Anna seems surprised. The fact that she also seems relieved, if not pleased, makes me soften a bit. “That’s good to hear. Laura can be a challenge as well. Have you been getting along with her?”
“We haven’t spent much time together except in a group. She seems wary of me. I’m fine with that.”
“What about Daniel? He’s something of a legend around here. Have you met him yet?”
“We’ve met.” My response isn’t as neutral as I would’ve liked, and Anna seems to pick up on it.
“How did your encounter go?”
I fight to steady my pulse. “We didn’t talk much. He seems to prefer to be alone.”
She nods, and I can’t read her expression this time. “I’m glad you don’t seem as harsh as the others in your opinion of him, but don’t let yourself get drawn into his world either.”
My brain stutters as haunting visions flash through my head. Electric glances, stolen smiles. “Why does everyone hate him? He didn’t seem so bad when we met.” I cringe from the overshare, and by the change in her expression she hasn’t missed a thing. Crap.
“People judge by what they see. You see more than others though, don’t you, Rebecca?”
Her words slice through me, carving out a very specific truth from that general statement. Somehow she knows. She has to.
“I just don’t believe we’re created in vacuums.”
“What did you see, Rebecca?”
I nearly choke.
“Please, tell me. You need to share these things so they don’t destroy you. They make you feel responsible for the person, don’t they?”
She struck deep again, and dreaded tears threaten my wall as I absorb the painful summary of my life. The last thing I need right now is to become a clichéd blubbering mess.
“I don’t share what I see with anyone except the person affected.”
“What if that person needs help too? More help than you can give?”
My gaze snaps to hers. Her kind eyes plead with me, broadcast an alliance I so desperately want. I shudder at the missing pieces of the story she must be holding. What does she know about those horrific visions? Is she fishing or begging me to let her help? I want to believe in her, but how can I when nothing about this place makes sense?
What would Daniel want me to do? That’s obvious.
“I can’t talk about that. You’ll be grateful for my policy if I ever see something about you.”
Anna considers my words and releases a sigh. “That’s your choice, of course. You’re carrying a heavy burden. I hope you’ll trust me enough to share it in time.”
I force a smile. “Maybe in time.”
“Rebecca, I know this is going to sound trite, but I think it’s really important that you make some good friends here. I can understand why Ben and Laura’s personalities may not mesh well with yours, but there are plenty of other students who would be a great match. Please make an effort to find them, okay? For your sake and for theirs.”
I nod, appreciating the gesture even if it’s starting to feel hopeless. “I’ll try.”
“Good.” She looks at her watch and claps her hands on her knees. “Well, we’re off to a good start. You made the right choice in coming here. We can really help each other.”
I smile, believing that for only the second time since my arrival. “I hope so.”
I try to unwind before afternoon group on one of the plush couches in our suite, but find myself staring at Daniel’s closed door instead. Part of me wants to search his room, since he won’t let me explore his head, and I flinch at my obsessive behavior. He’s a stranger. A stranger who hates the attention and has done nothing but push me away. I should drop it and enjoy my silk sheets and gourmet food. My shower has two showerheads. Two showerheads, and I’m fixated on a couple of odd visions and smoldering glances.
The shrill ring of the room phone is startling enough. My stomach drops when it turns out to be Director Clausen requesting a surprise conference. No details, just an invitation that can’t be refused.
The journey to his office seems endless and all too brief at the same time. Daniel’s brutal visions come flooding back in vivid detail with each step. He never confirmed my fears, so maybe I’ve misunderstood the flashes. They were brief and confusing and riddled with gaps I can’t trust. Besides Director Clausen can’t possibly be the villain in this story. The man’s bright smile runs an award-winning school.
“Rebecca! I’m glad I caught you. Please come in.”
