Raven takes my phone and stares at the screen with a hum. I swear my heart pounds in time with the tapping of her dark lacquered nails against the phone case.
“Okay, so definitely keep Dr. Yamamoto for English Composition. She’s tough but fair. I also hear she’s an awesome mentor if she’s not already tied up for the semester. You have good teachers for College Algebra and Human Growth and Development.” Raven hums. “Dr. Ames for General Chemistry should be avoided as much as possible. Sure, he seems charming with those custom-tailored suits and that Rolex watch, but everyone says he nitpicks papers to avoid giving A’s.”
I frown. “Damn. It doesn’t sound like I can do anything except work my ass off and pray for a B. I was hoping college was less about power trips than high school.”
Raven gives me an exasperated look. “This place is nothing but a gazillion power trips between students, professors, and the administration. Never underestimate the wealthy’s love of power. Besides, academia breeds pretentious bullshit. Just make sure you don’t step in it.”
“Right.”
“Raven!”
We both turn our heads in the direction of the speaker. A petite girl with a pixie cut and winged eyeliner stops in front of us. She’s dressed up in a pleated skirt and cardigan, with the first couple buttons undone and exposing generous amounts of cleavage.
I can’t tell if she’s a sexy nerd or a porn star.
“Hey, Juniper,” Raven greets with a friendly smile. “Did you have a good summer?”
“Oh, my gosh, yes! I discovered three new obscure mathematical theories to immerse myself in. They kept me busy.”
I blink up at her. Is this girl a math genius? Niiiice.
Raven bumps my shoulder with hers, breaking my stare. “Don’t mind my new roommate. Delilah is new, a fresh escapee from suburbia-land. Be gentle.”
“I’m June. Nice to meet you.” She tosses her blonde hair, and it bounces back in place. “Are you guys going to orientation?”
“Yeah.” Raven rolls her eyes. “Must be nice to be a sophomore and not have to go. What are you up to? Want to come with us?” Raven asks.
“It’ll be full of nerds.” She pops her bubblegum and sighs. “All of the hot guys won’t be there. Have you heard of any parties happening tonight?”
I shake my head, although I’m positive she isn’t asking me.
Raven does the same. “Sorry, girl. Looks like you’re not getting laid tonight.”
“Maybe.”
My roommate turns to me. “June is riding on a full scholarship for her brain. A math genius by day and a femme fatale by night.”
The blonde curtsies. “Keeps things interesting.”
“I was just about to give Delilah a tour of the campus,” Raven says. “Want to join us?”
“Sure.”
We follow Raven from the coffee shop with the sound of June’s heels clicking against the floor. Once outside, my roommate leads us past the library, a stately red brick building. Weathered by centuries of harsh New England winters, there is erosion along the corners. Ivy climbs along the sides as if wanting to obtain the knowledge within its walls.
“Do you see that garden in the back?” Raven asks. When I nod, she continues. “That’s the perfect spot for studying, or letting someone into your secret garden.”
June laughs. “Did you grow up reading Victorian romance or something, Raven? If you say manhood, I’m going to punch you in the face.” The woman turns to me. “Delilah, people go back there to get their dicks sucked and to suck dicks. It’s far from romantic, but it is fun though.”
“Speaking from personal experience or speculation?” I ask.
She winks at me. “Yes.”
I grin.
“Obviously, I know people go back there to hook up,” Raven says. “I just meant it’s good for privacy in general.”
June waggles her eyebrows. “Oh, it’s definitely good for privacy. Oh, my God. Look, it’s him.”
