CHAPTER NINE

As she reviewed the students' files, a knock at the door broke her concentration.

She looked up and said, "Come in, please."

Claudia entered, visibly trembling.

Sensing her distress, Anna quickly moved to her side. "What's wrong, Claudia?" she asked with concern.

Claudia sat down and quietly said, "Can I just stay here with you?"

Surprised by the request, Anna replied, "Of course.

Are you okay? Talk to me, Claudia."

"I don't trust our group anymore," Claudia confessed.

"The F4 group? Why not?" Anna asked, curious.

"Since our friend died, Anita has completely pulled away," Claudia explained.

"Why do you think that is?" Anna asked."I'm not sure. She hardly talks to us like she used to," Claudia said.

"...Maybe she's still grieving for Justina," Anna suggested.

"I know, but it feels like more than grief. It feels like she hates us," Claudia said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"What makes you think that?" Anna inquired gently.

"She switched seats and is now sitting with Sophia," Claudia pointed out.

"I just think you should give her some time."

"I was best friends with Anita before Justina and Dennis got involved. Is she really grieving, or is she holding a grudge against me?"

"Have you done anything to upset her recently?"

"Not really."Anna searched Claudia's restless eyes.

It was clear that there was tension between those F4 girls.

Anna hugged her. "Just give her some time. I'm sure you'll all be fine. She's just grieving over the loss."

Anna comforted Claudia until she calmed down.

As Claudia left the office, Anna, still worried, decided to leave too.

During the break, Anna used the time to check on the students, as it wasn't a school hour.

She spotted Anita sitting under the mango tree, the same spot where Anna used to sit those days when she recently lost her father.

Anna joined Anita, who seemed lost in thought.

Gently touching her shoulder, Anna asked, "Are you okay, Anita?"

Startled, Anita replied, "When did you get here, ma'am?"

"One minute and fifty-two seconds ago," Anna said with a smile, and they both laughed.

Sitting on a bamboo chair, Anna began, "Claudia came to see me today".

"She did? What did she say?" Anita's fear was evident.

Anna looked at her steadily. "She thinks you might be holding a grudge against her."

Anita chuckled. "Really? She said that?"

Anna nodded, her expression questioning. "Is there a reason you haven't talked to me about this?"

Just as Anita was about to speak, she noticed some her classmates entering the classroom. "It's time for class."

Anna glanced at her wristwatch. "No, it's not one o'clock yet."

"Sometimes the head boy and class captain organize quick lessons on equations. Most of us find their lessons easier to understand than our lazy Maths teachers."

Anita stood up. "The only reason I haven't confided in you is because I want to protect my friend."

"Which friend?"

"Justina."

"But... Justina is dead..."

Joseph hurried over. "Anita, we've already started working on the equations," he informed her.

Anita followed him inside.