Sidney sat in her room for the rest of lunch while eating what was left on her tray before the whole accident, while studying for her GED tests on the laptop Headmistress Devona had given her.

Yasmin, with Amelia at her heels, entered the dorm room right after lunch had finished. "Hi Sidney," She sat down on Sidney's bed giving her a soft look. "How are you doing? Is it feeling better? All these colorful band-aids don't seem that comfortable."

Sidney closed the laptop so that her friends couldn't see what she was doing but nonchalantly, gave a heavy sigh. "The pain medication kicked in so I don't feel much but dull throbbing when I move. That's probably just my nerves." She replied, throwing her friends a faint smile.

Amelia stood behind Yasmin, lacing her fingers together and keeping them behind her back. "Witty told us everything. We will help you after social graces classes and Yasmin will let us borrow her notes. Just focus on resting and not moving." She reminded Sidney with an amused smile.

Yasmin nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. "Yes, I'll give you my notes. I mean, it is just one class and I don't think there is much to learn in social graces the first few weeks." She said, shrugging her shoulders and standing up.

"Thanks, Yasmin," Sidney smiled politely, glad that Yasmin would give her her note so she could stay caught up. "It means a lot." It was true. It did mean a lot to her that she had friends here who had her back.

Yasmin exchanged looks with Amelia before turning her attention back to Sidney. "Headmistress Devona asked everyone if anyone spilled their water but no one said anything . . . so, everyone says it's an accident."

Sidney frowned. Yasmin was making it sound like someone had done it on purpose since her tone was doubtful. "Yas, it's not that big of a deal. Anyone could have slipped on it. It just so happened to be me. It could have been you." She said, combing her fingers through her hair.

Yasmin crossed her arms and frowned, clearly not as persuaded as everyone else was. "How coincidental it happened to be by our table, though. Besides, Thea was getting angry at Dree, and if I would put two and two together -"

Amelia cut Yasmin off faster than anyone thought possible. "Don't make assumptions! They are always arguing with each other. In politics and diplomacy class, they were going at it and Mr. Gong had to interrupt the two and sit them on opposite ends of the classroom."

Yasmin frowned, not too pleased that Amelia had cut her off and defended Thea and Dree. "Look, it's not too far-fetched with the other stunts they pulled, and we all know that it was either Dree or Thea who tripped Sidney."

Sidney's eyes went wide. 'How did she figure that out? I never said anything and I'm positive neither would Thea or Dree.' She thought to herself as she tried to calm herself down. "Yasmin, I said it was an accident."

Yasmin turned her head towards Sidney, furrowing her brows with a skeptical expression painted on her face. "You say that but I know for certain that they had something to do with it. Whether you want to admit it or not." She snapped, then recoiled at her harsh tone. "Sorry,"

Sidney reached her hand out and lightly tapped Yasmin's shoulder with the back of her hand. "I know you're wrapped up in all that, but we should first just focus on our classes and learning so we can graduate. Whatever happens is best not to allow it to fester and just deal with it." 

Amelia nodded her head eagerly, a smile growing on her lips. "Sidney is right. No matter what they do to us we will not allow it to affect us or retaliate. We will treat them with kindness until we need to stand up for ourselves then we will but not with violence." She exclaimed, her voice peppy.

There was a soft knock at the door, and Sidney perked up when she heard the knock. "Do I have another visitor?" She asked, looking over at her two friends, who were just getting ready to leave. 

Amelia placed her hand on the knob and turned it, pulling the door open. There at the foot of the door was a package, which she picked up. "It looks like this package is from," She paused reading the sent address. "Your little sister, Missy." She held out the package to Sidney.

Sidney smiled and took the box, taking off the tape and opening it up. Inside was a bag of Molly's Mom, Susan's chocolate chip cookies, a letter from Missy, her fluffy security blanket, and a white stuffed owl.

"This is just what is needed." She smiled fondly at the items that were in the box that was now on her bed.

She carefully opened up the letter. She gently pulled up the cute shiny yellow smiley face sticker since Missy didn't like to lick the envelope.

She unfolded the letter and read it out loud so her friends could hear.

"Hi, Sidney,

How have you been doing? I know it hasn't been but a few days since you left but I miss you a lot. Mama and Papa didn't want me to bother you so soon but I had Molly's help to send this to you secretly. 
Don't tell them, it's our little secret.
It is weird going to bed and waking up without you here. I keep dashing to your room and jumping on your bed only to realize you're not there. It's going to take some time to get used to you not being here. 
Mama's okay and so is Papa, although he is a little crankier than usual. 
Molly also says hi and so do Mr. Preston and Mrs. Susan. 
She made some cookies for you and your friends if you have made any. I hope you do because you need more friends, Molly agrees with me.
Molly also said that your boss is gushing about you to everyone and is cheering you on. She says it's embarrassing. People mistake you for his daughter when he's not married with how he talks about you. It's weird. 
Please keep me in the loop with everything! I want to know what happens. I am so proud of you, we all are. 
I love you so much.
Love Missy." 

