Page 34 of Twisted Lies

“I didn’t see everything, but I saw enough,” she says, “Come on, I’ll walk back to your dorm.”

A calmness distracts me from the cold I feel as we walk along. Harmon has soothing energy, almost maternal. Maybe that’s why I respect her, because she acts the way I think an adult should behave.

“You crossed the wrong girl?” she asks.

“How did you know?” I ask.

“The girls wouldn’t have let the boys get away with that without making a fuss.”

“I thought we were cool,” I reply, “but obviously, I was mistaken. Dr. Rawlins said I’ll never fit in here.”

Harmon scoffs. “You might have, given enough time, but it’s doubtful now. Wealthy people are odd. There’s a difference between being born into it and having to work for it. They will never let you forget your roots. Dr. Rawlins could tell you that.”

“She said she went here,” I reply.

Harmon nods. “We were in the same class together. She can be friendly when she forgets to be a snob.”

I sigh. “I don’t think she likes me much.”

“She doesn’t like many people very much. You have plenty of company.” We stop in front of my dorm, and Harmon smiles at me kindly. She looks sweeter when she smiles. “You aren’t a follower. If you were, you would have asked someone what to wear.” She pauses as the strictest returns to her features. “If you want to file a complaint…”

I shake my head. “I should, but I have to think about it.”

“Yes, you should.” She glances down the path that leads to Foxworth House. “But I understand why you’re hesitant. Shame you don’t have anywhere to go.” Harmon smiles again, touching my wings. “I like the wings.”

I shrug. “I do, too, but I have to put on a coat.”

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