“Of course you should. I interned while I was in college. I think that’s a great idea for you. Maybe you could even come back to England sometime. We do have some of the loveliest gardens in the world, according to me at least.”
I nod eagerly, the weight in my chest lifting. “That would be amazing. Thank you for everything. You don’t know what it means to me.”
“It was a pleasure. This place is going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss it too.”
“Keep at it. You have a real knack for this.” She pats me on the back and heads for the greenhouse.
I stand there, my mind filling with dreams of working at a conservatory for a living. Maybe they could be more than dreamssomeday. Absently, I break a dead piece from one of the ferns, then pull out my camera. I’ve spent hours and hours working in this conservatory and I’ve never taken a single photo of my handiwork. I think it’s time that changes.
I go through the conservatory meticulously, getting photos of every detail of the fairy gardens, down to the tiny pebble paths and the rope ladder extending up a large palm tree. I hesitate, then post them online for the world to see. It’s scary, but it also feels really good to put that side of me out there.
Nicole and Heather walk past me on their way out.
“Don’t you love this stuff?” Heather says, and points to the fairy village I just photographed. “So adorable!”
“Yeah... actually, I made it.”
She exchanges a glance with Nicole and they both smile. “Really? That’s cool.”
Yeah. I guess it is.
Chapter
38
I’m late for my last art history class of the semester. Dr.Lotfi closes the door just as I come around the corner, which is her not-so-subtle signal that class has begun. Crap, it’ssoawkward walking in after the door closes. She stops talking and everyone turns and stares, just to rub in what a disruption you’re making.
I’m sorely tempted to go back to my room and start working on the final paper that’s due tonight, but I know Dr. Lotfi or someone else will just come looking for me if I don’t show up soon. No one skips class here. I’ve really been trying to keep up with all my work, but with two finals and my British lit paper due earlier this week, there hasn’t been time. I’m in for a seriously long night.
I open the classroom door as quietly as I can and, sure enough, every soul in the room turns to stare like I’m in some D-list horror film. My eyes find Dev’s on instinct. I expect him to look away—or at least frown in disapproval—but his forehead furrows in concern.
“Sorry,” I whisper, and hunch over like that’ll make me less obvious.
“I was just giving a last reminder about the paper, Ms. Nichols.” Dr. Lotfi waits until I’m seated before continuing. “But I’m sure you started it early like everyone else, yes?” She raises a skeptical eyebrow.
At least one person giggles. God, I’m so screwed.
When class ends, I expect Dev to walk past me like he has for the last week and a half. Instead he stops in front of my desk, his tall frame looming over me. “Hey. Can we talk?”
I shove my books into my bag and try for a neutral expression. His voice is like a balm for my frayed nerves. “Uh, sure. Here?”
“I was kind of thinking someplace more private. If that’s okay?”
“Maybe we could walk around the manor? I’ve been meaning to do that one more time before we leave. I want to commit every inch of this school to memory.”
We walk side by side, silently taking in all the details that make this place so special. I don’t know what I’m going to miss the most. The daily flower arrangements on side tables or the cherubs carved into everything or the secret passageways from one classroom into the next. Mostly, I think I’ll miss the strange sensation of being at home in a place that couldn’t be farther from my own home. But that doesn’t matter when you’re surrounded by the right people.
“Ellie...” Dev fiddles with his shirtsleeves. “I’m really sorry about what happened before in the study room. I never should have said those things.”
“They were your opinions. Even if they pissed me off.”
“Have you ever agreed with one of my opinions?”
I smirk despite myself. “I believe we’re both in agreement aboutpizza toppings. And Quidditch.”
“I actually have my last game Saturday, if you’re around. I’d hate for you to lose out on a chance to make fun of me.”
