Page 69 of Ghost
“It’s already ten,” he said softly. “Your first class is at eleven, remember?”
But he was right. It was too early to imagine skipping a class that wasn’t taught by a certain student-teacher. Besides, it would be a good day. I wouldn’t have to see the face of my arch-nemesis.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. After a moment I blinked, and the room came into focus.
Julian was now some distance away, hands outstretched. He watched me with a cautious gaze.
“What?” I touched my face in horror, certain something was wrong. “Did I drool?”
He shook his head sharply, as if forcing himself to refocus. “No, sorry. I just expected something more after the last few times we’ve tried to wake you.”
“Is that why you’re way over there?” I gestured at the distance between us. “Because you were scared that I was going to punch you?”
A guilty look crossed his face, and his lips quirked. His reaction caused me to groan and cover my face with my arm. How embarrassing.
“Bonjour, ma petite douceur.” Miles strode into the room, a tray of pastries in his hands. “I made you breakfast.”
I was taken by surprise at the random nickname. “What did you call me?” I asked, eyeing the treats as he put the tray on the table. “Did you make these from scratch?”
“Of course I did. And I wanted to say… I was looking over the schedules last night. You’re taking French?” Miles raised an eyebrow as he sat cross-legged on the floor opposite of me.
“Oh no…” Julian paled slightly, taking a seat of his own. “No, Miles. Please.”
“I decided on French because I’m less terrible at it than other languages,” I responded, nibbling at one of the pastries. “This is good.”
“Well, you’ll need two years of it to graduate.” Miles pointed his food at me. “I might have to tutor you, otherwise you might not ever get your degree.”
Julian rolled his eyes. “I think her ability to speak French is the least of our concerns at the moment.”
“Don’t be jealous.” Miles smirked at him, his eyes twinkling in excitement. “I know that you want to go over Biology lessons with Bianca.”
I glanced between the two of them, not following. “But I don’t need any help in Biology. I’ve always had good grades in that class.”
My statement caused Miles’ grin to grow even wider. Julian groaned, standing up and brushing off his jeans. “I’m going to clean the kitchen, because I’m certain you didn’t do it yourself,” he told Miles before turning to me. “I’m headed out as soon as I’m finished. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Okay…” My voice trailed off as he turned and left the room. If he had to hurry and leave, then why was he here anyway?
I touched the cover of my newest acquisition as I waited for Miles. We were supposed to meet for lunch, which was exciting. He said he wanted to make up for last night. But the fact it was at the campus cafeteria lessoned that joy somewhat.
But things were falling into place. Today in literature we had been assigned readings. And when I sawThe Hobbithad been listed as an option, I knew it was a sign. My research was blessed, and there was no way I’d not take advantage of this opportunity.
As I began to read the opening lines, a heavy book was dropped on the table.
I glanced up, surprised, before meeting the eyes of a woman I’d never seen before. Another student, probably. Not so much older than myself. She had short, blonde hair that was gelled back. And her deep brown eyes were accentuated by liner. It was easy to notice her eyes, in particular, because it was impossible to miss the loathing-filled glare she levelled at me.
As soon as our eyes met, she scowled. “You’re at our table. And while you’re at it, learn to not bother things that don’t belong to you.”
“I-I’m sorry.” I fought the urge to flee, instead of gathering up my items. I had no idea things like this happened in college. It had been months ago since a similar incident, in high school, had taken place. On that time, the girls were fans of Finn’s.
If I didn’t leave now, this might escalate. I had to hurry before this woman started even more of a scene. I only wanted to be left alone.
There were two others with the blonde: a long-haired red-headed female, and a gangling, brunette male. Both impatiently shifted as the blonde leaned closer to me. “Whatisthe hold up? Are you slow too?”
Her tone, the sudden closeness, startled me. I jerked back, and the movement caused me to embarrass myself further as my glass of water spilled all over the table.
She let out a discerning snort. “How pathetic. What in the world is so special about you? Why would he even give you the time of day—”
Oh no.This wasexactlylike high school. What was my luck that we hadn’t even been here a month and Finn had already gathered a fan club?
