Deus Ex High

“Ah, cut her some slack Sarif!” Paul said, walking up behind the older man and slapping him on the back of his shoulder. “Malik is a good enough student. She can spare a class or so.” He explained casually. Sarif looked at him cautiously.

“I’m just trying to get it through to her that hard work will get her where she wants to go.” The Principal explained. Paul gave a laugh and shook his head.

“She’ll probably learn more about what she wants to do in the future from wherever she’s going now.” Paul smiled slyly. “She’ll be fine, as long as she’s back in class by Monday of course.” He explained, winking to the freshman. She quickly caught on to what Paul was getting at. She nodded feverishly towards the Principal.

“Of course, I’ll get all of my homework done over the weekend and be back bright and early Monday morning!” She confirmed hastily. Sarif raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic grin marking his lips.

“Will you now, Miss Malik?” He asked rhetorically. He turned to Paul. “I’ve never been one to obstruct someone’s personal development, but I think a student’s time is better spent inside a classroom instead of out having ‘adventures’…” The older man noted. He gave a troubled sigh. “But, if you really feel this is important…” He motioned to the worried teen. “And you’re willing to support her…” He motioned to the calm Paul. “Then I don’t think I want to stop her. Just promise me you won’t waste your Friday…” He said before starting his way back down the hall. 

“Mr. Denton, meet me in my office in a few minutes. As I recall you have some explaining to do about those trouble makers that’ve been shaking down our students during the recreational period.” He ordered, finally stepping out of earshot. Faridah looked to Paul with a slight gleam in her eyes.

“Thanks for the save Denton.” She said with genuine honesty. Paul couldn’t help but note the small pang of shame he felt in her voice. He smiled warmly and punched her on the shoulder.

“Just remember, I can’t keep bailing you and your friends out whenever Mr. Sarif decides to come down on you guys.” He remarked. Malik smiled and began to walk away. Paul quickly halted her escape just as her ‘good-bye’ exited her lips. “I also won’t be able to cover for you when my little brother decides to ask you to the dance next week.” He stated casually, a mocking smile growing on his lips. Faridah froze in her tracks.

“H-he’s… gonna…. He’s going to ask me… out…?” She asked, a mix of worry, joy and anxiety filling her voice. Paul tried to cover his chuckle, but failed miserably.

“I’m not 100% on that, but I think he will. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. I know for sure that it’s crossed his mind at least once or twice.” She rubbed her shoulder as Paul continued, biting her lip nervously.

“It’s just that I…. he… we just….” She stuttered. Paul gave her left cheek a light slap with his right hand.

“Hey, focus Malik. Proper sentences will get you much further in life.” He joshed. Faridah shook her head.

“Oh… okay…. Thanks Paul…. For everything…. Now if you excuse me, I have a stunt show to get to…” She said, forcefully excusing herself. Then, just under her breath she said, “…pickupsomemakeupmaybe…” Paul just laughed as she made her way out of the school. He shook his head.

“Heh, Freshmen…” He sighed happily, remembering his times as a younger teen. He then started off towards the Principal’s office. “Now, how do I convince Mr. Sarif that the Nexus Soul Fighters aren’t responsible for all of this commotion during rec time…?”