Sidney ended the letter, feeling her heart swell at the words her sister had written. "Oh Missy," Her heart was once again heavy, missing her family more than she ever had before.

Amelia cooed with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Aww, your sister is such a sweetie." She then turned curious, letting her dreamy expression fade.

She opened the paper bag with the cookies inside. "Do you want some cookies? She made a lot so there is enough for a few days. Also, Witty, Michael, and Nate will get some when I see them later." 

Amelia nodded and took a cookie, biting into it. "Hmm, so many chocolate chips. I haven't had one of these since the plane ride here." She murmured, closing her eyes and enjoying the cookie. 

Yasmin smiled at her, looked at her watch and nudged her friend. "Not right now, thanks anyway. But, Amelia, we must get to our next class early so we can get a good seat. We love you, Sidney. Take care and we will get you later." She said, walking towards the door and placing her hands on the doorknob.

Sidney nodded and waved. She was going to miss the company. "All right. Tonight please catch me up on what I missed." She said, then there was a knock at the door causing her to tilt her head. "I wonder who that is." 

Yasmin opened the door and was surprised to see Darius since he should be on his way to his next class. "Oh, Darius, hello. Amelia and I were just leaving but Sidney is staying for a bit." She said, grabbing Amelia and dragging her out.

Darius left the door open and stepped inside, watching the two girls scurry down the hall. 'What's up with them?' He asked himself, turning to Sidney, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Hey, how are you doing?" He asked shyly as he walked up to her, letting his eyes scan the bandaids on her hands, arms, and legs. 

"I am doing a bit better than I was. I had taken some medicine for the pain and it is just dull right now so I don't feel much." Sidney replied, holding out the bag of cookies. "Want one? My friend's mom made them for me and my friends."

Darius smiled as he accepted a cookie she had offered from the back. "Thanks." He said as he took a bite from it. "I am glad to hear you are doing better." He flashed a smile then his expression turned somber. "You're probably wondering why I wasn't in the cafeteria. I was running late, my teacher needed me to stay a bit after class to help him. When I arrived, Headmistress Devona was leaving and I was told what happened by Thea."

Sidney took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "She kinda freaked out that I broke her mother's vase. It could have been anyone who slipped but it just so happened to be me," She softly said looking at her fingers and playing with them.

Darius finished off his cookie before dusting off his hands on his pants. "She did?" He inquired, face twisting into bewilderment. That didn't seem like the Thea he knew. "I'm sure she'll apologize."

Sidney didn't glance up because she couldn't look him in the eye with the uncomfortableness she felt inside her whenever he defended Thea. "Maybe," She mumbled, pushing her hair behind her ear. "Darius?"

Darius tilted his head to the side, scooting a little closer. "Yes, Sidney." He replied a bit skeptical and nervous. "What is it?"

Sidney took a deep breath and blurted it out without even thinking. "Why are you taking time out to get ready for your next class to come and visit me?" She asked without hesitation, chewing on the inside of her lip.

Darius placed his hands on his knees and looked down at the floor. "Because you aren't wowed by the royal life or want anything from me." He shyly replies, feeling his cheeks grow red. "I am your friend, right? This is what friends do. They check up on each other." 

Sidney smiled faintly at what he said before slouching a little down in the bed. "Yes, we're friends, Darius." She tried to fight the blush that was growing on her cheeks. "Ever since I came here I have made many friends, which is more than I have back home." 

Darius gave an amusing smile at what she had said. "You're telling me you had no friends before this?" He inquired lightheartedly, running a hand through his hair and then resting his hands on his thighs.

Sidney's cheeks flushed a little pink and shook her head. "I have a friend, her name is Molly. We have known each other since kindergarten and she helped me get a job since she's good with smooth-talking people. I have no idea what I would do without her." 

Darius was glad she had a friend. "I was teasing," He lightly said, clarifying what he said so she didn't take it the wrong way. "Molly sounds like a nice person. The people who you choose to surround yourself with say a lot about a person. Although that isn't always the case." He mused, recalling his view of Thea and then Dree.

Sidney disagreed and faintly shook her head at his words. 'It is always the case. He may see good in Thea but she's awful, just as awful as Dree. Dree brings out the worst in people and Thea has a lot of worst in her.' She thought to herself, looking down at her lap.

Darius noticed she had fallen silent. 'Was it something I said?' He asked himself, guilt twisting up in his stomach. 'It must have been because of what I said about Thea . . .' He trailed his thoughts off and cleared his throat. "So, who sent you the care package?"

