“Ryder doesn’t come from wealthy parents. In fact, he doesn’t even know his parents. He was abandoned at a firehouse and spent his youth in and out of foster homes. So there isn’t a strong family background at all, and you know how much the Omnia Council likes the Omnias to possess a well-rounded family life.”
“I do. I wish the council would stop using a cookie cutter to find these young men.”
“Well, each of them is supposed to have some sort of special trait.”
“Yes, that’s right. Have you already figured that out about Ryder?” I asked.
“Oh yes. In part it’s why he is perfect for you. Ryder has a photographic memory. His mind is very sharp, which leads me to last night.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“He’d been in the Apollo suite with another Omnia. As he and the other young man were servicing a professor, Ryder wastriggered by the taste of pre-cum, and memories that he had blocked of being sexually abused came flooding in.” I placed my hand over my stomach. This news wasn’t mixing well with the coffee. “That’s what sent him reeling and in need of air. Understand that years of trauma consumed him last night. I stayed with him and watched over him as he slept—the little that he did sleep. He woke up twice from nightmares.”
I thought back to the conversation I’d had with Ryder in the courtyard last night. His behavior with all the spitting made sense now. With so much running through my mind, the thing I kept coming back to was that someone had hurtmyRyder.
“I’m grateful you were with him, Atlas.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in. There are many things in Ryder’s background that aren’t conventional or common. But, Will, this kid will never let you down. I believe in him and will guide him over the next four years… As long as he lets me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Last night he said he didn’t think he could attend the academy. He knows the curriculum contains a heavy amount of sex.” Atlas took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “Given his background and what he recalled last night, I’m torn as well. Of course, I want him to attend, and I want to mentor him. But I also don’t want him emotionally hurt and aching every day as I work through his past with him.”
“I see.” I gazed out the window at nothing in particular as I thought about everything Atlas said. “I don’t want him hurting either.”
“I told him the decision was his. He could take today and think about it. My driver, Oscar, will be at the hotel lobby for him tomorrow morning. Ryder knows that it’s his choice and that he can either let Oscar bring him to the academy, or Oscar will take him to the airport so he can go back to Los Angeles.”
“Is he going to let you know before hand, or are you just going to know if he shows up at nine o’clock tomorrow morning?”
“I’ll have his answer if he arrives in the morning.”
So be it. While Ryder’s decision was completely out of my hands, I could still control what happens to the people who hurt him.
24
Atlas
January
Imade my way to the elevator with Louis by my side. I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about this morning. The returning students had arrival times between seven and eight a.m., and the new students were set to arrive between eight thirty and nine.
It was tradition that the mentors who were expecting new students would join the headmaster, the dean, and Kaleb for coffee. It was always held in the lounge of the second floor of the main building. From there, all of us would be able to see each student as they arrived. The Omnia Council had a number of people at the gates to welcome each student. As a new student arrived, someone from the council would call to the lounge with the name of the student. Their mentor would then leave the lounge and go downstairs to meet their student. The mentor would then take him to his dormitory to get settled, then take them on a tour of the campus. I’ve been through this routine many times.
Why was I so nervous about this morning, then? Because I wasn’t sure if Ryder was going to show up. I understood completely if he chose not to attend, but I really hoped he’d appear.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Louis said once the elevator door closed.
“I’m just hoping Ryder decides to attend the academy,” I replied.
While I’d told Louis about everything going on with Ryder and the situation at the party, I hadn’t told anyone else at Omnia. Everyone was under the impression that there wasn’t a chance that Ryder wouldn’t show up. Louis understood my stance, though. He knew I was right to not pressure Ryder. After all, this was for life, and it was a huge commitment.
“I think he will, Atlas. It sounds as though you and Ryder have made a lot of progress.”
“I thought so as well.”
We continued to talk as we made our way across campus to the main building. The campus was buzzing with an energy that could always be felt on the first of January. I was trying not to put a damper on the day for Louis. He was enthusiastic about Finn and going through all the experiences of the academy with him.
In the lounge, Kaleb came over to talk to us as soon as we were served coffee.
