Page 26 of Snake

Nim

Igroan when I reach out and realize I can’t reach my cup of coffee. I’m off nearly three inches...and when Romi glances at me and sees what’s going on, she merely clucks her tongue.

“I told you not to get a third helping.”

“But those pancakes were sooo good, Romi. I thought stomachs were supposed to stretch?”

Romi gives my bulging midriff a condescending glance. “You’re a goddamn pig, Nim.”

“And you’re a cow,” I mutter, sticking a hand under my shirt and rubbing my tummy. “You know I was celebrating.”

I woke up this morning and decided I was done wallowing in self-pity. So what if the pranks I pulled on the Serpents yesterday didn’t quite leave me with the happy vibes I’d been expecting? I got my revenge, that’s what’s important.

“This isn’t the victory you’re making it out to be,” Romi says casually, as she packs her books into her bag.

“Sure felt like a fucking win,”I mutter. Of course Romi will see right through my attempts at salvaging the situation.

“One battle, Nim. That’s all you won. And at what cost? Or have you forgotten that you’re at war with those three?”

“Yes, Sun Tzu.”

“Are you sassing me?” Romi crooks an eyebrow at me, and I roll my eyes.

“No, ma’am.” I groan again for the hell of it and think of anything I can to change the subject. “Hey, did you get hold of your parents yet?”

Romi turns to me, her mouth pursed. “It was weird. I left a message for my mom, and when she called me back, I told her about Vicky being your sponsor. She went so quiet, I almost thought I’d lost the connection.”

“And?” I ignore my protesting stomach and push into a sit. If this is anything like being pregnant, then I’m out.

“And nothing.” Romi shrugs. “She said it was nice of Vicky to sponsor you, but apparently she’s done it for a few kids before. ‘Less privileged ones’, you know?” Romi puts the words in air quotes.

“Then what was so weird about it?”

Romi glances away. “I’m not sure if I imagined it...but I’m sure I heard her say, ‘Vicky and them.’” At my frown, she adds, “As in—” she switches into a harrowing falsetto “—it’s sure nice of Vicky and them to be sponsoring her.” She shakes her head. “But when I asked, ‘Vicky and who?’ she acted like she hadn’t said it.”

“So you think she knows who sponsored me, but she won’t say?”

My roommate sighs. “I could have misheard her. The connection out here isn’t the greatest.” She pats my thigh. “Anyway, come Friday, I’m sure Vicky will tell you everything you need to know.”

“Here’s hoping.”

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