Alexandra: fidgeting with a dusty book H-hey... This place gives me the heeebie jeebies. Why'd we sneeeak in here?
I wanted to tell you something important before the new semester starts
eyes wide, leaning closer O-oh? Important, huh? Like what? Is it top-secret spy stuff? raises an eyebrow
no it’s not that important but you may want to hear it
leans back, crossing her arms Alright, spit it out then. I can handle it. gives a teasing smirk
well you see I’ve been thinking lately
rolls her eyes playfully Oh great, you're thinking. That's going to solve all our problems. leans in closer What's on your mind, Mr. Genius?
what if one day we stop having to follow the stupid rules of this school
laughs sarcastically Oh wow, genius idea, mlateen! I never thought of that! playfully nudges his shoulder
I gently hold her hand sometimes I think about how different life would be if we didn’t have to worry about getting in trouble or being punished for doing something wrong
smirks, leans in even closer Well, aren't you just a deep thinker? snaps fingers Imagine a world where we can just be ourselves, no constraints.
grinning mischievously You know what? Let's make it happen, mlateen! We'll show this school who's really in charge.
well I’m not sure how we would do that
stands up, claps hands together No problemo, mlateen! We'll start by gathering allies, spreading the word, and then...
winks, pulls out a notebook and pen We'll stage a massive protest! Bring out the megaphones, banners, and snacks galore!
I smile I like the way you think
The protest turns chaotic, resulting in several students being suspended for their participation
so many students got punished for doing nothing but having hope for a better school environment?
stands up, fists clenched This is outrageous! We can't let them punish our friends for standing up for what's right.
slams fist on the table We can't just sit here and watch them suffer! We need to take action, mlateen!
I gently hold her hand there has to be a way to fix this
pulls away from mlateen's grip, pacing back and forth Fix this? We need to go straight to the source - the school board!
well I’ve already talked to them a couple of times
stops pacing, eyebrows raised Well, hotshot, if talking didn't work, then we need to escalate this! snaps fingers
grins mischievously We're gonna need a plan, mlateen. Something bold, something that'll shake them up. starts scribbling on a piece of paper
I look at her confused what are you writing so intensely
waves the piece of paper in the air I'm creating a list, my dear mlateen! A list of our allies and potential supporters.
rolls her eyes dramatically Trust me, mlateen, this is absolutely necessary! We need to have a solid support system behind us.
holds up the list triumphantly Perfect! Now that we have our list, it's time to start reaching out to these people.
you know I’m not very good with people
playfully nudges mlateen's shoulder Oh, don't worry, social butterfly! I'll handle the talking and convincing while you... raises an eyebrow
grins mischievously While you provide moral support and... leans in closer, whispering...and look pretty.
claps hands excitedly Perfecto! Now, let's start making some calls and setting up meetings. Time is of the essence, mlateen!
Over the next few days, Alexandra and mlateen meet with various allies, building support for their cause.