Page 35 of Group Studies

The line scooted forward. Ram took a large step with it. Despite my growling stomach, I let out a disappointed breath. There was only one way for me to deal with Ram, walk away.

Ram laughed at my retreating backside. “Already, changing for me, I like it. I’ll see you in Potions this afternoon.”

I didn’t acknowledge him while I did a final scan of the cafeteria for Ashe. But the mage was either detained or avoiding me. Based on the lack of rumors, avoiding me was more likely.

Beryl and Nitis sat at their usual table. With Beryl’s back to me, I caught Nitis’ gaze, but he gave the barest shake of his head and turned.

I ground my teeth together and stomped toward the cosmetology wing –might as well be closer to fixing my hair.

Part way down the hall, an MA agent stepped in front of me.

“State your business,” he demanded.

I took a deep breath. “Making payment to Gabe.”

The agent scanned me from head to toe. My skin crawled.

I crossed my arms over my chest and rubbed my arms. “I can do it later.”

“No need, I’ll walk you there,” the agent offered.

I glanced uncomfortably at his belt of potions and the heavy gun holstered to his hip. The sound of bullets whizzing through Damon’s smoking apartment rang through my head.

Instead of responding, I turned and bolted. I could feel his eyes on my ass as I ran. Still shaking from my reeling memories, I all but stumbled into Moral Philosophy twenty minutes early. Doctor Roy gave me a startled look, obviously deep in whatever work was on his laptop.

“I just need a nap and didn’t want to be late for your class,” I said, studying the floor.

“Director Flemmings came to see me this morning.” Doctor Roy said before pausing. “I was under the impression you and Beryl had stopped seeing each other. Is everything all right?”

I bit my lips together and sat at my spot in the back. Doctor Roy told me everything I said to him was in strict confidence. But the MA officer last night, Officer Keres, made Beryl list out his personal life. Beryl hadn’t been honest but he’d still written things down.

“Can the MA force you to hand over your notes?” I asked.

Doctor Roy frowned. “Ethically, no.”

I closed my eyes. Disappointment made my limbs heavy. Even what I said to Doctor Roy wasn’t private. My shoulders slumped. I’d gotten maybe four hours of sleep; I wanted a nap.

“I don’t have anything to take notes on right now,” Doctor Roy said softly.

I cracked open an eye. “Honestly, ah, MA agents are assaulting students. One of them scared me.” I felt so stupid admitting it, so I rushed on. “And Ashe is missing. I think it’s my fault. For real this time, not because I think I’m the center of the universe.”

Doctor Roy held his hand up. “I never said you thought that.”

I let out a breath. “No, but Beryl said it last night.”

Doctor Roy beamed. “Beryl said that to you? He always was one of the top of my class when he bothered to come.”

I eyed my psychologist, who pretty much just said he agreed with Beryl before pillowing my head in my arms.

“I’ll bring up your concerns with Director Flemmings concerning the MA,” Doctor Roy added. “And I’ll keep an eye out for Ashe. I know you two have become close. Get some rest.”

* * *

I don’t know what magic the completely unmagical Doctor Roy used, but I woke up halfway through his class, completely unmolested. The word: “B – Benevolence” looked almost burned into the white screen behind his desk from his projector.

“Bringing gifts to exchange is a social requirement in Japan. Culturally, they are aware communication improves when there is a positive beginning, hence the gifts. Now, as humans, we can gift and receive gifts capable of the opposite of their intended purpose…”

I took out my notebook and started jotting down notes. It took me a minute to remember we were on a unit talking about trust. According to Doctor Roy, it was easier to trust people who showed kindness. I nodded along. Thinking about what gifts I’d given the men in my life.

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