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Wonderment- Chapter 18
Walks
BELLE
Tiana and Cinderella were a hoot! We had fun going to the library to study, but we got one of those private group study rooms, so we just ended up talking the whole time. We discussed more about favorite books, a little bad-mouthing about Aurora (which I am deeply ashamed to admit), and they informed me a bit more about the sorority.
Tiana and Cinderella told me some of the back history of the chapter and how the sorority came to be. Like many unions, it was established out of the passion to provide social services like helping the poor, inspiring morale, and inspiring positive values in society. I had to admit that those ideas appealed to me. Tiana again pressed her hope that I would come to the initiation event on Thursday.
"It offers great opportunities for girls like us who don't come from much wealth, yet come to university with lots of grit and determination," Tiana explained.
"It's been a godsend for me Belle," Cinderella added. "I can't paint a picture enough to illustrate to you just how bad things got for me back home. The sorority has given me friendships and many opportunities. It's provided me a way to build up my resume extensively, and it's given me a feeling of belonging for the first time in my life." She gazed past me to the wall, and I could tell she was thinking back to much worse times.
"I'll think about it. I promise." I smiled and placed my hand on hers on the table to placate her and redirect her thoughts back to the present. She smiled back. "Well, we'd better head back. We've spent all afternoon here and it will get dark soon," I said, noting the window nearby. The sun had just about set and there was an orange-purple haze cascading the sky.
"My word! Have we really been here that long?" Cinderella exclaimed.
As we all collected our belongings, we put our coats and scarves on.
"Autumn in France can be quite chilly. Its times like these I miss New Orleans!" Tiana said with a shiver as she placed her hands delicately into her gloves.
We headed toward the door, but had walked no more than a few feet when I heard a familiar voice ahead.
"Belle?"
Looking up, I found my sonnet partner before me. It seemed like he had just entered the library. He looked clean-cut, wearing a clean freshly-pressed shirt unveiled through his unbuttoned handsome coat. His shirt cuffs peeked through the sleeves of the coat, bearing gold cufflinks. I noted a man's bracelet on his left wrist. Was it ever there before?
"Oh, hello, Adam," I greeted him.
From the corner of my eye I could see Cinder and Tiana exchange looks of amusement. I could tell they were getting a kick out of this scene.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, deeply perplexed. After all, seeing him in the library was not a common sight.
"Well, I need to catch up on a few assignments I've been slacking on," he admitted with a smile. "How about you? I see you've been working hard with some lovely partners here," he added sweetly, acknowledging the presence of Cinder and Ti.
"I wouldn't say working hard," I laughed, "but I've definitely been spending some time with some lovely people. Adam, this is-"
"Oh, I know who they are," he said, cutting me off. "Ladies," he acknowledged as he slightly bowed his head.
"Adam, you have to tell Belle to join our sorority! Tell her how it's the stuff legends are made of!" Tiana insisted. Cinderella rolled her eyes in amusement and laughed. How do they know one another? I wondered. Could it be because of Aurora? Or is it because all third years just know each other? I definitely don't know all the freshmen on campus!
"Are you really thinking of joining a sorority?" Adam asked, sounding surprised.
"l'm not exactly sure yet," I replied, a little startled by the change of tone in his voice. "I'm seriously considering it, though."
Adam placed a finger on his chin and I could see the wheels in his head turning, as if he was trying to make sense of what I just said to him. Was it really that odd to find me joining a sorority?
"Never considered you…" he started, but then cut off.
"As what?" I insisted.
"The type…to join a sorority," he said frankly. "But good for you. I'm in the fraternity that parallels with theirs," he added quickly, noticing my offended look.
So that explained how he knew Tiana and Cinder. But I was still confused by his surprise at me joining the sorority, and honestly, very bothered by it. What did he think – that I wasn't good enough for them? Or that I wasn't pretty enough, or popular enough, or fun enough to fit in at a sorority? I refused to press him about it, though every inch of me wanted to ask why, why, WHY? I don't know why it bothered me, and I felt a little uneasy that it did.
