Who: Savannah and Maizie Where: Savannah's office What: mending fences and actually communicating When: 9/8, early afternoon
Savannah wanted to see her. Actually it was a lot like being called to the principal's office, Maizie reflected, as she re-read the text message she'd just received. And nothing good ever followed when that happened, at least not for her. Maybe some kids went to see the principal for good things, to receive a reward or something, but the only thing Maizie had ever received was detention.
With a sigh, she sent a reply and tucked her phone into her pocket again. Then she began to pack her stuff into her knapsack so she could head back. For most of the day, Maizie had been holed up in a corner of the Atrium, listening to the iPod Ezra had found her (it was mostly classic rock, with random songs from other genres thrown in for flavor) and reading Dad's copy of American Gods. It was a pretty good way to pass a little time, better than hanging around the Oval Office anyway, which -- aside from when Liv was there -- felt so weird anymore. She and Savannah had managed to keep from fighting in the days since their big argument, but their conversations were all short, tense, and filled with awkward silences. Maizie hated it, and stayed away as much as possible.
So what could Savannah be summoning her about now? A quick mental review of everything Maizie had done lately didn't reveal any hints. She'd been on her best behavior, afraid of messing up again. Most of the time she could hold onto that belief that she was still important to the people in her life even without Dad, but Savannah was different. Maizie just couldn't see it.
Her steps slowed as she got closer to Savannah's office, trying to delay the inevitable. She still found herself arriving sooner than she was ready. Taking a deep breath, Maizie stepped inside, knocking on the door jamb with one hand. "You wanted to see me?"