Connor just started at Anthony as he requested to talk with Kijani alone, making no effort to move. He watched as Anthony sat down next to Kijani. Wary. Although Anthony had perhaps given Connor the warning, the few moments that had probably saved Kijani's life, you could never be sure with him if it was for himself, or merely to gain something to hold over you. 

The last time Anthony had arranged something with Kijani, it had ended with him having to rescue her. Connor was going to make sure that didn't happen again. But the way she talked sent chills down his spine. Was he always going to have to worry that if he left her alone, she would try again. 

He didn't know he was going to speak before he did, his voice soft, as if he was afraid his words would crumble her further. "Sometimes I wonder how you can be so...blind to what's in front of you. No friends? Then what is John, who stood there taking the attack from the papers? Flood, as quirky as he is, he seems to respect you. Me. I would have noticed. What of you would have been missed? Everything. You're not nothing! Just because that old hag thinks you are, just because your parents are too stupid to see your worth, doesn't mean you are nothing. You're...fascinating. You've read star wars books, can quote them! You treasure your sword, because it was given to you by Thor, someone you respect and admire, who recognised your skill-which shows that you aren't mediocre, not by a long shot. You dance amazingly, even with a clumsy partner. You are not nothing" 

How many times could he say those? The answer came almost immediately. Until she believed them. After all, he was patient, determined. "You might not have the words for what everyone else is here, for our classmates. But I do. Family. You don't have to like everyone to be family. So who would have noticed? Everyone"

[center]***[/center]

As Pheobe returned, she managed a smile for Nicholas, and said "Sorry. uh. I know you have difficulty with emotions, Devika, and I didn't want to overwhelm you. More so then I imagine you are in the school. Um. That's half the truth really, and partly an excuse for being rude and walking off. Thank you for cheering Nick up. It's hard sometimes, realising and trying to figure out how to act like a big sister should...I never had much practice in the orphanage. In anycase, I'm glad Nick has someone like you in his life. I don't think whatever you said would have been as good coming from Me. I think he thinks I just say things sometimes to make him feel better, but I don't." She looked to Nicholas, and gave a smile. 

[center]Kalinda[/center]

Feeling better, Kalinda dropped to the ground, landing lightly. Figuring that she should eat, at least to keep her strength up, she started towards the cafeteria. She dodged people, some of which appeared to be grumbling about something, and annoyed at the ammount of people, she slid into the shadows, easily moving towards the line for food, appearing as she joined it, soon having gathered some food for herself, she looked about.