3
Maize
I slowly open one eye, and then the other, and when my bedroom walls come into view, and reality comes racing back, I groan and roll over, the stupid boot on my foot a heavy reminder that I might never run again. It’s been five days since they did the ankle surgery, and for five days I’ve been lying here trying to figure out how to pay for it, along with my next term’s tuition. I run my tongue over my front tooth. It’s been a bit wiggly since I fell. Maybe the tooth fairy would give me a large sum if I tucked it under my pillow. I mean, an adult front tooth must be worth something, right?
God, what am I even saying? I must still be concussed, because I’m clearly not thinking straight. The tooth fairy only collects kids’ teeth. Sheesh. I laugh, almost manically at that last thought. My phone pings, and I sober as I reach for it. I put on my best happy voice when I see it’s my mom calling. Then I wonder why she’s calling at ten in the morning on a Saturday. I slide my finger across the phone, digging deep for my chirpy voice.
“Hey Mom, what’s up?”
“What do you mean what’s up? Can’t a mother check in on her daughter?”
Okay, it’s true. I haven’t called or texted and that’s not like me. It’s just, well, I worried that if I heard her voice I’d burst into tears, and have to confess that I’m going to lose my scholarship. Mom is a nurse’s assistant and can’t afford to help me, even though I know she’d go without heat and food to try. But still, I’m an adult, and I need to find my own way out of this mess.
“Sorry. Just crazy busy with the upcoming meet,” I say, and cringe as the lie spills from my lips. I hate to lie to my mother but under the circumstances, I have no choice.
“I thought that was today,” she says, as dishes clang in the background and her tea kettle sings.
“Oh, yeah, no. I made a mistake. It’s next week.” I’m glad I don’t have pants on, because yeah, they’d be on fire.
“That’s not like you. Making a mistake on your meets.”
“Fourth year, applying for grad schools.” I have the grades to get into Harvard Law, I just won’t have the funds if I can’t get a scholarship, and with this broken ankle… “I have a lot on my mind.” Time to change the subject. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Maybe I can drive up tomorrow, we can grab lunch—”
“No,” I bark out quickly, too quickly judging by the way she just fell silent. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m just crazy busy. I’ll see you at Thanksgiving, okay?” Hopefully in two months, my ankle will be better, and I can get back to running. If not… Nope, not going to go there.
“I have a study group, so I have to go.” Pretty much the first thing I said that was true.
“Okay, love. You have a great day. I’m looking forward to seeing you for Thanksgiving.” A pause and then, “Will you be bringing anyone with you?”
I shake my head and silently laugh. “No. You know I don’t have time for guys right now.” I don’t have the time, patience, or trust needed for a boyfriend. I’ve seen the way the guys here go from one bed to the next. My own father cheated on Mom right after I was born, then he screwed off, never to be heard from again. So no, I’m not about to put my heart in any man’s hands only for him to crush it. “All my focus goes into my work.”
She makes a tsking sound. “All work and no play—”
“Is what’s going to get me into Harvard,” I say, cutting her off. Mom knows my plans, and I get that she wants me to enjoy college and come out well-rounded. She wants better for me than she had, and I don’t want to disappoint her, but I will not be bringing any guy home. I’ll be bringing good grades home instead.
She laughs, and it mingles with the sound of her spoon in her teacup. I smile, missing my tea and honey moments at home. “Okay, love. If you change your mind.”
I end the call, push from the bed, and about to head to the hall bathroom when a knock comes on my bedroom door. “Maize, you up?”
“Yeah, come in.”
The door pushes open and in walks Kaitlyn. I instantly notice the tightness in her shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” I steal a glance at the clock. “Shouldn’t you be at the meet?”
“I just finished warming up. Headed back in a second. I wanted to talk to you.”
I shift on the bed, to make room for her. “What’s up?” I ask, my stomach tight. She’s going to deliver bad news. I just know it.
“I was talking to Coach today. She uh…she’s going to replace you. Janice is going to take your spot.”
I grip the sheets and squeeze. Of course, she’s going to replace me. I never thought for a moment she wouldn’t, but it stings nonetheless. “Janice will do great.”
She glances at my boot. “I’m worried about your tuition.”
“Me too.”
“There’s a way…” Her voice falls off and my gaze jerks to hers, and from the way her eyes are wide, her head dipped a little, I’m not sure I want to hear what it is she’s about to say.
“What?”
She picks at an imaginary piece of lint on my bed. “Remember those whispers we used to hear, you know about the secret society some of the athletes and scholars belong to, you know the Wolf Pack, at Wolf House?”
“First that’s a stupid name and second it can’t be true, Kaitlyn. Men can’t buy and own women, it’s the twenty-first century, and illegal.” She slides her hand behind her back, and produces a card. I eye it carefully. “What’s that.”
“It’s an invitation.” She
