minute of the day asking about her. Alyssa said obviously replying to Christie. Oh poor baby. It really is sweet. You should just try the longdistance thing. Christie replied, Not happening. I dont do long-distance. I answered. I agree with Ray, its pointless. Just because youre happily pre-engaged doesnt mean we all have to be. Alyssa said and I could imagine the irritable way she would mutter it. Jealousy makes you nasty. Fine what do you want us to do about the Chase issue? Christie asked, Try hook him up with Holly. Shes nice and I always thought that she had a thing for him. I suggested, I will take charge on that front. We all know that Alyssa is about as subtle as an atomic bomb. Christie said, I second that decision. Alyssa added. So, you never told us, how is SBH? Christie asked. I then gave them a summary of the entire fiasco. I totally know that chick Eris! Shes the leader of your schools Drum Majorettes team. We went to drummies camp together. Christie said, What exactly do you do on a drummies camp? Alyssa asked, Theres a huge competition on the weekend. You spend the entire weekend finishing up your routines for the competition. Christie explained, I was sure with a lot of indignation. Tee, I totally respect your sport but can we get back to the you-know-Eris thing? I asked, Right sorry. Yeah she pretty much sucks as a leader; her teams always scoring low on leadership. But for some reason all of her teammates like love her. And shes not even nice to them or in general. Christie explained. They give you points for

leadership? What exactly does a leader do in drummies? Alyssa said, Lyssa stop pushing her buttons! Its so weird that you said that. Everyone at school listens to her even the kids above our year. When she declared ignore-Ray-day everyone besides my friends joined in! I said, I know and shes really not that pretty but apparently she hooked up with like two guys over the camp weekend. Christie said. Wait, were the guys that she made out with from SBH? I asked. No one was a spectator from some other school and one of them was Samantha Hendersons brother. Thats how I found out about her skanky-ness. Christie said. That took some time to process. So Eris owned Rout and Satyr but she could go around kissing other guys? So are we coming around there this weekend to egg this chicks house or something? Alyssa offered, No, Im not sinking to her level. But you guys are definitely coming over. I said, Why is that always your approach? Alyssa asked but I knew that that was a rhetorical question. You realise that this isnt over, right? You may have won the battle when you let her know that you heard her in the bathroom but the wars far from over. She still going to spread that rumour, as the new kid you automatically have less credibility than she does. You need to be prepared for the whole lot of ugly thats going to be coming at you. Just be yourself and people will eventually realise what an awesome person you are. Christie suggested. And get her address so that we can attack her. Alyssa added. Thanks you guys. Ive got to go finish my homework. Dont forget my dad will be dropping by at 19:00. Love ya! I said, Love ya! Christie replied, <3 was all Alyssa could manage.