Sidney slowly lifted her head and met his striking eyes. It took a moment for her brain to register what he asked. "Oh," When it dawned on her her eyes went wide as saucers. "My little sister, Missy." She replied, her eyes lighting up.

Darius noted her eyes lit up when she spoke about her sister. "She must miss you a lot." He tenderly asked, resting his hand on the bed and leaning his weight onto it.

Sidney nodded, and her heart grew heavy as she thought about Missy, about her parents. "I miss them just as much as they do. I've never been away from them this long and it's hard. I know it will get easier with time, I just wish it was sooner rather than later."

Darius felt sympathy for her, seeing her torn on her feelings about being here and being away from her family. "You can call them on the weekends and talk to them via video chat in the computer room." He suggested, offering her a smile.

Sidney's eyes slowly met his as she nodded her head. "I know. I've been told that quite a few times. I do have plans too, I just -" She cut herself off. She wasn't about to tell Darius she didn't want to feel desperate. "I just have a lot to do and study to catch up so I have to prioritize and figure out a schedule."

Darius quirked an eyebrow, realizing that she was going to say something entirely different than she just had. "That's understandable," He passively replied. "The first week is always like that. I think it's good to figure out what schedule works for you so you aren't wasting any time and can keep organized."

Sidney was relieved he hadn't caught onto her little slip-up. "Exactly. It might take a few weeks before I get into the swing of things but I'll get there." She flashed a smile to show she was confident. 
 
Darius glanced at his watch and slowly stood up. "I better get to class. I didn't realize the time had passed so quickly. I do hope you get better Sidney. If you need anything please let me know so that I can help you." He walked towards the door and glanced back at her.

Sidney gave a small wave, watching him leave. "Thanks!" She pulled her laptop onto her lap and opened it up.

She pulled up the curriculum she was learning from and started to study.

〰❦〰

The end of social graces class was nearing and Sidney had managed to get a lot of her studying done for her GED.

She was surprised she had gotten through two days of work within an hour. It wasn't as hard as she had thought it would be.

Her attention was turned towards the door when there was a soft knock on it. "It's open." She called the person on the other side, closing her laptop and setting it on her nightstand beside her.

Headmistress Devona walked into the room and left it ajar just a bit. "How are you doing, Sidney? Any better than when I last saw you?" She asked sympathetically, genuine concern also laced her voice.

Sidney pushed herself up on her bed, rubbing her eyes. "A little bit better than when it happened. The pain is a bit dulled but a few of them are throbbing and I hope I can walk after social graces class." She replied, running her hand through her hair.             

Devona shifted Sidney's books for her next class into her other arm as she listened to the girl. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's hope this is the last time something happens like this, even if it was a mere accident." She offered an encouraging smile to Sidney.

Sidney felt a bit better with Devona's kind words. 'That was so nice of her. I would have never thought that the Headmistress of the most prestigious academy for royalty and nobility would be this kind to someone like me.' She felt warm, touched by her kindness.

Devona continued speaking to Sidney as she ran her fingers over the top of the books. "I also came here to escort you to class if you do not mind." She offered knowing it was the least she could do. "I did gather your books if that is okay with you. I didn't exactly want to intrude on your locker but I didn't think you'd be up to walking to them to gather your books."

Sidney nodded slowly, getting to her feet and holding onto Devona's arm for support. "Thank you so much, Headmistress Devona, it means a lot." She meant those words. More than Devona would ever know.

Devona helped her down the hallway and smiled. "It is never a problem, Sidney. I'm always happy to help my students, especially scholarship winners such as yourself." She smiled gently as Sidney closed the door behind her.

Sidney nodded as she followed beside Devona. She noticed her legs didn't hurt as much as they did but her palms, she would have a pickle trying to take notes. "Do you have any tips on how to take notes?" She asked, motioning to her hands.

Devona glanced down at Sidney's hands and thought about it for a moment. "You can record the whole lesson and write the notes later. You can ask Mrs. Carmella Devenxou if you can borrow a spare tape recorder."

"They have spare tape recorders?" Sidney inquired, her voice curious and her expression puzzled. 

Devona gave a short laugh. "Yes. They are often given out to students who need them such as the visually impaired and those who aren't fluent in English that need to look up the words later for definitions."

Sidney nodded slowly, making a mental note. That would help her out greatly. "Thanks, I will be sure to ask when I get there." She flashed a smile as they continued down the hall towards her next class in silence.

〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰

A/N: 
Wow, so I'm kinda on a roll. 
Anyways, I am taking advantage of wattpad's scheduled posting so I won't forget to post a chapter. I can't wait until it comes to the app because I will be using it for all my books.

Chapter Talk:
Dree is a little snake. And don't worry, Thea is going to do her own thing but hers isn't going to be blatant attacks like Dree MO, hers is going to be worse. Hehe.

Thanks for reading!