Page 52 of Feel Free to Scream

“I’ll answer her,” I say, lamely.

By luck, we’re already at the front of the line. “That pie was out of this world,” I tell Dez, who beams at me. “But I had to share with the whole table, so I need to actually eat something. Can I have a croissant with cheese?”

“You bet. I’ll heat it up and bring it out to you in a sec. Anything else?”

I hesitate. “Markus said you wouldn’t mind if I could look at how you make them? I’ve honestly never tasted anything this good, and I like to bake. If you truly don’t mind…”

“Oh, please, come any time. It gets boring in the Wyvern House; I’m not the only girl, but let’s just say the others don’t really have time to hang out in the kitchen. I plan on trying a mille feuille tomorrow, if you’re game?”

“Please. What time?”

“It doesn’t take that long. Eight? When’s your first class?”

“Eleven. I’ll be there.” I beam.

Dez lifts the card reader up, but before she can announce the total, Keller has seamlessly tapped his phone, paying for my food.

I attempt to glare at him, but then his eyes do their thing, where the depth of the many blues pulls me in, and I forget I’m supposed to be annoyed. Instead, I make myself lower my gaze.

Keller is a problem and ahalf.

Welp.

“I’d better take this one to go.”

I’m not going to say I flee, but I definitely walk out of there real fast, after a wave towards Lily, Liv, Jack, and an ever-amused Markus. He’s the only one who waves back.

21

CLAIRE

It’s a short walk from the building housing the library to the dorm—less than fifteen minutes—and I choose to spend it stuffing my face with one hand, and catching up with the world on the others.

As expected, I received several texts, and more than a few missed calls. Eating my croissant with one hand, I type an answer with the other, and copy-paste it on my chat with Noah and grandma.

Me: Sorry, I lost my charger! I’ll call tonight.

The little white lie won’t hurt anyone.

To my grandmother, I add a line.

Me: I’m so glad to hear about the anonymous donor. Amazing. I’ll see if I can come back for the operation.

I don’t find anything else to say to Noah.

I can’t really afford another trip back home so soon after coming here, but the more I think about it, the more it seems logical. I need to chat with Noah, face to face. After this weekend, I know it’s a necessity. And if my grandmother’s getting surgery on a Friday, it makes sense to go, then stay with her for a couple of days. If Keller’s sister wants me to start babysitting right away, and I manage to find some cheap tickets, maybe I can afford it.

I then move on to the more intriguing text, from an unknown number I rename as Lisa.

Lisa: Hi, Claire. We haven’t met, but I’m Lisa, Keller’s sister and Octavia’s mom. Vivi is officially smitten with you, and I happen to be looking for a babysitter. I understand you study at Rothford. Naturally, I’ll take your schedule into consideration. If you’re interested, please message me, and we can meet up at the house to chat about the details.

Me: Hi, Lisa! Thank you so much for considering me. I have a little experience as a babysitter, and would be thrilled to take care of Vivi. She’s the cutest. I received my schedule today; most of my classes are between nine and three. I’d love to meet up, let me know when.

I’m already back at the dorm, my delicious croissant obliterated. I scan my card to get in, and frown when the door buzzes instead of sliding open. I scan it a second time, still frowning.

I see the security guy at the front desk start to walk towards me, and smile. The dorms are a lot fancier than what I would have expected of a student housing building, but Rothford is definitely that kind of school.

He opens the door and stands in the middle, blocking the entrance. “Ms. Fairmont?”

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