Page 56 of Brighter Shades of Light

“Hell if I know,” I said, out of breath.

Tristen glared over at us and put his hands on his hips, breathing deeply. Rachel jogged over to him and said something. He didn’t seem interested in talking with her, though, and eventually turned away and went to stand by himself.

After PT, I showered and got dressed before leaving O’Brien Hall. Halloween was a week away, and signs were taped to posts about a big party that Saturday. The past few years I had attended the party, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to this year. If the weekend was like the previous one, I’d have plans with a certain professor, anyway.

Back in the dorm, I walked past the bathroom where Tristen had just gotten out of the shower and was shaving.

“Hey,” I said, stopping in the doorway.

Tristen looked at me in the mirror before focusing back on his face, smoothing a hand along his jaw before dabbing the razor under the running water.

“Why are you so pissed at me?”

Sighing, he hung his head. A second passed, and then he flipped around to me. “Why do you think?”

“Because I didn’t tell you who I saw on Saturday? Really, Tristen? I don’t have to tell you every goddamn thing that happens in my life. Stop acting like you’re five.”

“Yeah? Well at least I’m not fucking my teacher.”

My scalp prickled.

“Not even going to deny it?” He walked closer, his jaw tight.

“I’m not fucking him,” I said, fighting a sudden wave of anger. “And even if I was, it’s none of your business.”

“Pretty sure the board of directors would have something to say about it.” He stood toe to toe with me. “If they found out.”

I took a step back, putting distance between us before I punched him.

“Look, Tristen. I don’t know what your damn problem is, but you need to grow up. Even if Iwasfucking Sebastian, what does it matter to you? You’re my best friend. Why would you threaten to fuck me over like that?”

Some type of understanding dawned on him. “You called him Sebastian. That’s new.”

I was about to continue the argument when something dawned on me, too.

“You’re jealous,” I said, seeing him in a different light. “That’s why you’re acting like this.”

“Jealous?” Tristen made a face and shook his head. “Why would I be jealous?” He shoved past me. “I don’t have time for this. I gotta get to class.”

I didn’t know if I was more hurt or confused. He stormed to his room, grabbed his backpack, and left the dorm, slamming the door on his way out.

I was still thinking about him when I went to the dining hall. In a daze, I moved down the line and piled food on my plate. Eggs, sausage, and toast. I forewent coffee and grabbed orange juice instead. Sitting by myself at a table nearest to the exit, I began to eat, but the food was tasteless.

I didn’t know what the hell Tristen wanted from me.

On my way to thermodynamics, it started raining, a perfect addition to an already dreary morning. By the time I ducked under the awning outside the math and science building, I was drenched. I went inside and headed down the hall toward class, my wet sneakers squeaking on the tile floor.

Brandon came around a corner and smacked into me.

“Watch where you’re going, cadet,” he said, glaring even though it was his fault. He swung open the door to the lecture hall, gave me one last snarl, and went inside.

I waited a moment, telling myself not to hit him, before opening the door and entering the room. Brownnoser Brandon sat in the first row, so I picked a seat in the second one. I hardly ever resorted to violence, but he had another thing coming to him—like my fist to his face—if he didn’t back off.

My mood improved once Sebastian walked in, wearing a sweater-vest and long-sleeved shirt underneath. He was a bit of a nerd, but I loved it.

“Good morning,” Dr. Sexy said. He pulled the attendance sheet from his bag and laid it on the table.

“Morning, Dr. Vale!” Brandon hopped out of his seat, making sure he was the first one to sign his name.