Professor East cleared his throat and began without preamble. “As you all know, your second year of education at Evergreen Academy involves a field studies component. Traditionally, these opportunities have been carefully curated for you based on local ecological issues.” He angled his body slightly toward Callan’s mom, and I noticed that his movements were stiff.
I straightened in response.
“This year,” he continued, “the assignments will be a little different. We have a prestigious member of the Magical Botanical Board of Regents here today. Regent Rhodes, would you like to tell us more?”
Wendy Rhodes stepped forward, a demure smile gracing her lips as she looked over the group of students gathered before her.
“Thank you, Professor East. As you all know, each second-year will participate in a field studies assignment. This year, the field studies opportunities have been hand selected by the Board of Regents. These studies will open many doors for you and, if you do well, should lead you directly into work or to opportunities for more advanced training.”
The room was completely quiet, and students were casting glances at each other. Yasmin’s posture was straighter than I had ever seen. My eyes shot to Callan. I wanted to know what he thought of all this. Is that what he had been helping to put into place these past few weeks? His eyes were firmly locked on his mother, his expression a stony mask ofnonchalance.
“Keep in mind that your field studies this year will have an impact on future opportunities in our society. The field studies are your chance to present yourself in your best light. Highest performers will be fast-tracked to top careers. Treat this as a competition because it is.”
And there it was. The added stress that would come with this new twist on the field studies. I noticed Yasmin tense beside me.
Professor East spoke again. “Now, I’m sure you will all have questions. Those can be brought directly to me. As always, the field study assignments for this year will be stashed in envelopes scattered throughout the campus. When you find one, read the assignment and determine if it is a good fit for you. If it is, please bring the envelope to Professor Tenella. If it is not, leave the envelope where you found it. That’s it for now. Have a good evening.”
There were murmurs all around as students filed out of the tearoom. “Shall we all get some tea and discuss this in our room?” Yasmin asked, voice too calm. I could tell that her type A brain was rapidly trying to determine what all of this meant for her future.
Everyone nodded, and I said, “I’ll join you in a minute.”
She noticed Callan across the room and smiled knowingly. “Take your time.”
I paused at the beverage table and prepared two mugs of lavender tea, with a sprig of honeysuckle for Callan, then went to greet him.
“Hey, stranger.” I handed him one of the mugs.
There was a distance in his eyes that seemed to clear when he focused on me, and he ran his gaze all over my face, as if checking for something. “Hey, local.”
“So, that was interesting.” I nodded toward where his mom and Professor East were still standing, locked in formal-looking conversation. All around us, the din of the room began to increase.
“My mom never misses a grand dramatic moment.”
“Did you know it was coming? Field studies picked by the board?”
“Yes, it’s been in the works all summer.”
Things clicked into place then. “Is that why you were away?”
His jaw clenched slightly then relaxed as he took a sip of the tea. “I was recruited to help set them up. I served as a student ambassador.” I could tell by the flat tone of his voice that doing so had not been his choice.
“This isn’t the worst, right? Professor East made it sound like there are options. I’m sure you’ll get a medical study, like you’ve always wanted.”
“I’m afraid the choice has already been made for me.”
My chest constricted, concern tugging at me. But before I could ask him to elaborate, Callan stepped away from me and rearranged his face into a neutral expression.
I startled, wondering why he had moved away, until I noticed who was joining us.
“Hello again, Briar,” Wendy Rhodes said, nodding at me. “Am I interrupting?”
“Not at all,” Callan said coolly.
Wendy turned to me. “What do you think of this exciting news?”
“Oh, it’s quite the surprise,” I said, keeping my tone pleasant. Everything in my body warned me to be tactful with this woman.
“Callan here will be using his field studies time to hone his political alliances. It’s about time our family had another senator.”
