Page 148 of Seeds of Malice

"Then, why were they acting how they were? And Cindy was with Dax. She still wants him," I blurt out, then my face turns to fire.

Avery rolls her eyes. "Cindy is obsessed with Dax, but he only has eyes for you. He's made it clear he doesn't want her. I've told her she needs to get past it. She promised me she'll let it go and won't hold your relationship with Dax against you. And Marcey actually really likes you. They just... Well, you know how friends are. They protect each other. Like Dax protects you. You know what I'm saying?"

I hesitate, then nod. "Yeah, I understand."

"Okay, so when I get defensive over Dax, they get defensive. Makes sense, right?"

I can't claim otherwise, so I affirm, "Yeah, it makes sense."

"Good. Well, let's all be friends. I promise you everyone wants to be."

Hope fills my chest. "That's good."

"You want to be friends with us, right?" she questions, her forehead furrowing as if she's worried I don't want to be.

"Yes, of course. I don't want to be enemies with anyone. I've never had enemies," I admit again.

She pats my thigh. "Good." She gets out of the car, and I follow.

She links her arm through mine and leads me through the parking lot. She declares, "Now, one of the things you need to know about Professor Dyer is that he gives extra credit."

"What kind of extra credit?" I question.

"He'll offer special projects, the opportunity to help him grade papers in his office, things like that. His tests are really hard, so if he offers out extra credit, you definitely should take it," she advises.

I make a note. "Okay. Thanks for the heads-up."

"No problem. He'll also have a sign-up form today to get on his teacher assistant training list. You should consider it. There's a small stipend, but he'll give you extra credit for that role too."

"Hopefully, I'll do well and not need any extra credit," I say.

Avery shakes her head. "Ivy, at some point, everyone needs it. He will get you on an exam. It doesn't matter how smart you are. His tests are really hard, and his questions are tricky, so I advise you to take as much extra credit as you can."

"Okay. I will," I state.

She leads me through the lawn until we get to a classroom. She points. "There you are. Have an awesome first class."

I smile, grateful that she wants to be friends. "Thanks, Avery."

"No problem." She hugs me and then retreats. "Meet me at noon in the courtyard. We'll all have lunch together. I'll make Dax come too."

Is this really happening? Is she really letting me into her group?

My gratitude fills me. "Sounds good."

"Good. Now, go sign up for that TA spot!" She points at the front desk and then takes off down the hall.

I enter Professor Dyer's class and find the form on the desk. It shows a stipend of fifteen thousand a year and that twenty hours a week are required.

That's more than I'd make picking up any job, I think, reminding myself I had plans to find part-time employment once I got settled into my classes.

I sign my name under the other students and pray he chooses me.

23

Dax

Ivy still hasn't told her father about us, but that's my fault. I've made sure he works eighteen to twenty hours a day.

---