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“You too,” Percy says, getting into his seat and using the chair’s mechanism to make it go higher so he won’t have a problem seeing over the table. They both seem younger than me, though it’s really hard to tell how old a gnome is. I’m not surprised, most people in my classes so far seem to be younger than me. That thread of insecurity tugs on my chest. Before we can say more, our teacher is stepping into the room.
“Good morning,” Mr. Broody says as he walks over to the desk in the front of the room, setting down a stack of papers. He adjusts his glasses which have a beaded string around the back of them so he can hang them around his neck when he’s not wearing them. “Welcome to class. I hope you’ve chosen your seating arrangement wisely as this will be your project groups for the first quarter of class.”
Mr. Broody has long pointed ears, not unlike an elf’s but they’re so long they droop down the back of his head. He also has what appears to be blue scales running up his throat and up the sides of his face. He’s got curly blond hair on the top of his head. He wears a cardigan and plaid dress pants. He’s such a stereotypical librarian I can’t help but smile.
He seems like he runs a tight ship, yet is somehow approachable. I’m so looking forward to learning as much as I can from him.
“This class is going to teach you all about research, how to do it, what are proper sources, how to find those sources, how to cross-check those sources, and the like. I’ll be teaching you how to write a proper essay, and you’ll have group projects requiring you to find relative data from academic sources on a topic you’ll pick. It might not be a flashy class but if you follow my teachings, it shouldn’t be terribly difficult. The hope is that you’ll take this foundation and translate it into your other, more difficult academic classes. This is a stepping stone as you get into greater academia.”
I take out my notebook and start taking notes. A thrill goes through me. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed being in class where all I have to think about is the teacher in front of me. There’s no guess work when it comes to listening to a lecture. I just have to follow along as best as I can.
There’s something really therapeutic about just following instructions. I’ve always been an outstanding student. I like listening. I like translating that into my work. I like applying myself in something and seeing that effort translate into good grades.
Why can’t the rest of life be like this?
At the end of class, Wanda turns in her seat, giving me that giant grin again. “Thane! Can I have your number please? We should all exchange numbers since we’ll be doing group projects together.”
“Sure,” I say, pulling out my phone and exchanging numbers with Wanda and Percy. Wanda starts a group chat, adding Percy and I into it straight away.
“Perfect! Maybe this weekend we can hang out or something? Or we can walk together to get lunch? Come on, Thane. Join us!”
It’s hard to say no when someone is that excited about something as simple as lunch. I pack up my stuff and walk out of the classroom with Percy and Wanda beside me.
Wanda fills me in on all the gossip she’s learned since moving in, including a fire elemental that almost blew up the bonfire over the weekend with all the alcohol he’d consumed. Apparently, Maverick stopped him from trying. Hearing that from Wanda makes something flutter through my stomach, something unnamed and scary. I tuck it away so I don’t have to think about it.
Percy tells us about his roommate and how the two of them aren’t getting along so far this year. It’s hard to imagine starting things on the wrong foot, knowing you’re stuck with that person for the entire year. Yikes, that must suck.
Simon might have been clumsy and talks more than I knew possible, but overall he’s a really nice guy. I’m so glad I got paired with someone like him.
“Have you met any of the frat guys yet?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t really met many people yet.”
“Seriously? I’m surprised more people aren’t fawning over themselves to get to know you, Thane.”
I pick up a tray from the lunch line. Once Wanda’s words hit me, I freeze, turning towards her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She shrugs. “Just that you’re, like, super hot?”
“I’m what?”
Percy snorts. “She said what she said, man.”
“I am not. And even if I was, I don’t think I’m interested in people approaching me just because they think I’m hot. I don’t really have time to date or whatever.”
“Seriously?”
I go through the line, getting myself some lunch. The other two follow behind me, then we plop down at a table together.
“I don’t know what to tell you. I’m at college to get a degree.”
Percy quirks a brow at me. “What about all the college experiences?”
“Like what?”
Wanda jumps in, waving a hand excitedly at me. There’s a fry hanging out the side of her mouth which she miraculously doesn’t spit out at me as she talks. “Like frat parties and getting drunk and doing something stupid! Or trying weed for the first time! Or kissing as many boys or girls as you can get away with. This is the time of our lives when we’re supposed to experiment and have fun and meet new people. You only get to do this shit once and you should try it all!”
I take a bite of my food, chewing it slowly as I think about Wanda’s words. I might have only met her like an hour-and-a-half ago, but I can already tell she’s quickly going to be my friend. Percy too.
