“I’m on the fence. Mainly because I didn’t pack an umbrella when I moved up here,” she admitted.
“The campus store sells them. I think every store in Antonia sells them. Man, I’m pretty sure the taqueria sells them!”
She laughed again, this one an open-mouthed burst.
Jesse smiled. “Have you been there yet?”
“No. I mean, I pass it sometimes, but I never go in.”
“You should try it. And you could see if I’m right.”
“How would I let you know?” It came out almost as a challenge, a counterattack.
Jesse didn’t seem to take it that way. “I’m in Ramsey Court. You?”
“Pettiford Hall.”
He winced. “Oooh. The slums. Don’t worry, if you stick it out the full year, you’ll get boosted to a nice dorm.”
“Thanks for the tip. Um. I gotta practice. I’m first stand for the Halloween Ball.”
“Wow! Sweet. Congratulations. I assume that’s a big thing?”
“Kinda.” Another shrug. She had talked to someone! He had talked back! Conversation had occurred. Problem? She didn’t know how toenda conversation. She had been so lonely thatshe wasn’t sure she wanted it to end. “Will you be there? The Panhellenic Society is throwing it.”
“No, sadly. I always go home for the holidays.”
Sophie gave him a quizzical look. “Okay. See you.”
Jesse’s face fell. “See you. Actually... When would I see you?”
It took her a minute to work out what he was asking. “Um, my schedule’s open at night.”
His smile was wide and oddly relieved. “Mine, too! Maybe after the Halloween Ball, you’ll have more time to eat tacos?”
Another laugh. She never laughed with people outside of her own family. She was always too busy waiting for the personal attacks to begin or too nervous that someone would ask her a question she had no answer for. Jesse made her relax, and she didn’t know why.
Time to freak out.
“Yeah. After Halloween. Bye!” She bolted.
As she leaned against the wall of the elevator that would take her third-floor room, hopeful thoughts nudged their way into her brain. She could get comfortable around more people. She didn’t have to hide in her shell so much.
The doors opened and she found herself confronted by a couple in mid-grope. “‘Scuse me,” Sophie muttered, head down, cello and bag clutched protectively to her. They parted for a second to let her pass, then exchanged places with her, stepping into the empty car.
As she walked away, she heard the voices behind her.
“Is she auditioning for a part in some horror flick?”
“No, shut up, Carson. She must have some skin disease, that’s all.”
She slammed the door shut.
Her shell was just fine. She wouldn’t be leaving it anytime soon.
