**Avery**
I spent the rest of the weekend in my room, unless we went to dinner. The Trio had the kitchen staff prepare a smorgasbord on Sunday night before June and Anton returned to their home. There was so much food, we could have fed the whole tribe. Yes, dragons eat a lot, but even this was overboard. Are The Trio trying to impress me? If so, why? Were they serious about wanting to be friends? Is this their way of showing it?
I don't have the time to ponder it right now. After finishing my shower, instead of letting my hair spiral out of control or putting it into a ponytail, I decided to do something different, because I felt different; so I might as well look different, too. I braided my hair. After securing it with a ribbon, I added a few fresh flowers in it, as well. Next, I put on the one pair of jeans I own, and paired them with a nice blouse. I looked at my reflection in the mirror; something was still missing. I grabbed a tube of lip gloss that Trisha had given me as a thank-you gift. It was the first gift I had ever received from a friend, and finished off the look quite nicely.
I made my way into the kitchen. I expected to see the kitchen staff laying out breakfast, but I was the only employee there. The Trio stood in front of the counter and the stove. "This can't be that hard. Avery does it every day," Cassius grumbled. Clint dumped a bowl of, what I assumed was batter, into the trash bin. "What the fuck are we doing wrong," he sighs in frustration, as Conner shrugs. "I am just happy I didn't have to regenerate a finger chopping all of this," he chuckled.
I thought for a moment about letting them continue to struggle, but I couldn't contain my desire to be useful and help. I grabbed my apron from the hook and put it on. Then I wedged myself between them, "Move over, and let a woman show you how it's done." I nervously bit my lip as I awaited their response.
"Then dazzle us," Cassius said, with a smile. When it is genuine, he does have a beautiful smile.
"Thank god. What am I doing wrong?" Clint asks.
I looked around and found the box of flour that they were using, "Are you making crepes or trying to make pancakes?"
"What in the hell are crepes?" Clint, his voice full of frustration, asked.
I laugh, "Thin pancakes."
"Who would want them like that? It wouldn't be filling at all," Clint huffs, while the others laugh, clearly amused.
I had them hand me what I needed, as I turned the crepe mix into pancake mix, by adding extra flour from the pantry. They watched me with a vested interest, because I am pretty sure they didn't even know the pantry was there. I am thankful I always tried to help out at the orphanage. It helped prepare me to be an adult. These boys have been catered to their whole lives. I don't think I could ever get used to this type of life. Even if I am unwanted, I still want to feel useful.
The Trio helped me finish making our huge breakfast and they kept putting stuff on my plate, too. I have never felt so full. They also kept glancing at me. It made me feel odd, but I liked it. At least they weren't yelling at me, or shoving me to clean up their mess. They even helped me rinse off our dishes, and put them into the huge dishwasher, before we headed to school. Conner offered to drive me and the others looked a bit jealous. I don't know why they would be, but I can't let it concern me. For once, I am looking forward to seeing The Hoity Hags.
Conner parks and he starts to come to open my door, "Wait. You go on ahead. I will be fine."
He looks at me. "I regret everything, just so you know. I am not dating Heidi anymore, either, even if she thinks that I am," he says, as he turns and walks toward the school.
I waited a few moments, then started slowly walking into the school. Jessica had her hands all over Cassius as he was trying to put his backpack into his locker. Just a few lockers away, both Lenore and Heidi were cuddled up to Clint, as he was getting a drink from the water fountain. Conner turned from his locker and nodded to mine. I know that it was repaired because it seemed fine on Friday. Why does he want me to look inside of it?
When I opened it, I gasped. Inside was a brand-new backpack. The books that were damaged had been replaced, a small bag hung on a hook, and there was a small bouquet of lilies and jasmine. There was a card that read; 'Accept what has changed. You are valued. You have also been exempt from Physical Education and that period has been replaced by a free one. Go enjoy a book. We know how much you like them, too.' There was no signature, but as I looked at each of The Trio, I was met with a sight of pink cheeks, a wink, and a sly smile. They did this; they did all of this for me.
It looks like they are serious about starting over too, and that made me smile, as I closed my locker. When I turned around, I saw shock in the eyes of the Hags. I turned around and opened my locker again. This time, I took out one of the flowers and kissed it, before I put it in my hair and walked past them. I could feel envy and rage waft off of them. I quite enjoyed it, and I reveled in the fact that their days are numbered. They will be punished for trying to kill me, and I cannot wait!