Page 45 of Colton

My heart clenches for her. Although she’s talking with detachment, it’s clear that it’s a painful subject for her. Hell, who wouldn’t find it painful? I know she’s been trying to improve the relationship she has with her parents, but at this point, is that even possible? Especially since they were more than happy to just marry her off.

I bet neither of her siblings went through an arranged marriage.

“But it’s fine,” she turns to face me, giving me a wide smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Who needs them? I don’t. Anywho, are you down to have some fun tonight?”

I’m not stupid, I know that she’s trying to change the topic, so I follow her lead. “What kind of fun?”

“Maybe getting drunk off our asses?”

“No,” I say before I even think about it. “Last time you got drunk off your ass, you almost flashed the entire club. I’m not going through that again.”

“That happened… What? over a year ago? And it happened once, you need to learn to let things go, Ava.”

I roll my eyes. “It wasn’t only once, and you know it. Why are you so eager to get drunk, anyway?”

“Because I’ve been under too much stress,” she sighs. “Okay, I have a better idea. Let’s grab Lila and study together. I highly doubt Sophia would join us.”

Ah, there it is.

Grace just doesn’t want to be alone, but she’d never admit it outloud. So, I don’t comment on it. I offer her a soft smile, stand from the bed, walk over to my closet, grab some comfortable clothes and some of my books.

“Let’s do it in your dorm, then. It’s easier if I were the one to bring all the books to you.”

Grace is sharing her dorm with Lila, hence the other girl will already be there. Something like relief flashes Grace’s eyes, and she nods, opening the door for me. I’m not sure what else is on her mind, but I’m not one to pry.

When she’s ready, she’ll talk to us.

Until then, I have no issues just being there for her, in any way she may need.

◆◆◆

For the first two hours, it goes smoothly. Each one of us is studying for the subject they’re the weakest at and at one point, Sophia dropped by, bringing us snacks, and water as encouragement.

It’s not that she doesn’t necessarily like studying with people, but she has her own tempo that none of us can match, and it’s okay that she does it all by herself. I’ve seen firsthand how much her grades and academic validation means to her, which I do find extremely admirable.

Lila’s pink hair is tied into a messy bun, the frame of her glasses matching her hair color perfectly. She takes them off, rubbing her eyes softly, then closes the book. It’s been around fifteen minutes since each one of us had stopped actually studying, our concentration running its course.

Lila’s always the one sitting on the floor and for what reason, I’m still uncertain. She yawns, and stands up to stretch. That’s when her necklace catches my eye and a small frown tugs on the corner of my lips. She notices it, then starts fiddling with the pendant.

“Is that what a cross should look like?” I ask, bluntly.

Lila chuckles. “It’s an Orthodox cross.”

“Wait, you’re an Orthodox Christian?”

Lila nods. “Yeah. My ancestors were Greek, so it kind of followed them when they came to the States.”

“I didn’t know that,” Grace murmurs, completely forgetting her books. “But you’re praying in a Catholic church?”

Behind the Academy, a little deeper in the woods is a small church. Supposedly, it’s been around for as long as the Academy itself, and a Priest lives on the premises too, holding Sunday mass. Though, I’m yet to see him.

“I have nowhere else to go,” Lila sighs. “There are a couple of Orthodox churches in New York, but it’s still rather impossible for me to go every week. It’s too far. And besides, the priest doesn’t mind.”

My brows narrow. When she mentions the priest, she looks away. Grace and I exchange knowing looks, she’s the one that speaks first. A low, wicked smirk tugs on the corner of her lips. “You’ve familiarized yourself with the priest, haven’t you?” She teases, and I swallow back a laugh.

Lila’s cheeks turn pink. “What?! No!”

“Uhuh,” I grin. “Spill.”