Page 16 of I Don't Need Your Protection
A confused look passes over his face. “What?”
“You look hot?”
“No I don’t.”
I lift a brow. “Uh…o-kay.” I shrug and focus on putting on some makeup.
He remains in his spot for a second or two before marching over to my full-length mirror near the bathroom. I spy on him through the mirror on my vanity. He studies himself in the mirror like he’s never seen his reflection before. Or maybe he never considered that he was hot? Maybe he’s never worn a uniform before, either.
“So what do you think?” I get up and do a small spin. “Do I look good for my first day of school?”
He studies me through the reflection in the mirror, his eyes growing more intense every passing second. For some reason, my cheeks warm up. I have no idea if he appreciates what he sees—I mean, I think I look cute in the uniform. I’m wearing the vest instead of the blazer and I love the way the pleated skirt brushes above my knees. My long hair falls down my shoulders in soft waves.
He tears his eyes away and fiddles with his tie. “You should go to breakfast before it’s too late. You don’t want to behungry on your first day.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
I walk to my bed and sweep off my stuffed elephant, giving her a tight hug. “Wish me luck, Ellie. I think I’ll need it.”
I shake her and say in a squeaky voice, “Good luck, best friend Addie.”
“Ooh, and maybe wish good luck to Caleb, too? He has to suffer through high school classes just to watch over me.”
I turn Ellie to face Caleb and say, “Poor Caleb. Want me to give you a hug? My hugs always make people feel better.”
“Don’t waste time with childish things,” he mutters as he marches to the door and opens it. “Please head to breakfast, Addilyn.”
I roll my eyes to the stuffed elephant. “Who’s the grumpy one now?” I place her on my pillow, grab my newly-bought backpack with all my school things, and head for the door. Most of the students on my floor are walking to the exit of the dorm. I look around for Caleb, but don’t see him anywhere. I know he’s around, though. He wouldn’t leave me out of his sight for a second, even in a large crowd like this.
I leave the dorm and make my way to the dining hall.
Chapter Seven
Addie
The dining hall is pretty packed and noisy. There are definitely more students than I thought.
I stop dead in my tracks when I notice the buffet tables. Holy heck, they go all out even for breakfast. I wish I could eat everything my eyes see, but I don’t want to spend my first day with a stomach ache. I settle on a chocolate pancake that looks so fluffy, and orange juice. Hopefully, I’ll be able to taste every dish by the end of the school year.
I glance around for a place to sit. Most tables are full, but there are one or two still empty. Hmm, what’s the better option? To sit alone or push myself on another table? In times like this, I miss my old friends so much.
“Hey, Addie!” someone calls.
I peer around the room, trying to locate the source of the voice, but there are so many students and faculty here.
“Over here!”
I catch sight of someone frantically waving her hand. It’s Carly, seated at a table in the back with two other girls. She gives me a large smile and motions for me to join them. Oh my gosh, she has no idea how much I love her right now. I practically flee to her table.
“Hey!” She leaps up from her seat and throws her arms around me. “Good morning. How was your first night here?”
“Comfortable. I’m surprised I actually managed to fall asleep.”
“I know, right? I swear those mattresses are made from clouds.” She turns to her friends and smiles. “Guys, this is Addie Nelson. Addie, this is Sophie Reed.” She nods to the girl with straight chocolate brown hair and blue eyes who’s holding a book. “And this is Raven Mitchell.” She nods to the second girl. Despite her name, she has really beautiful long blond hair and hazel eyes.
Like she can read my mind, Raven chuckles. “My mom insisted on the name way before I was born.” She lifts her shoulders. “I think she was hoping I’d have really dark hair. Hence the oxymoron.”
I smile. “I love the name. Both of yours. Hi, I’m really glad to meet you two.”
