Something Fishy

Friday morning, Evans High.

Being the early hours of the day, some distant noises and chattering can be heard. The echo from doors slamming, the echo from the voices of some cleaners who are still yet to be done with the first mopping of floors and staircases, the echo from the voice of one of the administrative staffs in charge, reprimanding and yelling at them, and the echo from punctual students who are talking and walking to class, trying to beat the timetable.

CARL: Huh? Isn't that Matilda, the high and mighty? How come she's hanging out with... Tyler? (He asks himself, seeing them both from the window of the math department, passing by)

"Carl, organize these books and return them to your class. I just graded your tests, tell your classmates that I'm unimpressed. You did great of course, but majority scored below half so I've decided that I'll be giving another test on Monday because I happen to be such a nice person and a great teacher"

CARL: Uhm... sure you are. Thanks!

"You may leave"

CARL: Okay sir, please excuse me. (Packing the books)

The senior library.

TYLER: Wow! Thanks! How did you...

MATILDA: Quiet! Someone might hear us. (Whispering)

It's no rumour that the walls have ears. This phrase is confirmed as Carl hears voices coming from the senior library, three doors away and a left turn from the math department.

CARL: Isn't that Tyler and... Matilda in there? (Surprised) What could they possibly be talking about? Should I eavesdrop? (Moving toward the library door) What if they're making out? Senior head cheerleader and freshman jock... I don't even wanna imagine. Come on Carl! You don't have to meddle in people's affairs. (Stopping himself, he turns around and leaves the hallway with the books he's carrying)

MATILDA: Now listen, the information in this envelope is classified, it's sealed as you can see which means I don't want you snooping around.

TYLER: I'm not an ingrate, okay? After what you did for me, I wouldn't do anything to go against your wish.

MATILDA: Good boy, we're gonna get along just fine (patting his cheek) Now here's your first assignment. You see this textbook? I took it from Anderson's bag the previous week. I'm gonna put the envelope in the book, all you have to do is make sure it gets to him, I don't care how.

TYLER: Is that all?

MATILDA: For now.

TYLER: Piece of cake!

MATILDA: As soon as the deed is done, beep me. You have my number.

TYLER: Yeahhh... I have your number. Wow.

Matilda rolls her eyes at the way he's reverencing her, she low key enjoys it so she lets it go on a little while longer even though she gets this look all the time.

MATILDA: Need a handkerchief for your drool, freshman?

TYLER: Uhm... what? No. I... errm... (clears throat) So where's his class? Describe his table.

As Matilda is done describing, the bell goes for the start of first period.

MATILDA: Make it snappy, it's first period already. He's a latecomer so you still got time.

Few minutes later. Matilda is at the lockers with her minions talking and sorting books from her own locker. A photo slips out and Matilda catches it before it falls.

"Why do you still keep this pic of you in a pink hair?"

"Yeah, you've had this pic in your locker since like forever. I totally dig the pink hair though, it's awesome"

MATILDA: Really?

"Of course, girl... you definitely need to rock that colour again"

MATILDA: Uhm... I'd... rather not. (She puts the photo back in her locker, looking distant for a moment before taking a deep breath)

She changes the topic and the conversation steers towards Tyler and her mission which he's helping her to carry out.

"Wait, you went to his office and photocopied the test answers to the freshmen's History test? How?"

MATILDA: Came to school at night and broke in using this. (Jingling a master key)

"But how did you get past the janitor?"

MATILDA: Really, Prudencia? The janitor is the least of my worries. I didn't even have to... (Her phone beeps and she checks it) Haha, attaboy!

"Why that smile?"

MATILDA: Look, Bella... 69 just completed his first assignment. Can't wait to make that stupid brat pay.

PRUDENCIA: She'd better watch her back because she has no idea what's coming.

MATILDA: She's got no clue at all.

(She slams her locker)