Sharon’s note: When I started this story, I intended to lean into the bad cliches, but I’m just having too much fun. Is this character a little bit of a self-insert? Yes, but I’m having way too much fun. Warning: More bad attitude coming.
My new class schedule was grueling, but I was kind of enjoying it. Not only did I have normal classes, but I had some fundamentals of magic. A lot of it was history with an emphasis on ethics. That made sense. People were nothing if not careless when they found themselves with power.
Everyone told me I had magic, but the only evidence I’d seen so far was the weird mark in my eye. The councilor assured me that I’d see the power once I got to my practical studies. It was supposed to be top priority to get me in fighting shape to deal with the big nebulous evil. Unfortunately, burocracy was as alive and well in the magical world as it was in the normal one. There was some kind of in fighting on who was supposed to teach me magic. I didn’t care. I was just enjoying getting to focus on academics for once.
After my magical history class, I sauntered over to the dining hall for lunch. Under whatever program the had had me on I had a small allowance, but if I ate on campus meals were free. Baring any unexpected expenditures, I’d have a decent savings when I graduated. Things were looking up.
“Fancy seeing you here.”
I looked around, and there was Rand. He’d been gone when I’d left my room in the morning, so I assumed he hadn’t spent the entire night on the hallway floor. Not that you could prove it by his looks. He was as pale as death with dark circles under his eyes. Hungover was not a good look on him.
“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you, ever.” I turned away, only to be turned around again as he grabbed my arm. My eyes widened in disbelief. “You want to let go of my arm. Now.”
I don’t know what my face looked like, but it changed his expression from annoyed arrogance to shock as he released me. “I just wanted to talk.”
“What could you have to say that could possibly justify touching me without my consent?”
“I, uh, just wanted to get to know you better.” He looked lost for a moment before he seemed to remember himself and his face hardened. “I’m thinking now that dealing with a bitch like you isn’t worth the effort.”
I gave him a sarcastic thumbs-up. “Good for you. I suggest you stop wasting both our time and go bother someone else.”
Rand stood speechlessly for a second, then turned on his heel to stalk away. Relieved, I got back in line to get some meatloaf. The line forced me to stand by a table filled with girls my own age, laughing and drinking coffee. One of them spied me and narrowed her eyes as we looked at each other. Her lip curled in a sneer.
Well, shit. What now?
Gray Matters: The Works of Sharon and James Gray 