It's not like I CARE what he thinks of me right? It's not like I'm interested in how he perceives me or anything. Why should I care? My thoughts are for another anyway. And the only judgment I should care about – if anyone's, for that matter – would be my man of mystery. Right?
"Well, we're headed back to the dorm," I said, trying to change the subject.
"You are? But your dorm is out of the way of Tiana's and Cinder's. Let me walk you back," Adam kindly offered. Again, I could see Cinder and Tiana playfully exchanging looks of amusement.
"No, thanks," I replied, respectfully declining his offer. Truthfully, I could see the commotion it was already causing Cinderella and Tiana, and I wanted to put a stop to it.
"But-" Adam started in bafflement.
"Cinder and Tiana can walk with me as far as they can, and I can walk the rest by myself," I said firmly.
"It's getting dark out and-"
"Look, I'm in a guarded university, after all – not in the middle of a war zone or something!" I pressed on, cutting him off. His insistence was starting to irritate me.
Adam took a bit taken aback by that comment, but I didn't care. I guess a part of me was still agitated that he perceived me as "non-sorority like" material. Did he think of me as not fun? Also, I consider myself to be pretty self-sufficient, and I didn't like his implying that I couldn't walk alone. Even my father didn't keep tabs on me like this!
"You know, Belle, Cinder and I still have some more planning to do at the Student Union Center for the big initiation ceremony on Thursday," Tiana started apprehensively. I could tell she was trying to cut the tension that was pretty apparent at this point. "It's really not in the direction of the dormitory, but we will be getting dinner there as well. You're more than welcome to join us."
"Sure. I'd love to come," I said, taking up their offer with relief. Adam's face fell. "Bye, Adam."
"Bye," Adam replied solemnly through his tightened jaw.
As soon as we exited the library, a cool breeze greeted us. All of a sudden, calmness surrounded us, and the angst I had felt from the scene in the library with Adam dissipated. I sighed, enjoying the fresh air. How I loved nature and everything about it. I only wished it were warmer so I could read books under the trees. That was my favorite way to escape and de-stress.
"So the rumors are true. The Duke of France's son Adam is quite taken with Belle after all," Cinderella teased, as Tiana let out a stifled giggle.
I rolled my eyes, trying to remain polite, although I still felt agitated from the scene I had just left in the library. I tried to smile.
Cinderella and Tiana took the hint. "Aww," Tiana sighed, as she came around and hooked my arm into hers. Cinderella immediately followed suit and came to the other side hooking hers around my other arm. "We're just teasing, Belle," Tiana assured me.
"It sure was a lovely gesture of him to walk you," Cinderella pointed out. "I'll never be able to understand why you passed it up."
"I know," I replied, "but I don't want to give any more false ideas about the both of us to others. You saw the way Aurora got so defensive at the brunch. And if I do really want to seriously consider this sorority, that would mean having to deal with Aurora as well - on a weekly basis, no less! I just want to be on good terms with everyone...if I do choose to join," I added.
Tiana and Cinderella nodded, understanding my stance.
"Do you think he was embarrassed?" I asked.
"Maybe a little. Men all have giant egos, especially the aristocratic ones that are used to getting their way," Cinder explained.
"Don't let it bother you too much. Besides, you're right. You don't want to give someone the wrong impression," Tiana said. I nodded, happy to feel completely understood by them.
"Well are we ready?" Cinderella asked, as she and Tiana started out to the Student Union Center.
"Wait," I called out from behind, having second thoughts. "I have a little more than this sonnet book in the bag. Carrying this bag of books has been quite the task today and not to mention I'm awfully tired." The nights of working in the tavern had taken their toll on my stamina lately, so I needed all the rest I could get before I returned to work on Thursday. "Do you mind if I just head home?"
