Page 23 of Hooves & HeartStrings

We met multiple times last week to prepare us for this moment, to align our actions with Dr. Palmer's expectations, and to ensure a warm welcome for the newcomers. With a clipboard and welcome packets in hand, I suck in a deep breath and make my way toward the stairs.

We're to meet the monsters in the quad, where we will then split into groups and give them a tour of the school. I’m to answer any and all questions as best I can and if, for some reason, I can’t, I’m to send them to Dr. Palmer.

I only hope they like me and know that I’m here to be an ally.

Before I head outside, I stop in the bathroom. I do my business and step up to the sink, washing my hands. Looking in the mirror and telling myself out loud. “You can do this Marley. You’re a bad bitch. You will make new monster friends and show them that this school is ready to accept them.” Dragon braids adjusted, dress smoothed, I steel myself for the task ahead and step outside to meet my group.

Walking toward the quad, I mentally repeat my mantra, attempting to calm the raging storm of nerves inside of me. But just as I reach the meeting spot, my skin prickles with goosebumps and I feel like an electric current is pulsing through me. Looking around to see what has me so on edge, my eyes lock with a familiar, piercing gaze, and my breath catches in my throat.

"Lucius," I whisper, disbelief coloring my voice.

There’ssomething unsettling in his expression—not shock, but rather glee. He looks thrilled to see me.

Instantly, I shift into defense mode. Why is he here, after ignoring all my attempts to reach out? Why did he leave without a word? And why does he look so happy to see me?

He may be a monster, but I was raised to stand up for myself and others, and to face challenges head-on. While I may have lost my way momentarily earlier this summer, I refuse to allow myself to be blindsided again.

So, if he came here to make me a fool or get revenge, Iwon't take it lying down.

"Come on, guys. I found our guide." His voice carries, drawing attention to me. I try to steady myself as a group of monsters surrounds him, their curious glances weighing heavily on me.

He's here, and he's brought his friends, catching me completely off guard.

“Hi, Marley.” His lip twitches with a hint of a smile and he takes a step closer, holding his arms out like he’s going to hug me.

I step back, eyes narrowing, trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

“Don’t ‘hi, Marley’ me. How dare you try to act like nothing's wrong. I don’t know what you’re up to, Lucius, but I am not the one,” I warn him, and a girl next to him, who looks like she’s part lion but with wings, laughs.

“Looks like you’re going to have to work a little harder there, idiot.”

What is she? It’s on the tip of my tongue…. A sphinx!

How dare he return without a word, thrusting us into this awkward reunion?

Trying to keep my professional composure since my whole college career hinges on this program, I blow out a breath and begin to distribute welcome packets.

“Everything you need should be in these folders,” I start. “They have a copy of the campus map, the cafeteria menu and schedule, and clubs and sports you can join, if interested. And most importantly, the logins for your University profile. You can use the site or download the app to your phone. It will have your schedule and where your classes are located. It is also where you will get any communications from the dean, Dr. Palmer, or any of your professors outside of class hours.”

I hand the last packet to a man who looks to be made of stone; he has a tail, wings, and two little horns on his forehead. He’s easy to identify–gargoyle.

“My name is Marley and I will be your tour guide and your point of contact if you have any trouble or questions. I did go ahead and put a little something extra in your folders. Nothing crazy. Just a cheat sheet per se of what are the best things to eat in the cafe. What professors are easy or any who have quirks you need to know about.”

“I like her,” the girl says, stepping forward and reaching out a hand. “Hi! I’m Sawyer.”

With a smile, I take her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

I see the other groups starting to move on to the tour so I guess we should follow suit to stay on schedule.

“Alright, let’s get the tour started shall we?”

Trying to ignore the fact that Lucius is here, right behind me and close enough I could touch him if I tried, we walk with me in the lead. I show them the cafeteria, the administration building, Dr. Palmer’s office, and each hall and what types of classes they hold.

His friends stare and whisper about me and it pricks at my resolve, but I refuse to let it define me. I’m sure he painted me out to be a bitch, and maybe that’s his right, but he should have let me explain. We're in college, for Christ’s sake, we could have talked it out and moved past it.

Pressing on, determined to fulfill my duties and leave behind the past, I check my clipboard, double-checking what dormitory they’re in. Seems the guys are all in Beechwood Hall and Sawyer is in Seaside.

I escort them to their dorms, but as we walk I can feel Luci’s eyes on my back and my skin begins to prickle as my core dampens.

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