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“A job?” Maxwell asks, shocked. “Why on earth would you need a job?”
“For money,” I state.
“You don’t have to work.”
“No offense, and while I appreciate the sentiment, I’d like to have my own money to get my own things,” I say as I stand.
I ignore whatever response he has and rush back to my room. Self-consciousness of my body has never been an issue before. I’m not fat by any means.
I’ve been told I was curvy in all the right places. So why did the words that Creed said to me leave me hollow? Why do I even care?
Last night, I waited for the house to be completely silent before I headed down to the kitchen for something to eat. I found a Dr. Pepper in the fridge with a note on it from Leitha and a plate to heat that had a little of everything from dinner on it. After heating it in the microwave, I carried it up to my room.
My alarm woke me at eight. I had an appointment with the administration office at nine, so I had just enough time to dress in my ripped skinny jeans and an off-the-shoulder sweater before I needed to leave. Of course, Leitha was waiting for me with a huge muffin and coffee in her hands. I decided then and there she deserved sainthood. It took me fifteen minutes to figure out how to get into the garage and another five to get it open before I backed out, driving Mom’s Acura.
Her car didn’t quite fit in the garage of expensive toys. She bought it new with the commission from her first home sale. She was so proud of that car. I doubt Maxwell will ever let her drive something so normal in the future.
The drive to Land’s End University is only ten minutes, so I made a pretty decent time. Finding the admin building was easier than I expected too. The campus is picturesque, with its quaint cobbled walkways and little gas lamp posts. At every intersection, there are signs like I’d expect to see in a storybook directing students from here to there.
Students are meandering around campus enjoying the last few days of summer vacation before school starts in a few days. It’s still early, but I watch as they make themselves comfortable on the grass with their breakfasts and coffee. When I reach the admin building, I can see some guys are playing catch with a football in the distance. They jostle each other and laugh.
I freeze when I hear one voice. I’d almost swear it was Gael, but he rarely laughed. Chalking it up to my imagination and the fact that I’ve been thinking more about the guys since the day we moved, I shake myself. I hear the voice again and I look over.
The man it’s coming from has red hair and when he throws his head back, laughing again, I drop my keys. He's here. I look around to see if the other two are here as well.
“You must be Adelya.” A warm voice says to my right. It jolts me. A woman stands there in a professional pantsuit, looking at me.
“Yes,” I say, my voice catching.
“I’m Professor Adams. Judith. I’ll be your advisor. If you’ll just follow me.”
I look back to where I know Gael is, and everything in me wants to go to him. I want him to throw his arms around me, but I also want to throat-punch him.
“Are you a football fan?” Judith asks when she sees where I’m looking.
“Not anymore,” I tell her, giving her my full attention.
“Oh, that’s a shame. We have quite the team and we like to encourage the students to come to games and support our Devils.”
“Devils?” I ask, tilting my head.
“Oh, yes. The Land’s End Devils. That’s the name of our team. Anyway, shall we start with a tour, or would you like to get your schedule first?”
Of course, I’d go from one school of devils to another. Is this an omen for my future here? Judith clears her throat to get my attention.
“Schedule would be good,” I tell her honestly. I only have a few days to get all the books and supplies I’ll need.
“Right. Ok then. Let’s head to my office.”
* * *
Five hours later, I leave the campus with a promise that my books would arrive at the house by tomorrow. I throw the student handbook and a plethora of pamphlets on extracurriculars and sororities into the passenger seat before I start the car. Orientation included sitting through lectures from the heads of every department and one from the dean.
It was only me and a handful of new students in attendance. The school is so exclusive that they don’t have many incoming students each year. It only hits harder that without my new stepdad, I wouldn't be here.
I spend much of the afternoon scoping out the town until I come upon a diner. I park the car and get out. Heading into the place, I feel like for the first time in days, I’m home.
I take a seat at the counter and wait for the waitress to come over. “What can I get you, honey?”