Cinder and Tiana smiled and of course, they excused me, for they were the kindest and most understanding people I had met (after Ariel of course). Ti of course didn't fail to remind me one more time about attending the initiation, and of course I replied back (as I always did thus far) that I would think about it.
As they turned in the other direction, I started on my way to the dormitory. The sun had just sunk behind the clouds and I knew the moon would emerge any minute. It was moments like these that reminded me of home. After doing chores, running errands and attending classes, I'd come home and lie down in the meadow to read a book in the afternoon sun. Then, all at once, I would find it hard to make out the words because I'd find that the sun had just set. This was when I would set the book down beside me, look up at the sky, and watch it slowly change color from orange to purple, waiting for stars to appear. After a number of them had revealed their luster, I would hurry inside to start dinner and get my father to stop working and hustle in to eat. I smiled, remembering my father, my dear papa.
Out of nowhere, I felt pressure on the back of my elbow. I turned to find Adam.
"I thought you were going with Tiana and Cinderella. Good thing I found you here," he said.
"Oh," was the only thing I could manage to say, startled as I was to find Adam at my side. "Well, I was going to, but I'm just a bit weary from all the late night studying I've been doing so I changed my mind last minute."
He brightened. "Oh, so I can walk you home after all!"
I felt a flash of irritation at his arrogant assumption. "I told you before: I don't need a man to walk me home! I can take care of myself!"
A look of hurt flashed over his face, but it was instantly replaced by annoyance. "I never said you couldn't! I was just trying to be a gentleman! And I wanted to spend time with you, since I thought we were friends. But I can take a hint. If you don't want me around, I'll go!" Angrily, he turned and started to storm off.
I could see that I had hurt his feelings, and felt guilty. Ever since coming to this university, I had had experiences that really put my character to the test. I could never have thought of hurting someone so intentionally just months ago back at home. I felt like I was changing a bit, and I was sure if I liked it, or if it was just part of growing up.
"Adam, wait!" I called. He turned around.
As I met his angry gaze, I felt like his eyes were piercing through me. If I were meeting him for the first time, I would probably cower from this intense look Adam was known for. But now, having known him for a bit, I could stand my ground.
Besides, I knew deep down that he deserved an explanation. I had been too harsh unnecessarily.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. It's just...in my town, men were always telling women what to do. I've told you this before: how most women back home my age are married by now. Dependence on a man is expected. I've lived my life going against this so-called norm, and I've even been considered odd for going against it."
Adam looked sympathetic, which emboldened me to open up further. "Back home, women aren't encouraged to make decisions for themselves. And, well..." My mind flashed back to my awful night at the tavern. "Recently I've encountered some overly pushy men around here. I guess it's made me a little touchy."
Adam sighed. To my relief, a subtle smile thinly appeared on his lips. "I can understand that. And I apologize if I seemed pushy. That wasn't my intention." He thought a moment, then smiled. "Look. Since I know you're perfectly capable of walking without an escort back to the dorm...care to walk me then, so I don't feel so alone?" he asked half-teasingly.
I smiled back. "That sounds fair. I can protect you from the monsters and bogeymen," I joked, and began walking beside him. "So, why are you out here anyway? I thought you were studying."
"Well, I was, but it seems I have an unexpected visitor at my door," he explained. "My personal attendant just came by to let me know. I told him to pick up a few things for me, so I sent him with the carriage and horse; otherwise I wouldn't be walking right now. It must be my lucky day, since I get to be escorted by you!" he added with a sheepish grin.
"Ha! Ha!" I sarcastically laughed. "I can take care of myself, you know."
"I do know that," he stated, this time sounding more thoughtful. It made me feel better that he really was taking me seriously. "I know you can do a lot of things on your own. But as a friend, just let me do these things for you from time to time, will you?"
I didn't say anything. I knew he came from a place of caring, so I couldn't help but subtly smile, but made sure he didn't take note. "Fine."
"Thanks for keeping me company," he added.
"You're welcome."
