Page 80 of Dig Your Grave

She leaned forward, hands clasped.“I’ll be frank.The board is discussing renaming buildings, possibly awarding scholarships in Toccara’s memory, and building a new center for ethics and journalism.We’d like your input.You two are, in many ways, the impetus for these reforms.”

Shock rippled through me.“Me?I’m just a student with, well, a complicated story.”

Dr.Bridges smiled kindly.“Often it’s the complicated stories that drive meaningful change.”She glanced at Anubis.“And you, Mr.Edenvane, your family name is intricately tied to our institution’s history, for good and ill.We want to move forward responsibly.”

Anubis sighed, exchanging a look with me.“I’m trying to distance myself from the old family legacy, but if I can help create a better environment, I’m willing.”

Dr.Bridges nodded.“I admire that.Edenvane isn’t perfect.We need honest voices, not just PR spin.Therefore, I’d like you both to consider joining a new student advisory panel.We’ll meet monthly with faculty and trustees to guide post-Skulls reforms.”

I clutched my hands together.This was an actual seat at the table, somewhere we could keep the momentum going.Toccara’s memory would want us to keep pushing.I glanced at Anubis, found agreement in his eyes.“We’d be honored,” I murmured.

The caretaker dean looked relieved.“Excellent.Thank you.I’ll finalize details soon.And if you have suggestions for the Toccara Memorial Scholarship or the new ethics center, we’d love your ideas.”

She rose, offering her hand.Anubis and I stood, shaking it in turn.My mind spun.Just months ago, I was a nobody scholarship girl, threatened by watchers.Now they want me to help shape the future?Life is wild.

Dr.Bridges walked us out, saying she’d be in touch.Once in the hallway, Anubis turned to me with a wry grin.“We’re becoming Edenvane’s reluctant poster children for reform, huh?”

I exhaled, a laugh escaping.“Guess so.But maybe that’s better than letting the next Toccara die in silence.”

He nodded, slipping an arm around my waist.“Then let’s do it right.”

A few days later, my mother, Ambrosia, texted me that she was passing through town with Rock, on the way to another concert gig.She asked if we could meet for lunch.I hesitated, recalling all the ups and downs in our relationship, but after everything, I wanted her in my life.

We agreed on a cozy cafe off campus, more private than the bustling student center.I arrived first, took a booth, and fiddled with the menu.My brand itched, a reflex when I was anxious.

Then the door jingled, and Mom stepped in wearing a floral maxi dress, her hair piled high in a messy bun.Rock trailed behind, wearing a faded band tee and a good-natured grin.Mom spotted me, and her face lit up with a warm smile.

“Suede, baby,” she said, sliding into the booth.Rock offered me a nod, then sat beside her.“Look at you, all grown up.How’s my college girl?”

I forced a fond smirk.“I’m not sure ‘college girl’ fits after everything that happened.But I’m alive.”

She reached across the table, clasping my hand.“God, I’m sorry.I wish I could have protected you from those psychos.I had no idea how deep it went until they kidnapped me.”

Rock shook his head, eyes wide.“That was a trip, man.But I’m glad the cops took them down.Heard the old Dean’s still in custody.”

I nodded, picking at the corner of my napkin.“Yeah, awaiting trial.The rest is a mess, but we’re pushing reforms.I’m… I’m okay, though.Anubis’ been a rock for me and so has Kate.”

Mom squeezed my hand.“I can’t thank them enough.”Her voice quavered.“And I need to thank you, too, for being so strong.You saved me from those hooded men.”Tears glinted in her eyes.“I never expected you to risk your life for me, baby.”

A rush of emotion clogged my throat.Our relationship had been rocky, but in that moment, I saw her genuine gratitude and guilt.“You’re my mom,” I said softly.“I would always try to protect you.”

She blinked rapidly, then let out a wet chuckle.“Maybe I should have been the one protecting you, but… well, life’s upside down sometimes.”She patted my hand.“I love you, Suede.More than I ever showed.”

I swallowed hard.“I love you too, Mom.”

We lapsed into a quiet moment before Rock cleared his throat.“So, how’s it feel, being famous on campus?I saw the news coverage.”

A wry laugh escaped me.“Fame is not what I wanted, trust me.But if it helps Toccara’s story get heard, I’ll deal with it.”

The waitress appeared, took our orders.Once she left, Mom leaned in.“I know you’re busy with finals and the new commission thing, but if you ever need a break, if you want to visit us on tour for a weekend, we’d love to have you.Maybe see some of the world outside Edenvane.”

My chest tightened.She was extending an olive branch, a chance to reconnect.“That sounds… nice.I might do that.”

Her face lit with relief.We chatted more about the mundane.Her next stops on tour, Rock’s stagehand stories, my classes.It felt surprisingly normal, as if the terrifying events that bound us closer now let us talk more openly.

Finally, after lunch, she stood to go, hugging me tight.“Take care of yourself, baby.And that boy of yours, too.I want to meet him properly one day.”She winked, a teasing sparkle in her eye.

My cheeks warmed.“Yeah, I’ll make it happen.Safe travels, Mom.”

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