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I pinch the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes I should have called my mom But my dad’s the one who handles plane reservations My parents don’t really know that I moved out to live in the sorority house They know I joined, but they didn’t want me to leave Cass--that’s why I’m here, after all: to watch her Funny hoish I hadn’tto be back in that dorm room with her and her other roo to catch hiuard Of the two of us--et my way, but I’ve found the tears corown I let the threat of a cry show in , because if I lettothis way

"Uh…sure, I…I guess Are you done early? Can your sister come, too?" he asks

No, she can’t That’s the point--I need to get out of here, to get away, to come home and be on my own This has to be about me, for me--just this one time!

"She has tests on Monday But I’ll be done to that’s happened, with Cass and the assault…it’s taken a toll," I say, --not completely, anyhow My classes are easy, but this semester has been painful And I know…Cass bore the brunt She was assaulted, and it ful What happened--awful! And I’ry about it I want to hurt people for her I’…anywhere

My dad was there for the argu; he’s not na&iu on He just doesn’t want to be in theon

"All right, Paige I understand, sweetheart Let me see what I can do I’ll text you when ht, okay?" That’s what I needed I’, and I’ our call

I look atis heavy, still stuffed with the things I care about I’ alone in this roo along the wood floors There’s a short pause near my door, and I watch as Ashley scurries by quickly, a teacup in her hand, the bag’s string dangling over the edge She practically races to the stairs to get into the kitchen--away frothrough the deserted hallway, down the stairs and into the co on the sofa, and one looks up at ht; I’is stupid I let the door slainal intent was to go to the library again, but honestly, if I study the books infor one more sto befor the fastest tih the rows of brick buildings, lettingthe slick s of the architecture college It’s ; it’s everyone’s favorite Made froone through several renovations over the years until now it is a cool collaboration of the old styles and the new I love the lines and the colors, buton the inside

I’ve only looked through the floor-to-ceiling s, but next year, I get to sit in those classrooms--to make those rooms look as I think they should McConnell puts students in design apprenticeships as sopho here

My oes numb for the rest of my walk, and somehow I findlot is eone elsewhere for the holidays That’s what stopsover the white lines where cars are supposed to sit, his green apron dangling around his neck, the knot loose behind his back It’s nine in theI swear he’s even whistling The sight of it , let alone looking so carefree He was out later than I was--I know, because I left soet his ass kicked by Carson, who I’m pretty sure isn’t my boyfriend anymore