Argh!
Food went flying as they tumbled to the ground.
Georgia had more strength than Sylvie expected. Like a mad cat charging out of the bath, nails clawed, legs twisted in the air.
“Fight! Fight!” the horde chanted.
Sylvie pried Georgia’s hands away. “Maybe you thought a pretty outfit would cover up your personality. But no matter how you dress, it’s still ugly.”
“Sylvie Jones and Georgia Shaw!” Kitty pulled them apart. “Never in all my years have I seen such appalling behavior.”
Even though Sylvie was in trouble, she couldn’t help but feel pleased with herself. She’d found Georgia’s weak spot. The look on her face said it all—Sylvie’s words had stung.
Kitty adjusted the Rocket Pet carrier strapped to her back. Two familiar, fuzzy faces peered out from an oval window as Kitty fixed her gaze on the girls. It was a stare that had clearly been perfected through years of dealing with squabbling kids. “Someone could’ve been seriously injured. It’s a good thing I was coming to fetch you kids to introduce you to Flora.”
Kitty gestured toward a girl standing next to her. A badge with the wordMENTORwas pinned to her perfectly pressed chef’s coat. She brushed an ebony lock of hair off her cheek. Her skin was as smooth and dark as a black pearl. She was quite pretty, despite the look of disgust now distorting her features.
Flora shook her head. “That was like watching donkeys fighting over a turnip.”
One of the cats inside the carrier seemed to meow in agreement.
“Now, explain yourselves,” said Kitty. “Who would like to go first?”
Georgia grabbed a napkin, blotting at the holes. “Sylvie threw concentration cream all over my shirt.”
“No, I didn’t,” said Sylvie. “I mean, I didn’t throw anything. I fell and landed on her donut.”
Georgia paused, the napkin still in hand. “She was trying to prove a point.”
“Oh yeah? What was it?” Sylvie eyed the silk and lace on Georgia’s shirt. “That you shouldn’t wear designer clothes to a cooking school?”
“My shirt isn’t designer, and it’s not about fashion.” Georgia side-eyed her. “It was a gift from my dad.”
The remark caught Sylvie off guard. “I-it really was an accident.”
Kids were now staring at Sylvie as if she’d poisoned the family pet.
Kitty pressed her hands against her hips. “Regardless of your intentions, fighting is against school rules, as I’m sure you are both aware. Detention. Expulsion. These are the punishments you two could be facing!”
Georgia looked like she was ready to cry.
Sylvie couldn’t help but wonder if she was faking it. She glanced down at Georgia’s bag, where the phone was hidden. If Kitty found out Georgia was using a phone, it might be enough to get rid of her. But Sylvie wasn’t a rat, and Georgia seemed to realize it. She’d called her bluff when Sylvie had threatened to tell Godard. Plus, Georgia now had something she needed.
“I … tripped.” Sylvie pointed to her loose shoelace. “That’s when I landed on Georgia’s donut. I tried to wipe the cream off, but my watch got tangled in Georgia’s hair. It may have looked like we were fighting, but really, we were just trying to get loose.”
Flora let out a doubtful snort.
Kitty raised a brow. “Georgia, is this true?”
“Umm … yes.” Georgia smiled sweetly. “I think it was all … a misunderstanding.”
Sylvie took a deep breath. She knew never to tell a lie that could easily be fact-checked. Luckily, Georgia was playing along.
Kitty looked around. “Does anyone here wish to tell me what really happened?”
Adara sucked in her lips. Big Shawn stared at his feet.
“I see.” Kitty shook her head. “Well, in that case, I suppose I have no choice but to take you two at your word.” She turned to Sylvie. “Your nine lives might have saved you today, but I expect more from you if you’re going to survive this program.”
