Her hair is a beautiful dark mass of curls that springs from her head and bounces a hand-length past her shoulders. Her eyes are crystal blue, bordering on silver. And her brown skin has cool, rose undertones that complement and enhance her features.
She’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, but the novelty of seeing such light eyes contrasted against her other features makes it hard not to stare.
I grimace, realizing how long I’ve been gawking at her. She waits for me to look my fill with a soft smile on her face.
“Emberly, this is Ash. I thought it might be easier for you to get your feel around the other students if you were with one.”
“That was really thoughtful of you, Sable,” I say in a small voice. I’m half-ashamed I reacted to Ash like everyone in the room had done to me, and half-embarrassed that it’s so obvious how socially awkward I am.
“Hi, Emberly. It’s so nice to meet you.” Ash waves at me. “I’d love to help you grab dinner if you’re up for it. I heard you whacked your head pretty hard. It must have been bad. It takes quite a lot to knock us out like that.”
She’d used the word “us” like I’m already part of the group. I’m not sure if I like that or not.
Reaching up, I finger the knot on the back of my head.
“Several hits, in fact,” I confess with a smile loaded with chagrin.
She winces in sympathy. “Ouch.”
“Yeah, that about sums it up.”
“You interested in trying to make another go of it?” She indicates the cafeteria behind her with a hitch of her thumb. “I promise there are a lot of really nice people in there.”
I glance at Sable. She’s wearing a giant smile.
I restrain an eye roll. This was an obvious set-up that’s going to work in her favor.
Giving Ash a tentative smile, I force myself to nod. “Sure.”
She does a little jump thing and claps her hands together. “I can’t wait to introduce—oof.”
Did Sable just elbow her?
“Ah, I mean, I’d love to show you how to get dinner.” Her smile is a little crooked when she calms down.
“I’m glad that’s settled. I’m going to let you have a quiet meal with Ash. I’ll find you after dinner and explain a little more about how things run around here.”
“Wait!” I say loudly as Sable starts backing away from us. “A hat.”
“I’m sorry, what?” She cocks her head at me.
Apparently my verbal skills are a lot rustier than I realized.
“A hat. Is there one around I can use to hide my hair? A dark one if possible.”
Sable’s eyes soften. “I hardly think that’s necessary in this—” She stops herself mid-sentence and nods after a momentary pause. “Sure. If you girls can just give me a few minutes, I’ll see what I can find.”
She hurries down the hall and disappears around the corner. Only then do I turn to Ash.
“Girl, are you crazy?”
“Um, excuse me?” Oh no, what have I done this time?
“If I had hair like yours, I’d be flaunting it however I could.” She tosses her hair, stopping to fluff it and wave at imaginary admirers. It’s ridiculous enough that a genuine smile breaks out on my face.
“I’m not really into standing out in a crowd.”
Her smile is sad enough to be knowing. “Yeah, I can respect that. Hopefully in time you’ll be comfortable enough here not to worry about it anymore. And if not, hey, you can start a hat trend. Goodness knows we could use a little more fashion up in this place.”
It’s an olive branch I’m happy to receive. I hope my smile conveys my thanks, because words fail me.
“Here we go,” Sable calls as she rushes toward us. She extends a dark blue baseball hat with a Denver Broncos logo on it.
Denver, really? So over that city.
I hold in a groan because it’s better than nothing, and I truly appreciate the effort she’s gone to.
“I know it’s probably not exactly what you were hoping for, but it’s all I could find. We can order some hats if you decide that’s what you want.”
I won’t be able to twist the length of my hair under it, but it’s something. I can knot my hair into a low bun so it’s not as obvious.
“Thanks.” Accepting the hat, I quickly adjust the back—it was obviously worn by a guy—and slip it on, pulling it low over my forehead.
Ash throws me a reassuring smile before grabbing my hand and hauling me to the cafeteria doors. She stops right before the entrance and levels me with a stare.
“It’s time to be brave,” she declares, and pushes them open.
Chapter Six
The gawking factor isn’t quite as bad this time around, but it’s still there. Ash hauls me through a maze of tables to a long counter at the back of the cafeteria. Stacks of food are laid out over the surface of the countertop, creating the most lavish buffet I’ve ever seen.
The aroma of fresh baked breads and sliced roast beef makes my stomach growl, even though I’ve already eaten today. I spy bowls of fruit and platters of hamburgers, French fries, green beans, even full roasted chickens you can pull from. This feast would rival the best Thanksgiving meal.
With wonder and a dab of disbelief, I turn to Ash. She’s grabbed a couple plastic trays from the pile in front of the counter, and slides them on a metal railing attached to the ledge. Catching my look, she hitches and dips a shoulder.
“What can I say? We’re a species of big eaters.”
No doubt.
Just then, a prickle of awareness causes the fine hairs at the back of my neck to stand on edge. For a moment, I’d forgotten about the academy students at my back. Even covered with a hat and wound into a bun, my blonde hair is on full display.
I dip my head and keep my eyes downcast as I shuffle along next to Ash, answering questions about which foods I like—which is basically any and everything—whenever she asks.
I trick myself into thinking that if I don’t look around, no one will stare.
After she piles my plate with as much food as it can hold, Ash steers me toward a round table. As I settle into my seat, I glance up long enough to notice the faces of several other students seated around me. Their curious gazes make me uncomfortable. Keeping my eyes fixed on the plate in front of me, I check to make sure no hair has escaped the tight bun at my nape.
Shrinking as best as I can, I try to make myself a smaller target. I have a strong desire to squirm in my seat, but movement will only attract more attention.
It’s impossible not to notice the rest of the room buzzing with conversation while our table is a black hole of silence. Picking at my food, I pretend not to notice.
“So, I was thinking,” Ash starts. “It’s better if we just rip off the Band-Aid.”
Oh gosh. What is she doing?
“Everyone, this is Emberly. She’s obviously new and I’m sure is super excited to answer any and all of your questions. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, under that super stylish hat she has a mane full of platinum blonde and red hair. Yes, I know you’re all jealous, but it’s better if you just get over it because she’s a really cool girl and you’re all gonna want to be friends with her.”