“Definitely not the pink hair,” he agreed, then added, “But the jury is still out on the free spirit.”
I smiled and looked back at the house, in the direction of the music.
“It probably wouldn’t fit in here,” I said again. I lowered my head to look at the brick again. “I don’t fit in here,” I mumbled. I really didn’t fit in anywhere.
“Why would you say that?” he asked.
Had I offended him? My pulse started to race worse than it already was. I tried to explain what I meant.
“It seems there are a lot of expectations and requirements, and I’m barely scraping by to get in.”
“You’re here, aren’t you?”
“Yes, for now.”
I still wasn’t sure I was going to stay.
“Hey! Ryder!” Finn’s voice caused me to look up at the top of the steps. I held my hand up to wave at him.
As Finn hurried down the steps, the man beside me bumped my knee with his hand and said, “Just because there are expectations and requirements that were carved out and molded long ago, doesn’t mean there aren’t some free spirits floating around.”
I nodded at him and smiled faintly as Finn appeared. The man beside me stood, and I felt as though I should stand too. I stood up too quickly, and a wave of nausea hit me. I closed my eyes and held my hand over my stomach, hoping I could control the urge to throw up and not embarrass myself.
“Bit unsteady there?” the man asked as Finn reached out and wrapped his hand around my bicep.
“I’m okay,” I said and opened my eyes.
“I take it your headache isn’t any better yet,” Finn said.
“Not yet,” I answered.
“Maybe we should go back to Louis and Atlas,” Finn suggested. Before I could answer, though, the man I’d been talking to spoke up and looked at Finn.
“That’s probably wise. I trust you’ll stay with him and make sure Mr. Christos is aware that his mentee is unwell?”
“Yes, sir. Of course,” Finn replied. “Come on, Ryder.”
Before leaving with Finn, I looked at the man again.
“Well, enjoy your evening,” I said.
“Thank you. I hope you feel better soon.” The man gestured to the house and said, “I think I’ll follow you boys inside. I’ve had enough of the cool, fresh air.”
Finn and I walked ahead of him, but as soon as we reached the door, he hurried around us and opened it.
“Thank you,” I said.
I stepped inside, and as Finn fell into step beside me, we headed toward the dining room where I last saw Atlas. I neededto get out of here and go back to the hotel. I desperately needed to brush my teeth and sleep.
Was it too late for me to back out of this academy thing?
21
Atlas
December
Louis and I were sipping on some coffee when motion at the entrance of the dining room caught my eye. Kaleb and a professor had walked in. Disappointed that it wasn’t Ryder, I glanced at my watch. I’d been keeping a close eye out for him to return. While I wanted him to enjoy himself in the Apollo suite, I was eager to see him again.