We walked a little more like that in silence. The path was getting darker, and as much as I hated to admit it, it was reassuring having someone by my side. It added comfort to a place that still didn't feel quite "homey" yet.
"So, when did you meet Tiana and Cinderella? They are third years; I'm surprised you would cross paths with them," he said.
"Well, I've crossed paths with you, haven't I? Aren't you a third year as well?" I reminded him.
He chuckled. "Yes, that's true. I'm going to have to get used to seeing you in more of my classes, I bet. With your brains, I'm not surprised their sorority wants you."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, bristling a little.
Adam gave a long sigh. "Never mind. You always take everything I say the wrong way! I can tell by the way you just asked."
"I don't take anything the wrong way, Adam. You're assuming things," I said, annoyed. "But you sound like you're saying the sorority wouldn't have anything to do with me, except for the fact that I am taking third-year classes though I'm a first year."
Adam halted in his footsteps. "Come on, Belle! Is that really the way you think I think about you?"
"Do you get that what you are saying could be the same thing as telling a girl they picked you just for your looks?" I scolded him. In truth, his comment had hit a nerve. It upset me to think that Tiana might be asking me multiple times to join only because of my academic standing – to improve the "image" of the sorority - and not because she genuinely liked me.
He looked away. "I'm tired of always getting into disagreements with you and then making up. I didn't say anything negative at all, but you take everything I say the wrong way! And you know what? I'm not apologizing this time. Every time I'm the one that ends up apologizing - I have nothing to be sorry for!"
Adam walked faster, heading in the direction of the dormitory. Soon he was three yards ahead of me, his long strides putting my short ones to shame.
"Just explain to me one thing!" I called out. "Why can't you imagine me in a sorority?"
He stopped abruptly and turned to face me, appearing dumbfounded. "I just don't see you as that kind of girl, I guess."
"Oh, yeah? And what kind of that girl would that be?" I pressed.
"I mean...I don't know, I'm not saying you're antisocial exactly - it's just, kind of a-"
"Loner?" I guessed, half in shock.
"No, not a loner..." He sighed, bringing his forefinger and thumb to the upper bridge of his nose. "This is not going the way I wanted it to go. Ugh! I shouldn't have offered to walk you at all," he grunted. I had no argument to counter his, for I definitely agreed!
We walked in awkward silence like that for a long time. He was always a couple of strides ahead of me, and I was behind. Still even behind him I felt comfort. But the walk felt like it was the longest I had ever strolled back to my dorm, even from the University Library where my mystery customer usually dropped me off.
"Well, just to make it clear, obviously I'm not a loner. I made a few friends today, as you could see," I said defensively.
Adam simply grunted in response. This was getting pointless. I hated walking from behind and I hated the fact that we were cross with each other. After all, we had just started to finally become friends! This felt like a huge step backwards. I had to do something to get his attention.
"I met Tiana and Cinderella at the Canteen Brunch this morning. I also met Snow White, Jasmine, and finally Aurora. Know her?"
Adam halted. He turned, giving me a bewildered look. It took great strength for me to suppress a smile at the success I had had getting his attention. Just like the way he had circled me at the night of the Welcome Dance when I was on my way home, I couldn't help but play the part of the hunter. I clasped my hands behind my back, and circled next to him. "They were all very sweet."
His surprised eyes met my gaze, and then suddenly he broke eye contact, looking down, placing his hands deeper into his pockets, as if to suppress any reaction. At least we were walking along the path beside each other again. He nodded and looked up from a low glance, "Yeah, the Ladies of Wonderland," he clarified." I'm a Gentleman of Wonderland."
"Oh, that's right. You mentioned you were in the fraternity that parallels theirs," I reminded myself out loud. "How much do the two unions coincide exactly?" I asked to encourage more conversation out of him.
"Well, we initiate members at the same time and our houses are next to each other," he started as I noted we were at ease in our conversation again. "We play pranks on them all the time and they do to us as well," he explained finally smiling a bit. "In fact, that's how I got to know Aurora-" He cut himself off in mid-sentence.
