Chapter 3: " Meeting(2)
The girl halted her steps, scanned the hall, and headed towards the only seat beside River. She sat down, smiled, and nodded as a greeting. River, who was mesmerized and nervous as the girl approached, came back to her senses and smiled back. "Let's move on," the teacher's voice was heard.
The girl also brought out a well-built translator and a pink notepad. River gasped at the sight of the translator - there were only five of them in the world. Who could this girl be? River became more nervous. She breathed in and continued to listen to the teacher; she had to understand it at all costs. The girl would point out her mistakes and correct them. River would nod in gratitude.
Finally, the class ended, and the teacher left. The hall became noisy again. River noticed people heading her way but stopping to talk to the girl instead. "I like your dress, girl," a pink-haired skinny girl complimented with a big smile. Others joined in, and River muttered,
"Bunch of liars." She didn't realize she said it loud until she felt stares on her. Turning, she saw the people around staring at her, while her idol watched expressionless. "Oh shit, did she think I meant she was ugly?" River thought, worry showing on her face.
Before River could explain, the skinny girl, Tasha, blurted out, "You ugly thing, do you think you can hold even her shoes?" Her idol's voice intervened, "That's enough, Tasha." When Tasha didn't move, her idol raised her voice, "Tasha, leave!" Tasha stomped her feet, threatening River before angrily departing.
Her idol gestured towards the door, saying, "What are you all staring at? It's closing." The room emptied, and River approached her idol. "I didn't mean to say you're ugly. I meant they were liars trying to get to your good side," River explained. Her idol's response cut through her, "And you think you're any better?" River's heart sank, the words stinging more than she expected.
The girl's expression softened slightly, and she apologized, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.River forced a smile, It's fine." As River packed her stuff, her idol pointed at her old-fashioned translator, asking, "What's this?" River felt embarrassed, having hidden it earlier due to feeling inferior with her idol's high-end translator. "It's a translator," River said, looking away.