“Can I use my colored pencils?”
“Of course.”
I reached into my backpack and pulled out my favorite pencils then tilted my eyes back to the microscope. I spent the next few minutes sketching what I saw and providing color to highlight distinct features. Once finished, I slid the paper back to my instructor.
He picked it up slowly and scanned the page, his expression guarded. I wasn’t sure what to think. Was this research project he was alluding to in need of someone to draw diagrams?
It wasn’t totally unappealing to be a sketch artist for some more scientifically adept students as an extracurricular assignment, but I still wasn’t sure why that position would be so important or why it hadn’t been filled by an art student already. Shouldn’t there be a formal application process for that sort of thing?
Professor East put the paper back on the desk and leaned back slightly in his chair, steepling his fingers.
“Thanks for taking the time to do that. I think you could be a good fit for the program. It’s very selective. Many of the students in it are enrolled concurrently here at the college, and they do very well in their studies. It is extra work, to be certain, but it will open a lot of doors for you. Ones that would never exist otherwise.”
My mind was racing. A selective program? Like the AP and dual-enrollment courses I’d taken in high school?
Professor East must have seen the confusion on my face because he cleared his throat and continued. “You may know the program as the Evergreen Academy.”
Chapter Four
Iforced my expression to stay neutral as surprise ratcheted through my body. Had Professor East just said the Evergreen Academy? The mysterious school out in the woods? The one with the fairy ring by the gate?
“I take it you’ve heard of it?” Professor East asked calmly, putting an end to my spiraling thoughts. My intense curiosity about the place and the stranger I’d met there in the woods had diminished over the past few months, but it was back as if it had never left.
I leaned forward, crossing my legs at the ankles to try to tone down some of my excitement.
“Of course. I mean, I don’t know much about it. But I grew up here, so I’ve heard it mentioned.”
“Well, I know there are a plethora of rumors about it in the local community. But it’s an incredible program. People come from all over the country to study there.”
“What do they study, exactly?”
A trace of a smile crossed Professor East’s lips. “It’s hard to explain. A visit to the academy will paint a more accurate picture. From there, should you choose to attend, you can complete… orientation and officially enroll.”
I frowned. That he had paused before saying the word “orientation” hadn’t escaped my notice. My mind swirled. I had been wondering about Evergreen Academy since the summer solstice, and now here was my Biology professor, offering to take me there for a visit. I felt like the world had slipped sideways a few degrees.
Curiosity overflowing, I let my eyes meet Professor East’s. “Okay. I’m interested.”
He nodded and pushed back from the desk, preparing to stand.
I mirrored him.
“Great. What is your Monday class schedule like?”
“I only have morning classes. I’m done at noon.”
“Meet me here after your last class. We’ll drive out to the academy together.”
I nodded and picked up my backpack, slipping it onto my shoulders again. “Do I need to bring anything special, or…”
“No, come just as you are. Though that is a good reminder that cell phones are not allowed on the campus. It’s due to the nature of the research there being… sensitive.”
The idea of going anywhere without my cell phone felt stranger than the idea of actually seeing the mysterious academy grounds. But I nodded in agreement and stepped out of the door that Professor East had opened.
“Have a pleasant weekend,” Professor East said, already turning back to his laptop.
“You, too, Professor.” And I left the room with far more questions than when I entered.
Chapter Five