I don't know why, but that little detail made me feel unexpectedly jealous. He could see it in my face – that was probably why he had stopped so abruptly in mid-sentence. I lowered my gaze solemnly, embarrassed that I had reacted so. I reminded myself to not be so easily startled, especially when there was nothing between us but a budding friendship. Quickly, I thought about the cloaked customer I had fallen for, trying to distract myself from whatever I was feeling for Adam. Truth be told, it was getting harder and harder.
"Oh, I see. Well I was going to ask if that was the girl on your arm at the Welcome Dance. I was sure it was, and you just confirmed it," I said softly as I crossed my arms across my waist, walking on.
"Yeah, well, we're ancient history now," he said, brushing his hair back with his fingers.
"She asked me to sit with her at brunch today. That's when I was introduced to her friends who happened to be in the sorority."
"Did she now?" He looked stunned. "That's not usually like her. She's not overwhelmingly welcoming, unless there's an ulterior motive up her sleeve."
I nodded. "I actually sensed that myself. But Cinderella and Tiana were very welcoming and thoughtful. That's why we continued our conversation in the library, where you caught us a while ago."
Adam smiled. "Did you actually get any studying done with those two?"
I giggled, "No, not at all. But it was nice to make friends with two new people today."
"I think they're both the nicest in their sorority," Adam commented.
"I agree. They really want me to join. Adam," I continued as I bravely hooked my arm around his elbow, "when you said that with my brains, you weren't surprised they asked me to join, it upset me because it kind of confirmed something I have been feeling inside."
I was relieved to see that Adam didn't back away from my grasp considering he was terribly upset with me just a few minutes ago. He nodded for me to go on.
"They really want me to join, actually. And you mentioned that Aurora usually has something up her sleeve, and, well, I can't help but wonder, putting two and two together, if they do want me to join just because of my academic caliber – if they feel it would make their sorority look more…I don't know, academic and serious and smart."
Adam cocked an eyebrow up again in a look of shock. "Really? Is that what you truly think?"
"Well, yeah. Does that surprise you?" I asked, bewildered.
"Of course it does," he replied. "Look, all I meant before was that any group would be more than lucky to have you. You're the perfect package of brains, beauty and character. You're a beautiful person inside and out. However, I think you do keep a lot of things personal - and there is nothing wrong with that. It's just hard to picture you in a sorority that's so overly social and outgoing and festive. But it's a sight I'd love to see," he finished with one side of his mouth curled up.
I had to agree with him, and smiled, which only served to reinforce his amusement. I realized that I must have been coming off as very secretive to Adam and some of the others at the university. It was due to my desire to conceal the truth about my humble background. I didn't like it when people freely divulged information about their financial status – it made me self-conscious and feel like I didn't fit in. But after meeting Tiana and Cinderella, I now knew I wasn't totally alone in the working class realm, and that was reassuring. However, I still didn't have the strength to be honest and forthcoming about my modest background to others.
"You're right, I guess. I know I keep a guard up," I admitted. "It's not intentional. I guess it's just an automatic defense mechanism."
Adam nodded. "We all have those. To go back to your question, you're just really sweet and innocent, Belle. The girls in those sororities can be nice too, but they are more confident and forthcoming if you know what I mean."
"Are you saying I don't come off confident?" I solemnly asked.
"No!" he said hastily. "You definitely come off as very self-confident! Cinderella and Tiana are nice girls, and then there are girls like Aurora in there that are nothing but trouble. I wouldn't want my sweet Belle to get influenced by characters like her, that's all."
My sweet Belle? I certainly didn't belong to him! But I didn't feel like making him revoke that statement, since we were on smoother ground in our friendship. I felt a little jealous again that Aurora had come up in his mind because of me, and I scolded myself in my head for it. Again though, why did I care?
"Thanks for your concern, Adam, but I can take care of myself," I assured him.
He grinned. "Yes, so I've heard," he teased, acknowledging our earlier argument.
