November 2, 2021

After yesterday’s debacle, Anais and Eloise apologized to us for being annoying and making the work we were doing more difficult. However, Ramon refused to speak with them. When Maki, Nova, and I reached out to him, He said he didn’t want to talk with them because they worked his last nerve and got him so frustrated that he ended up embarrassing himself in front of the Professor.

I was emptying my backpack after returning from school when I heard my phone ring. It was a facetime request from Maki and Nova. When the call went through, I saw that Nova was in her room while Maki was on what looked like the second floor of the library at the college.

“Hey, you two. I wanted to talk about what happened yesterday,” He said.

“Yeah, Minerva and I were wondering about that and what is going to happen from here on out,” Nova said with a sign.

 “Yeah, we can all agree that we were also annoyed with Eloise and Anais because of their bickering and would have potentially snapped like Ramon. But how are we going to continue on with our project if he refuses to speak to them? Professor Edwards said if the matter is not solved, she will remove Eloise and Anais from the group and send them to the office of student conduct because of their behavior. Meaning we will have to cover their sections which we certainly don’t have enough time to do along with our own. Besides their friends and I don’t think anyone of us wants them to be put on the watchful eye of the student conduct director,” I said solemnly.

 “And what is this plan, Mr. Shimada? I asked.

“Well, we need to get them to talk it out. I think deep down Ramon will forgive the two of them. He just needed time to cool off.” Maki said.

“What makes you think Ramon won’t just run away?” Nova asked

“I was getting to that. I am going to reserve a private study room tomorrow. Then text Ramon to see if he would tutor me in chemistry, which he would most likely say yes to. Before that, we get Anais and Eloise to agree to come to the study room and give Ramon a genuine apology. If necessary, we can act as mediators. As for whether he would run away, we can block the door.

“That doesn’t sound much like a plan and more like an ambush,” Nova said worryingly.

 I think about and agree with Nova’s opinion on the matter. Morally it would be disregarding their feelings. However, if they continue to act this way, they will be removed from our group, and the class, and sent to the Office of Student Conduct, and all the work they have done so far for our project will go to waste. 

"I think so too, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If they resolve their issues, they won’t get credit, and we will have to do more work if they get removed or kicked out,” I said in response.

“So, are we in agreement?” Maki then asked.

“Fine, I will help,” Nova said.

“Great, you guys can handle Eloise. While I will deal with Anais, you can bring them both to the study room around 3:00 pm tomorrow. I have a class to head to, so bye,” Maki said before leaving the call.

“Minerva, do you think this is going to work?” Nova asked, still a little unsure.

“I am not completely sure, but it’s worth a shot. This affects all of us, and this tension will not solve anything. Besides, if it goes to shit, I will come up with a backup plan,” I responded.

Nova and I then said our goodbyes and ended the call, signing hoping that everything would work itself out.