“However, it is our loss for not having the chance to spend a little more time with you prior to your arrival. I know this is a lot to be thrown into so quickly,” Hugo said.Trying to cover for the dean being a dick?
“Yes, but as luck would have it, you happen to have the best mentor Omnia Academy has. I imagine he has caught you up to speed,” Viktor stated.Was he trying to rebound from being a dick?
“Atlas has been great. He’s told me a lot and helped me get my supplies and clothes. I’m eager to start the academy.”
“We’re happy to have you among our student body, Ryder. Anytime you need anything, our doors are open. Though, hopefully I don’t hear of you being in Viktor’s office for behavioral issues.”
Atlas, Viktor, and Hugo all laughed. I felt obligated to at least chuckle along at Hugo’s joke about not being in Viktor’s office.
Did these two know about my home life? Did they think I didn’t want to be here? Did they think I was some misbehaved punk? Was I overthinking this?
“Enjoy your evening, and we’ll see you Monday,” Hugo said.
“Thank you,” I replied.
As soon as they left Atlas and me alone, I couldn’t help but drift quickly to reasons why I didn’t belong here. Atlas put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed my upper arm as we walked in the opposite direction.
“You’ll like Hugo, Ryder.”
“What about Viktor?”
“Viktor is the dean and disciplinarian. He’s rough around the edges. I don’t expect you to have much interaction with him. Besides, he was very excited to meet you.”
“Really?” Atlas laughed at my surprised tone. “He had a funny way of showing it.”
“You didn’t see the bulge in his pants?”
“What?”
“Mmhmm.”
I shook my head at Atlas’ joke.
“Seriously, though, do all the students have families?”
“Ryder—”
“I’m guessing they do because the families and students are invited here so staff can meet all of them.”
“I won’t bullshit you, Ryder. Yes, most students have families of their own blood to bring to the meet and greet weekend. And it’s usually a weekend where the families size up other families and make sure their kid sticks out and shines brighter than the other kids.”
I nodded. I’d seen stupid shit like that in high school.
“Do they know about…?”
“The fact that you’ve been in and out of foster homes, emotionally and physically abused by people you should havebeen able to trust, and kicked to the streets with nothing but the clothes on your back?”
Atlas stopped walking, and I turned to look at him. I felt ice cold and wanted to get out of here.
“Yes, they know. They were given the medical and psychology reports. They know the ugly parts that doctors can see or observe and put down on paper. And believe me, those reports have made them irate.”
I sighed and watched what I assumed was a mentor walking down the hall with their student. The student looked arrogant with a smile on his face as they headed toward the music.
“I don’t belong here, Atlas,” I mumbled.
“You do. You’re not inferior to any of these young men you’re going to meet. None of them have anything on you. You have a very special gift, Ryder.”
I took a deep breath and looked around. There were tons of people around, mingling in the large entryway, but I was glad to see no one was looking at us and my mini meltdown. That would have been so embarrassing for Atlas. I needed to fucking stop acting like this.
