honest, I have a really hard time concentrating as Roman goes through the lesson. I keep having flashbacks of our encounter in the alley, and heat pools in my lower belly, making me squirm uncomfortably in my seat. I could swear Roman notices every subtle shift and movement I make, but he never actually looks at me again for the remainder of class, so I can’t be sure.
Over the next couple weeks, I have to play catch-up with everyone else in all my classes. My professors are mostly sympathetic, filling me in on what I missed and giving me a chance to make up assignments I wasn’t here for. Roman might be understanding about it too, but I don’t know, because there’s no way in hell I’m going to talk to him. I doubt anyone would figure out what happened between us—but if anyone does find out, I could get in trouble, and that’s the last thing I need.
Cam and Asher are always popping up to help me out, usually with a yell of, “Hey, Sin!” from Cam. He’s taken to my new nickname with a vengeance, and I have to admit, it’s growing on me. I’ve always just been “Elliot”, or “Ellie” to Mads, and it’s kind of nice having a name that only means something to Cam and me.
It’s a relief to see the guys every time I cross paths with them. Raul and I have all the same classes since he’s a first year too, and by some unspoken agreement, we end up sitting next to each other in every one. He’s quiet, shy, and will whisper explanations to me when I get out of my depth in classes, so I don’t feel like an idiot. I can tell he feels as out of place same as I do, and I’m a lot better at taking licks than he is, so we kind of stick together. It’s nice.
My roommates… aren’t so nice. But I’m going to make it work. This isn’t high school, for fuck’s sake. I’m not going to let myself be bothered by their drama.
And when I have to, I can always hide out in the guys’ dorm. Cam, Asher, and Dmitri all share the same room, and I’ve got an open invitation to drop by anytime I want. I take them up on it pretty often, actually, and I’m amazed at how comfortable I feel with all of them after knowing them such a short time. Dmitri clearly doesn’t appreciate my visits, judging by the perma-scowl he wears every time I come over, but I’ve come to find pushing his buttons is fun.
All in all, I think I’m starting to get a handle on this magical training thing.
And then it all falls apart.
Chapter 11
We have a Physical Training class that’s mandatory for all three years. It’s basically just a glorified gym class, but whatever. Using magic is very physically taxing; it drains you. So a powerful magic user needs to be in great physical shape on top of possessing exceptional mental strength. Otherwise, they’ll struggle to control their magic, and that’s when accidents happen.
Gym was never my favorite period in high school, but considering that being in good shape could mean the difference between life and death someday, I try to keep my internal bitching about the class to a minimum. I keep my mouth shut and do push ups, climb ropes, run sprints, and generally wish I was dead until I can go back to the locker room, take a shower, and start to feel human again.
But this time…
I walk over to my locker, dripping in sweat and feeling disgusting. It’s Friday afternoon, and unlike some of our other classes, we have Physical Training every day. I’m exhausted, I need a shower, and I wouldn’t say no to a massage if that were an option. My legs feel like cooked pasta.
Megan, Alyssa, and Kendal are all nearby. The fourth girl, I’ve learned, is named Cristina. Her father’s a big businessman with a lot of overseas connections. Alyssa was “kind” enough to inform me that Cristina was supposed to be their fourth roommate, or so all four of them had assumed, and the fact that I’m rooming with them instead is clearly unacceptable.
The four of them are all gathered nearby whispering to one another, clearly gossiping about someone. If it’s not me they’re bashing, it’s someone else—and I’m sure it won’t be long before they’re back on me again.