Page 17 of Colton

Well, can I call it that, if I know what she’s attempting to do? Nonetheless, my conscience will not allow me to stay behind, knowing she’s potentially walking straight into something more dangerous that she could anticipate.

“I hate you,” I scoff, then lie back down. “If Sophia finds out you’ve gone through her stuff, she’ll wreak havoc. Especially since she gave me the permission to take the card, anyway.”

That causes Grace to sit up straight. “Wait, she did? The only reason I borrowed it from her is because she told me no!”

“Stole,” I correct. “Well… Grace, we all love you very much, but you’re a reckless idiot most of the time.”

Grace opens her mouth, then closes it. A beat of silence passes.

“I can’t even argue with that,” she laughs. “So, we’re going?”

Her eyes are glistening with excitement, and although I don’t want to rain on her parade, I’m not too sure this is a smart idea. If we’re going tomorrow, that means that we’ll have to look into the city today. And a singular day is not enough to figure out how to navigate our way around, especially because there’s not a lot of readily available information.

Some pictures, a couple of restaurants, and even most visited tourist sightings, but nothing of importance that could help us if we were to get into trouble. And trouble seems to be Grace’s middle name as of late.

“Yes,” I sigh, relenting. “We’re going. But don’t tell Sophia. I don’t need her to nag us, or worse — tag along.”

Sophia is my best friend, and has been since we met. But she can nag like no other, and more often than not, she’s the one acting like the Mother of the group. Though, it doesn’t mean she’s not idiotic in her own way. I don’t want to know what’s going through her head.

“Of course not,” Grace nods, acting like this is some grand conspiracy. “We’ll take this secret to our graves. Then, we depart at dawn!”

“We’re not going to a war, relax,” I deadpan. “And I’m not missing the first two classes, either. If we’re going to spend the night at Saint Valley, we’ll need a doctor’s note for the day after. Missing class is a big no-no.”

Grace waves me off with a flick of her wrist. “Good thing my parents are both doctors. Don’t worry too much about it.”

In a way, I can understand Grace’s nonchalance. She comes from money, and if she misses a class or two, hell, even a whole semester, the chances of her actually facing some sort of punishment is slim to none. Her parents, albeit not being Grace’s current biggest fans, wouldn’t let it happen.

It’s only more proof that I stick out here like a sore thumb.

I’m not embarrassed of my background — my parents worked really hard to give me everything I have, and I’ll never be anything less than grateful. However, being close to people who don’t understand the concept of not having money to spare, or who throw it around like it grows on trees, does make me feel like a burden.

The main reason I came to Saint Valley Academy was because of its prestige. As long as I graduate, regardless of how good my grades are, so many doors will automatically open for me. It’s a huge stepping stone on my road to success, and I’m not stopping until I can retire my parents early, send my younger siblings to school debt-free, and create a life where I won’t have to depend on anyone.

Though that road, is still too long.

6

The sun is shining brightly, though it’s already late September and it’s not hot anymore, the rays are enough to brighten the day. I still have to wear a coat, if I don’t want to freeze to death. Grace told me to meet her at the entrance, by the gates, at 10am sharp.

“Where are you going?”

Sophia’s voice comes from behind me, and I jolt upward a little. I turn around, seeing her holding a stack of books in her hands. She looks like she really needs some sleep, even if she looks better than she did a couple of days ago.

“Just to grab a couple of things from the town,” I lie with ease. “Where are you going?”

“I’m almost done studying,” she sighs. “I need a couple of more days, so I’ll probably stay at the library tonight.”

“Take it easy, Soph,” I smile. “There’s plenty of time left before the exams, and pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion isn’t the solution.”

“I know,” she groans, rubbing her temple with her index finger. “But the sooner I get this over with, the better.”

“Ok. Once you’re done, should we go out and grab a bite?” I offer.

“That sounds so good, these walls are suffocating me,” she chuckles. “I’m off now. Have fun in town.”

Her voice is full of uncertainty and doubt, almost like she knows I’m lying through my teeth. I don’t have the courage to admit what I’m doing, and if she truly wanted to know, she would’ve pushed more, she wouldn't have been cryptic.

Instead, I smile.