Page 2 of Revenant

“A bit stubborn, are we?” He doesn’t say it condescendingly, but rather lightheartedly, like he’s already figured me out. This rando continues to follow me as I trudge forward—clearly struggling to keep my damn suitcase upright, but I persevere. For…another few feet. Then it catches on another raised stone and tumbles to the side again; thankfully, I stay upright this time. But, of course, nothing’s ever that simple. The universe doesn’t give without taking.

The zipper must be feeling the same way I do, completely done with today and ready to give up, because my luggage busts wide open, all the contents spilling out for the entire campus to see…underwear included.

My shoulders slump in defeat as I uselessly attempt not to let the embarrassment reach my face, but from the smirk my shadow tries to hide behind his palm…I know I’ve failed.

Now I have to add laundry to my to-do list.

Picking up the various articles of clothing that escaped, I set them back inside before securing the zipper and attempting to lift it. This is completely barbaric. The whole reason someone invented suitcases with wheels is because they’re too damn heavy. My eyes drift over to the smiling asshole, who’s shoving his hands into his pockets and shaking his head as though this is the most entertainment he’s had all day. In hindsight, I’m surprised he’s stuck around this long.

Letting out a long, defeated sigh, I relent. “Would you please help me?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” He takes a few steps toward me, bending down and picking up the suitcase with ease. “Most girls would’ve accepted help the first time.”

“And most guys would’ve stopped following a stranger ten feet ago.”

“In my defense, you’re very slow. It’s barely been five feet.” He’s quite charming, and I hate that on my first day I’m being perceived as some sort of damsel in distress. I follow his lead, keeping my head down so I don’t make eye contact with anybody else. Before I know it, my apparent knight in shining armor opens the door to one of the nearby buildings that—admittedly, if I’d taken a minute—I probably could’ve found.

My bones thaw the moment he closes the door behind me, and I’m grateful for the heat inside. “Just head in there, and they can get you a new schedule.” He points to a door on my left. I feel cagey leaving him with my stuff, but I know the second I take it from him, it’ll open right back up.

Any words I had in reply get stuck in my throat, not knowing how to handle all the kindness this stranger has given me. Considering everyone else outside passed by me without a second thought. Assholes.

I give him a curt, awkward nod, turn on my heel, and pull open the door. I’m instantly hit with the smell of toner and warm paper.

“What can I do for you today?” an older lady behind the desk asks. Her glasses have fallen down her nose, and even though she’s looking at me, her fingers never stop typing on the keyboard.

“Hi, I need to get another copy of my schedule. The rain kind of ruined my other one.” That and the fact it dissolved into the stone after my fall, but I choose to leave that part out.

“Not a problem, dear. What’s your name?”

“Calder. Alicent Calder.” The front desk lady continues to type without another word, clicking her mouse a few times before the printer behind her lights up. She pushes away from the desk, rolling in her chair to grab the piece of paper, and slides back, still not uttering a word.

The woman hands it to me over the counter that’s supposed to be shielding her desk. “Anything else?”

“Uh, nope. That was everything.” I take the paper from her, reveling in how warm it still is before heading back out into the hallway.

I stare down at the sheet, trying to memorize what I can before going back out into the rain. Prince Charming reads over my shoulder, and it feels like an invasion of privacy. Looking at him, I quickly press the information against my chest, stunned by his sheer audacity.

But as luck would have it, he had already seen whatever he was looking for. “Alicent.” He says my name like a prayer, and for some unknown reason, goosebumps scatter across my skin.

I don’t comment on it because, truthfully, I don’t know how without sounding like a weirdo. “Is there a map somewhere?”

“You should have one in your dorm. Along with a bunch of meaningless welcome papers.” Why in the world would they put the map inside my room? I don’t even know how to get to my room!

“Well, that’s not very helpful, is it?” I mumble under my breath, already feeling anxious about wandering the campus. My eyes drift to him, standing there with a smug smile. Reluctantly, I give in and ask, “Can you show me to my room?”

He chuckles. “Already trying to get me alone? Con piacere.” He bumps my shoulder with his, and it oddly eases any tension I was carrying. “Where are we headed?”

I pull the paper back in front of me, biting down the urge to ask what he just said, and scan just beneath my name. “Uh, Vesperian Hall? Room…259,” I state, looking back at him expectantly. His smile falters for less than a second, quickly recovering, but I notice it.

“Looks like I wasn’t completely off par with you wanting to get me alone,” he jokes, walking backward toward the door. “I’m in that hall as well.”

Before stepping outside, I slip one strap of my leather backpack off my shoulder and let it hang, stuffing the schedule deep inside—no chance I’m coming back for a third.

Thankfully, this bag didn’t fall, but I still check that my mother’s mirror is intact, wrapped tightly in one of my scarves. Knowing it’s safe eases some of my anxiety. It’s the only real piece of home I have left.

Satisfied, I clasp the opening shut, swing the strap back over my shoulder, and walk out the awaiting open door.

The rain has finally let up, only coming down as a soft drizzle. The guy, whose name I still don’t know, continues to carry my suitcase with ease. Maneuvering around campus as if he’s lived here his whole life. “Where are you moving from?” he asks, clearly trying to fill the silence.