I hesitated, then asked the question on my mind. "Did you…love her? Aurora, that is?" I asked hesitantly.
He looked surprised to find me asking him this question, and didn't answer right away. He seemed to be genuinely thinking about the answer. "I didn't...love her," he began. He rubbed his hand behind his neck, then placed both hands back in his pockets, clearly uncomfortable with the subject. "Was I infatuated a little? Perhaps. I don't think I've ever really loved anyone, to be honest. I…don't know if I ever could." He was gazing off into the distance, almost thinking out loud. "When you love with all your heart, and you find that that love is not returned, you learn to put a guard up so that you don't feel that pain again."
I was confused by the contradiction. "But...that means you have been in love."
"Not exactly," he said. "But I've felt pain from love."
I looked at him, even more confused. He sighed at my perplexed expression. "My mother died."
"Yes, you've mentioned that before to me," I reminded him.
"Right, but I never told you why."
I listened on.
"She… left."
I was shocked. "A duchess of France would just leave?"
"Well, this duchess of France did. She killed herself."
I stared in disbelief. After a few minutes of walking on in silence I summed up the courage to speak.
"I did hear of something...I mean, there are numerous nobles in France - I had no idea that your mother was the one people call-"
"Duchesse de la Mort," he cut me off. "Yup. She was my mother. My loving father was the one that coined her that title after her death. Bastard," I heard him hiss. His fists were clenched and then all at once he relaxed sensing my apprehension.
"Adam I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"
"No it's ok. Don't worry about it it's not like you knew. I'm fine," he said curtly. He kept walking fast, not looking at me.
I felt Adam pull away from me - not physically, but internally. He had closed himself off from me. I wanted to ask him why would his mother do such a vile act of pain, but I didn't dare, though I did wonder. Then again, I realized, Adam himself probably didn't know the answer, which made it even worse. I imagined him as a child, lying awake at night, wondering why his mother had left him, and the thought brought tears to my eyes. I regretted that I brought up the question of love in the first place.
However, at the same time, I was touched that Adam had confided in me. He had shared with me something very personal that was probably very hard for him to divulge. It made me want to open up more to him, but I didn't want to show it.
But as I thought about it more, I decided that it might be in our best interests if we didn't delve into each other's lives more. It seemed that Adam had gone through great pain, and my bringing it up had opened old wounds. I didn't want to cause any more complications for him. Furthermore, the less I divulged of myself, the better I could get through the next four years at a university where nearly 85% of the population were wealthy students.
Minutes passed in silence. Then to my relief, Adam finally broke it. "Have you?"
"Have I what?" I asked.
"Been in love?"
I paused. "No, I don't think so."
"No? A lovely girl like you? No suitors?"
"No. Remember, everyone in my hometown thought that I was weird and too into my studies. The boys there either mistakenly thought I thought too highly of myself, or were intimidated that I might know more than they did, or something. So they didn't try to court me."
Adam nodded. "That's why I was surprised when you asked if I didn't think you as confident. I think you come off very confident, very independent and self-sufficient - which is why I can see how some men may be wary about approaching you or courting you," he said as he cleared his throat. I smiled at the subtle coyness of his tone.
Then he took me by surprise by asking, "So...what will it take to break down your steel barrier?"
I looked up to find a warm smile from him. Now I felt even guiltier about not accepting his offer to walk home with me earlier, especially since I was having a nice time with him.
"I guess time breaks down all things," I replied. I was getting fonder of our budding friendship. I could feel it having the potential to grow and grow. But since we both had our defense mechanisms firmly in place, I feared there would always be a barrier between us.
"Yeah, I've heard something like that. Like time heals all wounds. Well, I'm still waiting for that one. Time is a funny thing though isn't it?" he asked.
"It definitely can be, I guess."
"No, but seriously. Think about it, Belle. The only thing humans want to do is turn back time - to fix their mistakes and be a better person than what they are at the present. But you can't. It seems odd that creation was built to only move forward. If our goal is to be the best we can be, don't we have to go back and retrace our steps and make it better?" Adam asked.
