Page 8 of Collide
He gives me a look to continue.
“You know that research paper I have to submit with my grad school application so I’m considered for co-op?”
He nods.
“Langston assigned hockey as my sport.”
Tyler knows about my turbulent relationship with my dad, so his surprised reaction is expected. “And you’re going in there to tell her off? Are you sure?”
I lift my chin confidently. “I’m standing up for myself.”
“Summer, just think for one second. She gave you your assignment and you're going to go in there and tell her no? The woman who rejected a student’s thesis because he double pasted a reference?” He gives me a pointed look. “You thinksheis going to be okay with you refusing something she assigned?”
I remember that story circulating, but I don’t know the full truth. Langston is strict, she isn’t unreasonable. Though she did threaten to give away my spot.
My stomach takes a dip. “I don’t feel so good.”
I’m close to tears when Sampson takes hold of my arms. “You’ll be fine, it’s only a few months. But if you really can’t do it, at least present her with an alternate proposal.”
“You mean, like a different sport? She already said no.”
“Give it another try.”
4 | AIDEN
GOSSIP TRAVELS TO the hockey house faster than I can skate a lap around the rink.
Kilner’s lecture put me in a shitty mood yesterday, so I spent the day in my room and away from my inquisitive roommates. Living with three seniors and two juniors makes keeping secrets impossible. The juniors, Sebastian Hayes and Cole Carter, are our very own gossip columnists. But today as I get back from the gym, Kian stands by the door, hands on his hips like a nagging mother.
My English literature class starts in twenty minutes, and I don’t have time for whatever Kian Ishida heard through the grapevine.
I ignore him, jogging upstairs to gather my things. When I come back down and head to the front door, he stops me. “Is there something you want to tell me, Aiden?”
“Depends on what you know.”
His gaze narrows. “You were in Kilner’s office for a while yesterday. I saw Summer Preston going in there too.”
Irritation bites at me. I’d rather not think about her, even if I feel a little bad for being rude. It isn’t her fault that I took the blame, but it doesn’t seem like she is eager to work with me either. She wanted a duster, for Christ’s sake.
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
His eyes narrow. “Except there is, because we’re all in this too. Whatever it is, we'll help.”
It’s obvious Kian feels guilty, and he won’t stop until he rectifies it. If he finds out I pissed off the girl who could save my ass, he’ll have an opinion.
“I’m late to class.” I close the door behind me before he has a chance to argue.
When I get to Carver Hall, I shove my phone into my pocket and focus on the lecture rather than how much shit is going wrong. It doesn’t last though, because I get an email from Coach Kilner that heightens my stress ten-fold.
It’s short, sent from his phone and says,Come see me.
I am so fucked.
Trying to focus in class after that is already a challenge, but when my phone buzzes in my pocket repeatedly it becomes impossible.
Bunny Patrol
Eli Westbrook: Kilner is pissed.
