Chapter 11
Melody
Opening my eyes,I yawn and stretch, grasping onto the lingering remnants of my dream. I felt so safe and warm, engulfed in Professor Richards’ grasp. Turning on the lamp, I look over to the opposite side of the bed, half hoping it wasn’t a dream and he was really there. I breathe in deep, taking in his scent, still fresh in my nostrils. Pouting, I run my hand across the other side, dismayed to find it cool and mostly untouched. Any signs of movement could easily have been from me.
Shaking my head, I get up and make my bed before heading into the bathroom. No use letting it linger and forgetting about it. My butt doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as it did last night, but I’m not going to tell Professor Richards that. He’s letting me have a slight reprieve while I get used to everything, and either the teachers think I’m ill or they’re part of The Society too because I haven’t received any notice of missed assignments.
After I make sure my room is up to par, I pull out my sketch pad and pencils. It’s been so long since I had time to just sit and draw. Though part of me wants to go outside and enjoy the day, the other part doesn’t want to draw attention to myself. If I stay in the dorms, maybe everyone will forget about me and let me have some peace, at least for a moment.
Absently, I let my pencil drift across the paper, not really having any intention in what I drew. Before too long, Professor’s face stares back up at me, still a crude drawing but easily recognizable. A shaft of pain splinters my heart. It’s clear to see I’m smitten with the man, but what’s not clear is if he even likes me back. There’re moments where I feel like he could, but it’s all still tentative and new.
A soft knock alerts me, and I rush up to answer it. No sense in making that mistake twice. Bethany stands outside, food in each hand. With her bright smile and easy demeanor, it’s hard not to like her. Opening the wider, I let her in, and she starts putting the food down on the bed.
“I haven’t seen you come out of your room all day, so I took a chance on grabbing some breakfast.”
At her words, my stomach lets out the most unladylike growl. Giggling, I sit down with her and look in the bag, relieved to find a plain bagel.
“I didn’t know what you like, so I got you something simple.”
Her own bagel looks like the bakery grabbed a little bit of everything and mushed it together.
“Plain is perfect.”
We both take large bites and chew in silence, but it’s not tense. It’s a nice, easy camaraderie that I never expected to find here. Sighing, I soak up her friendship, clinging to it with every shred in me.