Page 2 of The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

“It’s Monday morning,” I said. “Can things ever really be okay on a Monday morning?” My lips curved into a tight smile.

“Oh, I don’t know.” She laughed softly. “I quite like Mondays. The start of a new week, the endless possibilities, the chance to be better.”

“Spoken like a true guidance counselor.”

We both laughed at that.

“So I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing? Your teachers are all very pleased with your progress and your grades are looking great. Have you given college anymore thought?”

“Actually, I have.” I unzipped my bag and dug around inside, pulling out the stack of papers. Handing them to her, I sat back and waited. Miss Hampstead took her time, running her eyes over my notes.

“Excellent. We can set aside some time before the holidays to get these submitted if you’d like?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I noticed you’ve picked two out of state schools and Temple University.”

I nodded, feeling my throat close. “I want to keep my options open.”

“Having options is good. Not that I suspect you’ll have any problems, with your transcripts looking as strong as they do.”

I tapped my knee rhythmically, forcing a smile. “Great, can I...?” I thumbed to the door.

“Actually, before you go, I just wanted to ask how things are... socially.”

“Socially?” My brows pinched.

“Yes. I’m aware you’ve made quite good friends with Hailee Raine and Felicity Giles.”

“That’s correct.”

“And they are currently dating Cameron Chase and Jason Ford.”

“Miss Hampstead, if you have something to say, just say it.”

She let out a small sigh, her expression softening. “I’m sure you’re more than aware of the recent issues between Jason, and Lewis Thatcher over at Rixon East High.”

“It’s hard not to be aware.” Football was to Rixon what oxygen was to the human race.

“I just want you to be careful, okay? You’re new here and you’re...” She swallowed hard.

“You can say it, I am fully aware that I’m the odd one out.”

“Rixon is a good town with a lot of good people, Mya. But small towns like this can also be difficult places for... outsiders.”

“You mean people of color?” My brow rose sardonically.

She sighed. “Rixon High likes to pride itself on being inclusive, Mya, but the reality is over ninety-six percent of our students are White American.”

“I’m in the four percent club, got it.”

“Mya, I know this isn’t an easy conversation to have, but I just wanted you to know that I’m here, if you need anything to make your time with us easier, or if a problem arises.”

“Sure thing, Miss Hampstead. I appreciate it.” But what I really wanted was to get the hell out of her office.

“Okay, well, I think that’s it for now. My door is always open.”

With a small nod I left her, only to bump into another face of concern.