Page 5 of The Tartan Thesis

Beau

Glad you’re having fun. Want to hear more about this Broadway singer when you wake up.

Juliana

YAAAAAAAAS

I’d put money on her waking up tomorrow, dress halfway undone, heels on opposite sides of the room, and makeup all over her pillow. She’ll be chugging that expensive water in no time.

Switching over to the campus map on my phone, I follow the blue dot toward the building where they’re hosting orientation. A short line to check in snakes out the door, and I throw on a charming smile to the woman who waves me forward. She’s got red hair, and given that we’re in Edinburgh, I assume she’s Scottish. Then I read Maeve on her name tag and take a chance by greeting her in Irish.

“Dia duit, Maeve,” I say.

“Dia duit,” she says with a smile, confirming her nationality. “Can I get your name?”

“Beau Fontenot.”

“Welcome to Edinburgh University, Beau. Fill out a name tag for yourself there, and here’s your information packet for the topics they’ll be covering today,” she says, handing me a folder. “The agenda is on the first page.”

I scribble my name on the sticker provided as Maeve flips through the stack of papers in front of her.

“There you are. Beau Fontenot. You’re checked in. Just to confirm for the luncheon, you don’t have any dietary restrictions?”

“No, ma’am. I’ll eat anything,” I tell her with a smile. She smiles back and moves her pen along the page, scanning my details.

“Oh, you’re studying history! Me too. I’m in my second year.”

“Will we have classes together?” I ask.

“We will. The core history courses are on an alternating schedule, so first- and second-years take most of them together.”

“Well, I look forward to learning with you, Maeve.”

“You too, Beau,” she says with a grin.

There’s an announcement from the room behind her: “Everyone please take your seats. We’re about to begin the first orientation session.”

“I better get in there,” I say.

“Enjoy,” she says with just a hint of sarcasm that suggests she remembers her own first day.

Heading through a pair of double doors, I browse for an empty seat. One close to the front looks promising. As I approach, I recognize a pile of red hair and a familiar blazer.

Maybe orientation won’t be so boring after all.

3

Torin

Scotch Whisky

Translation: A spirit produced and matured in Scotland

Usage: To describe whisky that was produced in Scotland and has matured in oak barrels for at least three years there

“Good morning!” a voice booms over the speakers. I look up at the stage and see a tweed-clad man smiling down around the old auditorium.

The crowd murmurs a “good morning” in response.