The evening passed slowly, with light conversations and occasional laughter, while Roccia seemed more and more immersed in what she was doing. I knew that this moment meant a lot to her and, as the hours passed, I felt happy to have helped her find her confidence again.
When I finally said goodbye, I wished her luck and saw Roccia with a satisfied smile on her face. It was good to see that she seemed calmer and more confident. I was sure that the next day she would be ready to face whatever came her way.
***
[Sid's POV]
As usual, I arrived at school before everyone else. I sat down and rested my head on my crossed arms on the desk, waiting silently for the lesson to start.
After a few minutes, the room gradually filled up. The murmur of conversation grew louder as the students arrived and settled into their seats. The day took its course, with some actually paying attention in class, while others eagerly awaited the long-awaited moment of Valentine's Day chocolate.
***
When the lesson ended, I remained where I was, my head still resting on my arms. It was then that I felt someone approaching. I looked up slowly, curious to see who it was, and saw Roccia standing right in front of me.
She was holding a bag full of cookies and chocolates. Her face was slightly flushed, but her eyes remained fixed on mine. Before I could say anything, Roccia held out her hand, handing me the package.
“This is to thank you for the help you gave me on Friday.”
I was surprised for a moment, but then thanked her with a brief smile.
“Thank you.”
As soon as I took the package, under the gazes of everyone in the room, I noticed at a glance that Roccia's fingers were covered in bandages.
“I see you've decided to take my advice.”
I commented, keeping my face neutral as I looked at Roccia.
Upon hearing my words, Roccia stared at me uncomprehendingly, but when she looked down at her hands, she soon understood what I meant.
Embarrassed, I noticed Roccia trying to hide her hands. However, before she could say anything, Mira, who had witnessed the scene, interrupted her.
With the little I already knew of Mira; I already had an idea of what she was going to say.
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“What about that chocolate, Roccia? Is it really just friendship, or...?”
Mira teased; her voice full of irony.
Just as Mira was about to finish her teasing, Roccia interrupted her, just as she herself had done a few seconds earlier.
Roccia seemed completely out of it, and immediately tried to defend herself, but her voice was wavering. She looked at Mira with slightly wide eyes, as if trying to think of something that would make her look more convincing.
“Yes, do you have a problem with wanting to thank someone for their help?”
Roccia asked, slightly embarrassed, unable to hide the blush forming on her face.
Even with her explanation, Mira didn't seem to believe her. She tilted her head slightly, flashing that sarcastic smile that only those closest to her recognized. However, before she could say or comment on anything, she was interrupted by Carlotta.
“Do you have anyone special you're giving chocolate to today?”
Carlotta asked, letting out a brief smile as she tried to hide her curiosity. Her effort not to seem intrusive was evident, but her gaze denounced her desire to know.
Carlotta's question seemed to have disconcerted Roccia, and the proof of this was the blush on her face, which intensified even more.
“I... I have.”
Roccia replied, with a forced, nervous smile on her face.
“It's in my bag. I'll give it to the person after class.”
As soon as she heard what Roccia said, Carlotta almost exploded with curiosity, but managed to contain herself.
“Who is it? Someone from school? Someone we know?”
Carlotta fired off one question after another, unable to hide her curiosity in wanting to find out who Roccia was going to deliver the chocolate to.
I noticed Roccia cringe with embarrassment at every question Carlotta asked. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, as if trying to find the right answer to escape the barrage of questions. However, before she could say anything, the classroom door opened with a bang and the PE teacher walked in. It was impossible not to notice the relief on Roccia's face at the sight of her teacher.
The teacher, a sturdy woman with short hair and an attentive gaze, looked seriously at the class. With a posture full of authority, she said:
“Well, it looks like recess is over. Everyone on the court, let's start the warm-up. Now!”
With a firm tone, Regina gave the order.
Roccia took advantage of the distraction to get up quickly and walk towards the door, trying to avoid any more glances from Carlotta and Mira. She seemed grateful for the interruption.
Carlotta, with the expression of someone who still had more questions, turned to Mira, without taking her eyes off Roccia.
“Let's find out who it is, shall we?”
With a whisper, Carlotta looked at Mira.
Mira, noticing Carlotta's curious gaze, gave her an enigmatic smile and, before heading for the court, whispered:
“Calm down, Carlotta. You'll soon find out who it is. I already know, but I'll let Roccia sort it out in her own time.”
Carlotta frowned, curious, but didn't have time to ask any more questions, as Regina, with her implacable gaze, ordered everyone to hurry.
“Come on, everyone! I haven't got all day!”
Regina said, making everyone hurry towards the court.
As everyone hurried towards the court, I caught a glimpse of Roccia putting the chocolate under her desk, probably afraid that she might break it during the lesson.
***
The first few minutes of the warm-up passed slowly, with Regina setting the pace.
“Run around the court, no rolling! Come on, show some energy!”
Regina said, without looking away from the students.
After almost an hour of everyone playing volleyball, without being able to use a shred of magic, the torture was finally over. At least for them, since I was just watching from the stands. From what little I could see, Roccia might have been one of the shortest in the school, but she made up for it with her competitive spirit.