I smiled credibly. “Thanks, and do we have any bananas or fruit?”
“I have canned fruit in the pantry. Would you like to do some shopping after school today? I kind of lived like a bachelor. I can make eggs, toast, and frozen pizza. We can get whatever you want if you want to cook. Otherwise, I’m fine with take out. That bottom drawer is filled with local take out joints,” he explained a bit sheepishly.
I smiled as I reached into the pantry to grab a can of peaches. “I don’t mind cooking. Before I go to the gym, I’ll make a grocery list.”
He frowned slightly. “Since when did you become a gym buff? You look perfect just the way you are.”
I shrugged as I dug into my peaches. “I’m comfortable in my body, don’t get me wrong, but I want to tone up.” I started looking around his kitchen. “Do you have any coffee?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, no. I’m not much of a coffee drinker. We can stop in at the quad if you like, get some at the coffee shop.”
I looked at him in mock horror. “How do you get through the day without coffee? Are you even human?”
He chuckled genuinely. “I’m more of a Monster or Red Bull man. I never got accustomed to the bitter taste of coffee, no matter how much cream and sugar I added. We can add a coffee maker, travel mug, and coffee to our list for tonight.”
I nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 13. I suspect that may have contributed to the stunt in my growth…or maybe it’s just bad genes.” I said ruefully. “Anyway, I can’t imagine if I had to go through withdrawals.” I teasingly shuddered.
He smiled at me. “Well, I don’t want to experience that. Let’s go so we’re not late.”
I almost moaned when I got my first taste of the frozen mint-chocolate coffee. Jemmy had introduced them to me and I had indulged at least once a week since meeting her. I frowned suddenly. I wondered how she was doing. I wanted to go visit her, but I had no reason to go to that side of the campus.
“What’s wrong, babe?” Collin asked. “Is it alright?”
I looked up at him, lost in thought. “Huh? Oh yeah,” I said quickly. “I was just hoping for more whip cream,” I joked.
He laughed. “Next time we’ll ask for more.”
I nodded with a smile. “Sounds like a plan. Okay, well, I’m going to head to the math and science building.”
He pointed to the opposite side of campus. “I’m heading that way. Do you want me to walk you to class?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s alright, thanks. I wouldn’t want to make you late.”
He reached out and squeezed my hand. “Have a great morning! Brunch at 10?”
“Sure,” I said a bit distractedly. He was so attentive, it was hard to believe I was like a job to him. He was being ordered to get close to me and make me fall in love with him.
“See you later,” he gave me a charming smile and left.
I started heading to the class, admiring the scenery as I went. I still had twenty minutes before my class started. The school was surrounded by mountains. Knightstown was discovered almost 10 years ago. Initially, it was a place for the gifted and had expanded to include the non-gifted. It had an excellent music, academic, and sports program. The school sprawled over thousands of acres. There was a daycare, preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and college all in one area. They even had dorms that worked like a boarding school for those as young as 5. I was shocked at the amount of people that sent their gifted and non-gifted children off at such an early age. The local parents were able to pick their children up on Friday afternoons and needed to return them Sunday night. It wasn’t until they reached high school that they could return on Monday mornings.
“Hey,” said a masculine voice that startled me out of my thoughts.
I looked over at the large mature tree to the right of the path I was walking on. Gavin was leaning against it. He looked tired, his eyes dark with circles.
“Hey,” I said hesitantly back.
“What’s your first class today?” he asked.
“Intro to Sociology,” I replied, although I knew he was making just making small talk. His unease was evident.
“Me too. General studies? You don’t know what you’re going to be when you grow up either?” He chuckled awkwardly.
I shook my head. “Honestly no, but then again, technically this was supposed to be my senior year in high school.”
He looked impressed. “I didn’t realize you were that young.”
“I’m seventeen,” I shrugged. “At my last school, I took a lot of college prep and AP classes.”
“So…this time around should be easier, since you’ve already done this…right,” I knew he was extending an olive branch.
“Not necessarily,” I said solemnly. “When I did this the first time around I only had two college classes, and the rest of my classes were over on the high school side. I already did all my make-up work to catch up for the semester before. Now I have to do it again.”
He groaned, visibly relaxing. “That sucks…Do…Can you tell me what happened?” he finally asked hesitantly.
I looked down frowning. “I wish we had the time. We have class soon,” I began walking once more. “And I think Collin has a tracker on me. I overheard a conversation I shouldn’t have last night, and now a few things are starting to make sense…It’s so complicated and I really need a…friend right now.”
“I can be that friend. Why don’t you just leave him,” he said resolutely. Then he laughed a bit disparagingly. “A few months ago, life seemed so simple. Sure, I felt like I might be losing it. Seeing people’s auras and such, but it was somewhat of a normal existence. Then one night I was leaving work late, and I saw these men that could throw fire, lift cars, create this weird dome-like thing. Their auras were so strong.” He stuffed his hands deep in his pockets and spoke quietly. I was sure I was the first person he had ever told.
My breath hitched. What was the likelihood that he ran into men that could wield fire, have super human strength, and create a force field? I knew instinctively he had seen my guys. I smiled up at him. “It’s so complicated,” I groaned. “I think I know the guys you saw. Are you familiar with the Bells?”
He snorted. “Who doesn’t? They’re the kings of this school. This city. This county. I haven’t ever met them, but I’ve heard of them.”
I nodded, a bit chagrined. “I was adopted by Mr. Bell…the first time I got here.”
We finally reached a group of people rushing into the school, and our conversation had to stop.
“With every answer I just got, you just gave me a million more questions,” he said ruefully. “Let me see your phone,” he said holding out his hand.
I looked at him quizzically, but handed it to him regardless.
“I’ll be right back. I might be a little late to class.” Before I could stop him, he was off, weaving into the crowd.