Beneath The Ivy Walls

A'S

ndle. Always two steps ahead - that's how the Lennox staff

sun, and Roseshire unfolded l

dges were manicured, the lawns trimmed with military precision. Nothing here was accidental - not th

e path - sharp, steady. A s

ty, but with confirmation. I w

expe

a Le

un

logetically so - trotted up beside me, c

look like sin dipped in old money. Don't t

ust let the question linger in t

rc

paper. That sounded like

ngements before flying home. Packing up the version of himself his pare

say no. But I'd smiled through it all. Smiled like it

said finally, voice light.

a face. "

r. I'd grown used to the expectations. To being

today felt off. No

rang once - not for prayer, but precision. Rose

r. The light hit better there - go

rst row. Center. Posture straight, hands folded neatly on my desk. The

usual: outlines, expectatio

th

you'll be paired

. Then the shuffle of pape

wly, gaze scanning u

z

much. Didn't try to blend in or stand out. His uniform wasn't customized. His b

didn't

ching, unreadable. Not

...

hat. I didn't l

I waited. I

cking his notebook into his

ld talk,

blink. "About

d. "Obv

t lift of his brow. "I've

ime when

isible smile. "Then I guess

e that, he w

o apology. No

iance. It was

disin

a very long time, I wasn't

A'S

d to care who I

what I told myself as I walked into the classroom this morning

shoes were too tight again. The electricity bill in

om left in my d

n she w

Len

ecise to be accidental-tailored uniform, high-polish confidence, perfume that didn't a

't sure if I belonge

aid her name followed

use I wa

the universe had a

eyes brushing over me like a file being scanned. No pity

t drop

challen

to impress you. I'm here because

use I needed to know-was she just another rich girl whose workload I

ground she walked on. All perfec

d talk,"

but there was noth

es. "About t

d once. "O

t came with private drivers

his," I offered, kee

barest arch of a brow. "I

gh

ant to sting

didn't le

ually work," I said quietly, pulling

walke

the air behind me. Like someone had paused mid-t

people who didn't f

time to orbit some

ady fighting to sta