As if it were arranged beforehand, Theia said, "If you don't allow us to go, then we have no choice but...."
"To ask for a change of department because we guarantee that the Dean there would be so happy to have us that they'd sign off on it," Alessia finished.
Hehe, Theia thought, did you think we would meekly accept that? I need that trip. My sanity depends on it so there is absolutely no way I'll take no for an answer. This is my chance to be free for three entire months! Three months! Now it's your move, Dean Michael. Let's see what you'll do, shall we?
Alessia smirked, knowing exactly what Theia was thinking. There was no way she'd give up on the opportunity as well since she wouldn't have to attend any parties for those few months. No need to make boring small talk and put up with all those cookie cutter plastic people who come up to her smiling. Three whole months of peace. Three months without having to play a role. Three months of pure freedom. She needed this almost as much as Theia did.
Dean Michael froze. Was she hearing correctly? Did these brats just say what they said? Are they threatening me? Me? The person who covered for them, like if they were my children? Of course, another department would take them! They raise the overall score of the department by themselves. She looked at them, smiling, and said, "Of course you can change departments if you'd like to. However, I may be going on vacation soon."
"Vacation?!" They echoed.
"Yes, on vacation. So you can go ahead and apply for a change. I certainly don't mind. And don't worry. I should be back before the application deadline to sign off on your transfer request. Feel free to get started on that. "
This old fox, Theia cursed inwardly.
Alessia shook her head. It seems that the older one gets, the more they scheme. What vacation? They'd never seen her take one, alright? Cursing in her mind, she said, "Fine, what are your terms then?"
Dean Michael smiled, sunnily, as if everything was going according to her plan. "It's simple. I want you both to minor in marketing for me. I'm well aware that you're both doing double majors; however, most of the courses for this minor were already taken by you. At most, there'd be 3–4 extra courses. It's a small price to pay, right? " As she saw their faces twist, she grinned at them. Threaten me? She thought, you're still too young. Hmph!
They looked at each other, helpless.
"Well, we can get started on that when we come back then. We'd be happy to collect the forms from the help desk and bring it for you later on," Theia said quickly. Hmph, if we feel like it.
"There's no need," Dean Michael replied. She rifled around in her desk before pulling out two forms. "I wouldn't really mind but since I have the forms here already, you should sign up now so I can approve it immediately."
Alessia face palmed. It seemed an old fox was indeed an old fox. Cunning and prepared at all times. With no other choice, they registered for the minor and finally got the approval they needed for the exchange. she lectured them for a few minutes about wreaking havoc at Cambridge since they would be representing the best and brightest of Yale. After making small talk for a few minutes, they left the office exhausted.
"Hey, Less, do you think she planned this out from the beginning? " Theia asked.
"I wouldn't doubt it."
"Why is it that we always suffer losses when it comes to her?"
Alessia laughed. "Isn't it because she's a cunning old fox? "
"Ehhhh, so that's how you think of me, huh?" From behind them came a cheery voice. "Maybe you should try not speaking ill of someone in front of their office. That's why you can't beat me, "she said as she walked off laughing.
Theia sighed. "This was another loss, right?" she asked, looking at Alessia for confirmation.
"Indeed it was."
They stood staring blankly at Dean Michael's back, disappearing into the distance.
It seemed as though they would indeed never beat her any time soon. It was like being checkmated after only moving one piece. Why was the gap so huge?
With these dreary thoughts, the duo that usually never suffered losses headed back to the information desk, listlessly, to turn in their hard-won application forms. They were determined, now more than ever, to have a great time. Only in this way would they be able to fill this black vortex that filled them at the thought of what happened.