“They eat garbage. So basically, the same thing.”
“Basically, not the same. But hey, what does science know anyway?”
“You should be nice to me, Constantine. I might be the only friend you have here.”
“Oh, is that what this is? You being my friend?”
“No, I haven’t decided if I’m willing to take on that burden.”
“Don’t bother. I already made some friends.”
“Nevada and Alice?” She threw her head back and laughed.
Truthfully, I didn’t want to be associated with those mean-spirited hussies. But I didn’t appreciate or understand Daisy’s humor in the idea.
“What’s so funny?” I glared at her.
“They’re not your friends. They will never be friends with someone who looks like you.” She pointed at my face.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t have the desire or the crayons to explain this to you.”
“Maybe just try using your big-girl words.”
“Fine.” She threw her hands in the air. “You’re prettier than them.”
Then she glowered with scornful derision as if pretty wasn’t how she would describe me at all.
I blinked, not following.
“Look at you.” She gestured and shook her head. “You’re like way-out-of-their-league, in-a-whole-other-universe prettier than every girl ever. The guys at St. John’s are already going crazy over you. Tucker Kensington, the captain of the football team—”
“Kensington? As in the global hotel chain?”
“Yeah. Those Kensingtons. When he asks you to the Winter Formal dance, which he will, every girl at Sion will hate you.”
“Except you?”
“Tucker is a total douchebag. I wouldn’t piss on him if he were on fire.”
Well, alrighty then. “What about Father Magnus?” Just saying his name sent a shiver through me.
“I mean, he’s a magnificent male specimen. But he’s devoutly married to God, more than twice my age, and also my teacher. That’s a triple veto. Way out of bounds.” She lifted a shoulder. “It’s unfortunate. He’s the only person here who seems to see me and not my face.” She narrowed her eyes. “You might be number two.”
“When I look at you, all I see is a self-righteous hypocrite, so…”
Her jaw unhinged.
I raised my brows. “You just judged me for the way I look.”
“No, I—”
“You literally said I won’t have any friends because of my face, all the while lamenting that no one sees past yours.”
She harrumphed and stepped back, looking all grumpy. “You’re different. I’ll give you that.”
“How so?”
“You’re smart, for one, which totally clashes with your appearance.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“You’re not what I expected.”
“Neither are you.”
“Let me guess.” She propped her hands on her hips. “You thought I’d be awkward and insecure.”
“No. I thought you’d be nice.”
She burst into laughter and sauntered away. “I’ll get back to you about our friendship. I need to pray on it.”
I couldn’t tell if she was serious or if her sense of humor was actually drier than my own. “I’ll be over here waiting on pins and needles.”
She better not tell anyone about Jaden and Willow. Swear to God, if anything happened to them, I would cut a bitch.
I remained in the grove for a couple more hours, eating the caprese sandwich I’d grabbed from the dining hall and enjoying the company of my fuzzy friends.
Nightfall brought a chill in the air that made me wish I’d worn a jacket. But as the opossums burrowed under the bedding I’d fashioned from my ruined skirt, they appeared to be plenty warm.
As nocturnal critters, they would eventually venture out into the dark. But not yet. Not until they were older and stronger. Maybe another month? I would do some research as soon as I had access to the internet.
I refilled the water bowl and left the rest of the food. Then I took the long way back to the dorm, hoping to see some of the bats.
My meandering stroll followed the outer perimeter, keeping to the wall and away from people. Not that there were crowds. It was too cold and too late at night. I probably only had a few minutes before the nine o’clock check-in.
While on this side of the property, I wanted to sneak a closer peek at the gate. The few times I’d passed through it, I’d been escorted by Father Magnus.
I turned the corner, bringing the exit into view and…
Speak of the devil.
A lone figure cut a formidable silhouette against the backdrop of the streetlights. He leaned against the gate, long legs crossed at the ankles, muscled arms at his sides, and his eyes…
They waited for me, tracking my movements, hunting me in the darkness. The instinct to run gripped my bones. But what if he chased me? What if I wanted that?
Under the weight of his steady gaze, I felt exposed, stripped down to my deepest vulnerabilities. He’d watched me pee all over the floor, and I wasn’t ready to accept that. The embarrassment was too fresh and raw.
I needed the night to rebuild my defenses against him. After a well-rested sleep, I would come back stronger, more confident, prepared to stand up for myself.