The rest of school flew by, especially after a pop quiz in World History that I was not prepared for. Once the quiz was complete the classroom got into a heated discussion about the Nazi regime’s use of propaganda during their rise to power. At one point I thought Zola and the resident know-it-all Scott were going to come to blows during their debate.

The final bell rang and everyone quickly began packing up, our history teacher shouting last-second reminders about our homework over the rustling of our notebooks and backpacks.

“Ugh, I swear that Scott just loves to argue,” Zola grumbled as she finished zipping up her bag. “It doesn’t matter if you agree with each other, he just has to be contrary.”

“You brought up good points though,” Casimir said. “Propaganda is a powerful tool that can greatly influence others, even the most well-meaning people.”

“Thank you,” Zola replied with a nod towards the new boy. “Glad someone got what I was trying to say.”

“Are you heading home now?” Casimir asked, looking at me.

I shot him a confused look, wondering if he wanted to return to the farm together as we hadn’t made any prior plans. “Ah, no, I have art club.”

“Oh, okay well then…” Casimir trailed off, thinking silently to himself.

“Do you need directions on how to get to the farm?” I asked as we began walking out the door. Sunita and Zola followed behind us, as they both had after-school classes as well.

“No, I know the way it’s just that,” he paused for a moment, scratching his head nervously, “I kinda promised Uncle George that I would escort you home since, well, you passed out earlier.”

I felt my face flush slightly. “Oh, you don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be fine.” My tone was a little harsher than I meant it to be which caused both Zola and Sunita to look a little shocked. I rushed ahead, embarrassed slightly by my words. I meant what I had said. I felt fine and I didn’t particularly need Casimir to follow me around like I was some frail maiden who might pass out at any moment. Today isn’t normal, I thought to myself. He doesn’t need to worry. I’ll be fine.

We had just come down the stairs and were heading through the first-floor hallway when we passed a group of girls near the lockers. They were consoling a young woman named Kelly, from the elite class, who was sobbing deeply.

“I’m so sorry Kelly.”

“I can’t believe he died, just like that.”

I couldn’t help staring at them as we passed but whipped my head forward when I heard they were talking about death. I felt ashamed for intruding on their moment. Once we were out of earshot, I turned to look over my shoulder at Zola, my face concerned but curious.

“What happened to Kelly? Who died?”

“Oh, man I forgot you went to the nurse's office and didn’t hear the news,” Zola mocked whispered. “It was her boyfriend Justin, he overdosed.”

Sunita nodded her head in agreement, her face mournful. “It was that new drug that has been going around.”

“New drug?” I asked as we exited the school and started on the path towards the clubrooms.

“Girl, where have you been?” Zola chided me, rolling her eyes as she did.

“We had that whole assembly on it, the local police came to talk to everyone,” Sunita piped in. She noticed Casimir was listening to her as well and became flustered, looking away.

“I might have slept through that one,” I admitted, embarrassed.

Zola laughed at my comment. “Well, you know, drugs are bad, don’t do drugs. Yada, yada. They call it Yellow Soul or something, which is the stupidest name I have ever heard.”

I was silent for a moment as I took in what my friends were telling me. I didn’t really know Kelly or Justin personally, but a death, especially an overdose, was a terrible event. I was sure she wouldn’t want to hear any condolences from me but I felt bad all the same.

I stopped at the fork in the path, pulling at the straps of my backpack as I did. Sunita let out a small sigh, staring off to the side.

“Well, I have to go to my lessons,” she prompted, edging slowly away.

“More lessons?” Casimir asked, looking down at the petite and shy young girl.

“Sunita has piano lessons after school,” I explained, gesturing towards the direction of the music building. I knew she would have trouble talking directly to Casimir so I hoped she wouldn’t mind me stepping in to explain. She shot me a grateful smile before looking back down at the floor.

“Wow, impressive,” Casimir noted, nodding slowly. He glanced over at Sunita, who still avoided his eyes.

“Not really,” Sunita murmured quietly. She was fiddling with her braid absentmindedly, one of her nervous habits.

“Don’t be modest,” Zola piped in, “she’s very good.” She leaned into Sunita, giving her a reassuring half hug. "And she better be, for how much she practices.”

“Zola,” Sunita muttered, embarrassed by her attention. She gave us all a nod and a wave before escaping down the path to the music annex. I myself was heading to the art club to get some painting done.

I eyed Casimir hesitantly. “Are you sure you want to wait?” I asked him, placing one hand on my hip.

Casimir nodded before he spoke. “I’ll explore the school grounds for a bit then meet you back at the art room?”

“I’ll be fine going home alone.”

“Better safe than sorry,” he smiled.

“Let the boy wait for you, Diana, jeez,” Zola said, slightly exasperated. “Come on Casper, I’ll show you the gardens.”

“It’s Casimir.”

“I like Casper better.”

I chuckled as I watched the pair head towards the greenhouses near the forest. They were already engaged deeply in conversation, I’m sure, exchanging movie facts.