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If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the spot and Stacy pointed her finger at me. “Aiden and I are together. Don’t even think of trying to come between us or I will make your life a living hell. Understand?”
This whole line of conversation had been unexpected to say the least. Needing to dispel the hostile situation, I tried to explain the situation. “Umm . . . You don’t have to worry about me. He’s my roommate’s brother. That’s it. He’s helped me out a few times since I’m new to town. I’m not after him.”
Drama and crazy people were the last thing that I needed.
Stacy gave me a mocking laugh. “Kenzie, right? You’re too plain to hold the attention of a man like Aiden. You look like you crawled out of a gutter somewhere. Just make sure you don’t try anything. I’ll deny it if you said we talked.”
Standing there, not knowing what to do, I watched the vile human in front of me flip her hair and walk toward a middle front row seat. I will not cry. I will not cry. To take my focus away from the hurtful words, I dug my fingers into the palm of my hand to the point of pain. Stacy would not get the satisfaction of making me tear up in front of her. I was tougher than that.
Taking a seat in the far left corner, I focused on getting my materials out for class as a few other girls joined Stacy. They all laughed and looked my way. Remain outwardly unaffected, Kenzie. Do not cry. Do not cry. Regardless, being made fun of still hurt. Inconspicuously, I glanced at my shirt. I hadn’t felt like I had crawled out of the gutter, but compared to all the other girls I observed walking into the room, I was plain.
A female teacher in slacks and a black silk shirt walked to the front of the room. “Welcome. This is English Composition. I’m Professor Jameson. My student aid will be passing out the course syllabus. We’ll go over the expectations first before we begin.”
Opening my notebook, I focused on learning. I was living and absorbing all the knowledge I could. Mom would have been proud of me. A sense of accomplishment brought a small grin to my lips.
Regardless of what was thrown my way, Mom had been right . . . I had the strength to make it through.
AN INNER GLEE consumed me. My hunger for knowledge had returned with having teachers there to guide me. Reading several chapters ahead in all my classes had given me a head start, which was nice. Thank goodness Stacy hadn’t been in any more of my classes today. I said a silent prayer English Comp was the only one. I headed over to the building where the newspaper office was to meet Aiden.
“Hey, how was your first day of class?” Aiden came up and bumped my shoulder.
Stacy’s warning came to mind, but I couldn’t ignore Aiden. He had been too kind to me. “It was good. How about yours?”
He shrugged. “They were okay. But, this is the best part of the day so far.” A smile wanted to emerge but I kept it subdued and polite. Aiden looked over at me. “Are you okay?”
Had I been that obvious?
Looking him straight in the eyes momentarily, I responded, “It’s been a long day with classes and I’m nervous about talking to the editor about the research job.”
He nudged me again and I liked how the contact felt. It was hard not to respond and nudge him back. Aiden continued to make friendly talk as we finished our walk. The large gray building loomed in front of me. A hand touched the small of my back and I leaned into it without thinking, then stepped away when I realized what I had done.
“Kenzie, don’t be nervous.”
“I’m trying.”
We entered the building and climbed a flight of stairs. The structure was fairly new and cold with its steel-gray walls and cream-colored tile. “Tasha is the editor you’ll be meeting with. She’s a senior this year that started off her freshman year as a research assistant. I’ve learned a lot from her. Her boyfriend was one of my brothers at the Sigma Chi house. He graduated last year.”
One day last week, I had researched about the fraternities and sororities. They called each other brothers and sisters with absolutely no relation. There were definitely benefits to it with all the resources they provided, but the expenses were outrageous.
“I read Tasha’s bio online. It was impressive.”
We approached a door with the name of the paper printed on the glass. Arkansas Traveler. Taking out his badge, Aiden ran it through the door reader. A girl with black spikey hair, wearing jeans and a red and black top approached us with a friendly smile. She had an authoritative air about her.
Aiden began the introductions. “Hey Tasha, this is Kenzie. She’s interested in the research position we have open.”
Tasha put her hand out and I shook it. The grip was firm and I matched the pressure. Apparently, in an interview a strong handshake meant you were assertive. “Hey, Kenzie. Nice to meet you. We had two positions and I filled one this morning. Before you and I talk, I need to speak with Aiden first.”
My heart dropped and I tried to keep the disappointment at bay. “Sure, no problem.”
Aiden looked back to me and mouthed, I’ll be right back. I nodded. While I had a free moment, I took in my surroundings. There were about ten cubicles, each with two desks inside. Some were neat and tidy while others were a messy array of papers. Two computers sat in each cubicle. I only saw a total of four people who were working, not paying any attention to me.
Being in new places intimidated me. I always felt like someone was going to see through me at any minute. My insides shook, but I outwardly remained calm.
A door opened, and my eyes darted to Aiden and Tasha who came my way. Luck had been on my side, but at any time I was afraid it would run out. Please still let me get the job.
Tasha spoke to me, “Kenzie, let’s talk for a few.”
“Okay.” The clammy feeling came back to my palms as I covertly wiped them off.