I was blown by his philosophical point. "Your comment is definitely making me think," I admitted. "It's true, there are moments where we would want to turn back time." I reflected for a moment. "But at other times, we want to skip the present and go to the future." For example, I wished it were next Thursday, so I could be reunited with my cloaked customer. But I couldn't tell Adam that. He was right, though: time just doesn't work the way we want it to.
Suddenly a cold wind blew up, causing me to clasp on to my scarf tighter, huddling more inward for warmth.
"Cold?" he asked.
"Yes, but thankfully I have my own coat this time!" I chuckled. "I've learned my lesson when it comes to taking up offers of clothing from you!" He laughed. I went on, "I honestly think time was made that way so we don't look back. Maybe looking back harms us more."
"I think looking back would actually harm us less," he contended. "If I could go back, I would change things."
I could only imagine that he was talking about changing things so that his mother was still alive. It was apparent that the loss of his mother had left a deep scar in his soul.
Abruptly, he changed the subject. "So, are you going to join the sorority?"
"Well, it depends on a few things. My study schedule and all. What made you want to join your fraternity?"
He shrugged. "My father said so. And that was the end of that. He went to this university as well. It's tradition, I guess - an expectation I have to carry out whether I like to or not. Kind of like being duke one day," he stated.
"You don't want to be duke?" I asked
"I don't know, really. I think I wouldn't mind - it's just I never had a choice in the matter. I was just told I had to become one…someday," he stated solemnly.
I felt sorry that Adam. He seemed to be forced into many expectations and circumstances he didn't seem to agree with readily, and becoming duke one day was one of them.
"The fraternity does throw some amazing parties, though. So I lose my stress and worries through social debauchery, I guess. It's a good outlet," he joked.
"Do the sororities have very, um...wild festivities as well?" I asked with caution. The thought of being a part of "debauchery" made me blush. What was I getting myself into? "Tiana and Cinder said it was about social service and internships and academic speakers."
Adam laughed. "Well, those things are part of it – they didn't lie. But the fact remains that the Ladies of Wonderland do know how to party hard. Tiana is an expert at throwing a great party. It's what keeps the sorority so attractive, after all."
"Wow. I didn't realize that." Now I can see why Adam at first might have thought it might not be my cup of tea! I had a lot to think about.
We walked a bit more and soon the dormitory came into view.
"So, you mentioned you have a visitor? You never told me who it was," I said.
"That's because I have no idea who it is. My attendant said a surprise visitor was here to see me, and I sent him off to fetch of a few of my father's favorite teas and biscuits."
"So you think the person that came is your father?"
"I can only assume. No one has ever visited me unannounced before, except for my father once my freshman year," he explained. "Only to slap me across the face, call me a coward, and storm off."
Adam didn't catch my gaze this time, as he proceeded to look on at the dormitory in far sight. I was saddened that his father did that to him.
"Why did he call you a coward?" I asked almost angrily.
"Because he found money missing from one of my accounts, and thought I was up to no good again," he stated shortly.
I didn't press the matter. If he wanted to tell me about his "up to no good" ways, it was up to him. This would be one choice I could offer him, given that he had almost no choices to make on his own since birth.
We entered the dorm, went down the hall, and turned the corner to the staircase. As Adam started up the stairs, he stopped, noticing that I had not followed him.
"Oh, of course. You live on this floor," he said as if thinking out loud, coming back to me.
I chuckled, "How could you forget where I live by now, when you have snuck up on me from dark corners!"
He chuckled as well. "Okay, then let me do this properly now, to make up for the time when I didn't greet you well at this door."
I went over to the door of my room, took the key out of my purse, and started to open the door. "Ariel!" I exclaimed, delighted to see that she had returned to the dorm. I pushed the door fully open to reveal Eric seated across from her at her desk.
"Eric?" Adam said in surprise.