I picked up my tablet and phone and trundled past him, grumbling under my breath. I knew the school wasn’t going to be easy on me, but I had no idea it would be so torturous.
“And next time, I suggest you use a locker for your belongings. That includes your gym clothes,” he called after me.
Once outside, I sucked in the fresh air and released it as the breeze blew against my sweat-soaked skin. My nose scrunched. I really needed a shower before dinner.
Oh, crap. I’d forgotten to respond to Tía Teresa. I pulled out my phone and glanced at the message again. It was almost three? How long had she been waiting at my dorm? I typed out a quick apology and let her know that I was on my way and I’d be staying on campus for dinner.
Another message caught my eye. From Shiloh and one from Javi. Typing out a quick reply to both, I started retracing my steps back toward House Dragon. I glanced back and forth, making sure no cars were coming before crossing the road.
Once at the building, I scanned my key card to let myself in. The front room was empty, but noises drifted from deep within. Somewhere music played, a soft classical piece that instantly reminded me of back home. Papi always preferred Spanish ballads, but our cook, Marta, loved classical piano music. She always commented on how she felt she missed her calling by not pursuing music. That story always made me sad for her and remembering it now, was twice as depressing.
Would I ever see her or anyone else I knew again? I hugged my arms around myself as I stood in the giant empty entryway. Even if I could go back and pretend I was normal, how long would that last? Would my old friends still accept me if they found out the truth about me and my family? It was too crazy for me to believe and I was living it.
A ping came from my phone, snapping me back to the present. Tía Teresa was done with my room. I frowned. What did that mean? She didn’t go through all my stuff, did she? Putting away my phone, I headed for the elevator and pushed the third-floor button.
I’d gotten through the day, now just a few more hours before I could crash in my bed. A bed that was in a room shared with someone else, I remembered.
Perfect. Now I have an audience to watch me break down.
Taking a steadying breath, I forced the emotions away. By the time the elevator stopped, I would be able to face them all again.
I got off and headed for the room, but when I got there, I paused. I didn’t get the room key from Javi. Before I could knock, the door swung wide open. My tía and Shiloh welcomed me in with warm smiles.
“Rosa, I put your clothes in the closet and all your bathroom stuff away. If you need more of your things, we can send for them. Shiloh tells me you two already have plans for dinner tonight?”
I glanced at my new roommate. She adjusted her glasses and grinned. “There’s a little place right on the beach. The school’s private beach.”
“Sounds good to me.” I nodded.
Tía Teresa smiled. “How nice. I got you a new student ID card with money loaded. Do you need cash as well?”
My eyebrow arched. I still had what was left in my wallet, but a girl could always use more cash. “Sure?”
She dug into her purse and handed me a wad of cash along with the ID card. If Shiloh was shocked at the giant wad, she didn’t show it. Maybe she was just as rich or maybe she was just that polite.
“Gracias, Tía.” I took the money and card.
Rose instead of Rosa greeted me and there was a more updated picture of me. It was one Papi took on my birthday in January. I stared at my smiling face, my heart growing heavy.
You thought you were going to have the best year. Ha.
My tía’s dark eyes searched my face. “Todo bien, Rosa?”
No. How could anything be okay given the circumstances? But I wasn’t going to open up to her right here in front of a stranger.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Just a busy day.”
She frowned, but thankfully didn’t push the issue. Shiloh turned away and was focusing on some papers at her desk.
“If you need anything, you’ll call?”
I nodded. No.
“You can come to the house anytime you need to. Your friend is welcome too.” She glanced at Shiloh.
“Okay. Gracias.”
Tía Teresa fiddled with her purse, peering around one more time before she looked back at me. “Okay. Well, goodnight, girls. Rosa, I’ll be in touch.”
She gave me a hug and kissed my cheek before waving to Shiloh. I shoved my cash and new ID with my updated name into my messenger bag hanging in the closet. The sight of all my clothes, shoes, and accessories made me pause.
This was real. This was my home now.
I glanced at my bracelet, angry tears pricking my eyes.
“How were your classes?” Shiloh’s voice called behind me.
Blinking away the tears, I straightened and turned back to her. “Fine. I got to change to online courses for the freshman and sophomore classes. Oh, and I met my mentor.”
Her eyes widened. “Who is it?”
I made a face. “Professor Cassiano.”
She blinked. “Really? That’s… I’m surprised.”
My eyebrow arched. “Why?”
Her cheeks reddened. “Well, he doesn’t take many students on for mentoring. Something happened with one of his old students a long time ago… they went psycho or something and he felt responsible. He’s… a great teacher but very strict.”
I snorted. “Yeah, I got that.”
We fell silent.
“So, I gotta shower and change. I don’t have to wear this uniform for dinner, right?”
She smiled. “Oh, no. You can wear whatever you like. It’s super casual.”
My body relaxed. A casual meal on the beach sounded good to me. I glanced down at my bracelet.
Wait… would
