Exiting the science lab brought us to the back door. We walked out and moved on to the dining hall. Six long tables lined in neat rows on the ground floor, waiting for messy teenagers to drop food under them and cover the surface with sticky foreign substances. Next to the front doors was a wide staircase leading up to a loft-like second floor.
“That’s where the seniors eat,” Hart explained when she saw me looking. “Only the seniors. Just one of the little perks you get.”
“What are the other perks?”
“There’s senior week, which you’ll learn all about soon. A senior dance. And you’re adults now, so we treat you like one by easing up a few of the rules.”
“Sweet.”
She clapped. “On to the gym.”
Headmistress Hart was a patient and kind guide, taking us all over campus before walking us back to the dorm. Eli and I waved her off.
“She’s really nice,” signed Eli.
“I know. Isn’t it the worse? I wanted to hate her for unleashing her demon seed on the planet.”
He gifted me his crinkled-up amused face. “I should unpack and claim my spot before my roommate gets here.”
“Fine, but when you’re done, come up to my room. The drugs and girls will have to wait, you’re staying with me this weekend until I feel the place out.”
Eli rolled his eyes but didn’t argue with me. He could be as fourteen as he wanted to be but I’d do my job as his sister whether he liked it or not.
We got past the initial eye rolls and deep sighs and then spent the first weekend at Raven River Academy chilled out and drama-free. We didn’t leave the room the entire time. There was no need when my forethought packed chips, drinks, cookies, and microwave soup.
Eli asked to leave at one point to meet his roommate. I said no.
The dorm was no longer quiet. Shouts, bangs, laughter, and chatter floated through the thin walls telling me they were here. Pomona, Leo, Nolan, and Julian were all out there but they didn’t know yet that I was in here. I wanted to keep it that way until Monday morning brought my peace to an end.
And it would end no matter what the headmistress thought of her students. I was in for the worst year of my life to capitalize on a horrible summer.
I deserved one more day having fun with my brother.
“YOUR INTERPRETER AND notetaker will meet you outside your first class every morning.”
“I know.”
“We have lunch at the same time, so we’ll sit together.”
“No.”
“Yes. Try getting rid of me, little bro. You haven’t managed to kick my ass yet.”
“Whatever.” Eli edged toward the door. “I have to get ready for class.”
“If anyone fucks with you, tell me.”
“I will.”
I stepped in front of him, blocking his escape. “I’m serious.”
“Didn’t I just say I will?”
“And make sure you—”
Eli tackled me. I let out a shout as he grabbed me around the waist and dropped, bringing me to the floor. The brat took advantage of my surprise to scramble up and dart out the door.
“Damn,” I grumbled, pushing myself up. “Maybe he can kick my ass.”
Chuckling, I went into the bathroom and got ready.
Monday morning dawned despite my wishes. In thirty minutes, I’d report to Mr. Geske’s homeroom class and start my first official day at the academy.
Raven River had a uniform as pretentious academies for snobby rich kids tended to do. I stood before the floor-length mirror and tried to convince myself I didn’t look ridiculous in the plaid skirt, white buttoned-up shirt, and plaid blazer.
It didn’t work.
“Who in the hell does plaid on plaid? Why didn’t someone put a stop to this?”
My reflection just mocked me. I turned my back on it and finished putting my hair in a ponytail and swiping on some lip gloss.
Taking a breath, I held it until my lungs ached.
“Let’s get this over with.”
I opened the door to my room, locked it behind me, and dropped the key in my skirt pocket. A group of girls were in the hall, crowding in front of a door three away from me.
“Ugh. Hurry up, Pomona,” one of the girls called into the room. “Wilder’s waiting for me.”
“I’m coming!”
Hell no.
I spun on my heels and slipped out the back exit. I could deal with a lot of things early in the morning. Pomona wasn’t one of them. Besides, there was a very good chance I’d put my fist through her face if she ran her mouth and at minimum I needed to get through homeroom before I got in trouble.
I shut the door behind me without them noticing and made off down the stairs. Moist, humid air seeped into my pores. The news threatened rain all weekend and the darkening clouds swore they would deliver.
The first drop hit me as I hit the bottom step. The second struck my eyelid on the steps of the dorm hall. The next thing I knew the heavens broke loose.
“Ah!”
Screeching students ran from all directions, streaking into the main building. I was right on their heels. I ran inside and kept running, using the wailing over ruined hair and dripping mascara to get to my locker undercover.
I rushed up to the third floor, dodging bodies, and rounded a corner Headmistress Hart pointed out two days before.
Locker 3467, I recalled, scanning the number. It should be right—
“Hey, you must be Ember.”
I tripped over my feet.
“Whoa, girl. Walk much?”
Hands reached out to help me. I pushed them away.
Straightening, my gaze met a playful grin and eyes the color of the forest surrounding us.
“Hi, I’m—”
“Who are you and how do you know my name?”
He laughed. “Just about to answer the first question. My name is Brandon.” He pointed behind him. “I’m your locker neighbor. Cool to meet you.”
I ignored his outstretched hand. “Now for an answer to the second question.”
“Saw you on the news.”
“Of course you did,” I muttered.
I continued to ignore his hand and reached for my locker.
“Okay. Not a handshaker.” Brandon leaned on the metal. “Guessing you’re a germaphobe.”
“No, I just don’t have time. You figured out who I am and you’re still standing here even though you’ve got your bag, books, and five minutes to get to class, so let’s skip the small talk. If you’ve got something to say, say it.”
“Uhh... You have an eyelash on your cheek?”
“Stop messing around,” I snapped.
“I’m trying but I’m really confused. What did I do to make you dislike me so quickly?”
“Me,” I cried, goggling at him. “It’s you who has a problem with me.”
He scrunched up his face. “I do? Since when? We just met.”
“What?”
“What?”
I slammed my locker shut. “I have class.”
Marching off, I made it four steps and heard footsteps behind me. “All right, you’ve clearly got some issues but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the crazy ones. Let’s try this again. I’m Brandon Lacroix. Senior. Lockermate. Tennis player. Future prom king once I find a foolproof way to rig the ballots.” He made a show of scanning the hallway. “Don’t tell anyone about that last one,” he whispered.