“Yeah, I guess.” I say, shaking my head and snapping myself out of it.
A gold-framed painting depicting an apple hangs on the wall, to his left. I will just focus on that. Yes, Arwen. Focus on the beautiful, admittedly boring, painting of an apple instead of staring into the eyes of the gorgeous specimen in front of you. Your self-control is phenomenal. Keep going.
“Wow, that’s... that’s really impressive. Sorry, I hope I didn’t offend you… you just look younger, you know?”
“Younger?” I say, confused but still determined to stare at my apple. I probably look cultured and studious. Cultured and studious people like art, right? Even if it is fruit art?
“Yeah… I thought maybe you were my age and doing something for the academy, or an internship. Sometimes we have exchange students come through here, or academy journalists looking for a quote from… I’m sorry, I’m babbling. I don’t mean young in a bad way. It’s really a compliment. To be so powerful and successful, to meet with the entire council at your age, I mean, you can’t be that far out of the academy, right?”
I’m working through his words in my brain, but it’s taking a large amount of mental effort to stay focused on this hideous apple. It’s not even a pretty red. It looks like someone picked it… wait. Hold on. Did he say powerful and successful?
I take a chance and glance over at him, and he’s… blushing. Why is this Adonis of a man blushing? And his words finally click.
Oh. Ohhhh… He thinks I’m somebody important.
He thinks I’m so important that the entire leadership council is going to speak with me. And now he is blushing because he is impressed and shy and babbling.
I should correct him.
I should definitely explain that I am a nobody. I’m less than nobody, because I don’t even have a sin... and really that this is more of a trial than a big fancy important meeting.
“Oh, don’t worry, it happens all the time,” I laugh and wave my hand like it’s no big deal that he didn’t realize how important I was. I’m guessing this kind of stuff is why the universe doesn’t like me.
“So, what are you doing here? Meeting withoneof the council members?” I draw out the word “one,” and now I know I’m pushing it. He looks down at his fancy, expensive watch and laughs softly to himself.
“Yeah, something like that. Nothing as cool as your meeting though. I’m actually stopping by before I leave for SinVail Academy. I’ll be starting my sophomore term this year.”
“Wow! Congratulations, that’s really an accomplishment,” I rush with all sincerity.
He looks at me with skeptic eyebrows, thrown off by my response.
Shit! That’s right.Super important and successful people like us are expected to go to SinVail.
It’s not exactly an accomplishment in our ranks, especially in Pride of all places.
“Thanks,” he says. “So, do you have any tips for me?”
“Tips?”
“Yeah, for the academy. You made a name for yourself. I… have a lot riding on my success at SinVail, and I’ll take all the help I can get.”
“Ms. Davies?” comes a voice from the hall.
“Yes?” I croak out, turning.
“The council will see you now.”
Oh, thank you, universe. I take back any nasty things I have ever said about you. You are a great and merciful universe.
“I’m sorry, I wish we had more time for me to share my academy knowledge.” I stand up and turn to go.
“Wait,” he says, “I didn’t catch your name?”
I turn around and see that he is holding out his hand. What a respectable gentleman!
“Arwen,” I say. “Arwen Davies.” No use lying now. I’ll never see this man again, and by the time he discovers Arwen Davies is nothing more than an 20-year-old sinless, I’ll be long gone.
“Atticus,” he responds, taking my hand and shaking it, and holy hell! When did handshakes get so hot?! I snap around to leave before I can do something to his hand that would definitely give away my non-important status. Like lick it.
