AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We did?”
“Yeah, at the Ambassadors’ Dinner. My father is the ambassador from India.” She gives me a tight smile. “You seemed a bit, uh, preoccupied that night.”
Preoccupied is an understatement. Feral might be more appropriate.
“Yeah, sorry about that.” My eyes drop to a paperback novel she has tucked under her arm. “Hey, what book is that?”
Her eyes light up and she shows me the cover. “It’s a Peter Pan retelling.” She leans in closer to whisper. “And it’s spicy.”
“Spicy? Like, there’s sex in it?”
“Yeah.”
My eyebrows raise. “Isn’t Peter Pan a children’s book?”
“The original is, but this is a retelling where they’re all grown up, and Peter Pan is the villain. Do you like romance books?”
“I used to read a lot, but not so much lately,” I say. “And I’ve definitely never read a steamy romance book.”
She grins. “In that case, I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done. I have to hide them from my father, anyway. He would be so angry if he knew what I’m reading.”
“I’d tell my dad to fuck off.”
“In my culture, I would be punished for saying that to my father. Can you imagine?”
Prisha lets out a laugh, and the sound is effervescent and light. It’s infectious, and I can’t resist a small smile in return.
“Today is your first day, right?” Prisha asks. “If you want, I can show you around after school. I remember my first day here, and it was overwhelming.”
This bookbag is wearing a groove into my shoulder, so I drop it onto the floor. “Are you sure you want to be seen with me? I’ve been marked by the so-called Aristocrats.”
“Strength in numbers, yeah?”
“If only. I’m stuck in a classroom with all of them.”
Prisha makes a sour face. “For what it’s worth, they behave more when teachers are around, so you should be safe for the most part. I’m a year behind you, so I’m just waiting for it to get better after they leave.”
“Well, if you don’t mind, I could probably use some help,” I say. “I got so lost this morning. This place is a maze. I have no idea how I’ll find my classroom again.”
“I can show you. If you want, I can meet you right here after school.” She rests her hand on the banister of the staircase and gives it a tender pat. “I’ll give you the full tour.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Prisha and I walk side-by-side up the stairs toward the third floor, and I try to remind myself this is just a temporary friendship. I’m leaving in three months, so the last thing I need is to grow attachments to this place.
But I’ll admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced female friendship. And I’ve missed it.
As promised, Prisha meets me outside the dining hall after school.
“How was it?” she asks. “Being confined with the Aristocrats?”
I shrug. “Johanna didn’t show up for the rest of the day. I’m assuming she went home after I ruined her uniform. But the others didn’t give me any trouble.”
Though it felt like an icy wind was at my back all afternoon.
“That’s good. Anyway, are you ready for your tour?”
“Yes, please.”
