Breath of Scandal(55)
"'I"he amount will cover your tuition, books, and all fees," the dean said. -You'll be responsible for your living expenses, although the college will be happy to supply you with a list of available low-budget housing - "
She could barely hear him over the clamor in her ears. I don't know how to thank you, Dr. Hearon - " "You can thank me by doing your best. Study hard.
Apply yourself. Make your goals realities."
"Yes, yes. I will." Relief and joy burst from her in the form of a laugh. She stood up abruptly, almost unbalancing herself. -Thank you! You won't be sorry. You"
"You're very welcome, Miss Sperry. I think you'll be an asset to Dander College. We're small, but we have a sterling academic reputation. We pride ourselves on the diligence and integrity of our students."
Circumstances had forced Jade to forfeit the scholarship
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to South Carolina State. After working for more than a year in a large discount store in Savannah, she had begun applying to other universities and colleges for financial assistance. Again she glanced down at the check in her hand, barely allowing herself to believe that it was genuine.
To conclude the interview, Dr. Hearon stood and extended his hand. "I would appreciate a visit once you've been matriculated. I'll be interested to see what courses you choose for your first semester. The faculty takes a personal interest in each student. "
"I'll come see you, I promise. Thank you again." Jade rushed to the,door. After pulling it open, she glanced back at him over her shoulder. "Oh, and thank the other members of the scholarship committee, too."
"I will. Goodbye, Miss Sperry." "Goodbye. I I
The long corridor beyond his office suite was empty and hushed. Jade wanted to shout her elation toward the Gothic arched ceiling but managed to contain herself. Nevertheless, she ran for the doors at the end of the corridor with far more abandon than the stateliness of the architecture ordained.
Once outside, she gave her exuberance free rein. She leaned against an imposing, fluted column and stared at the voucher before clutching it to her chest like a gleeful miser. Then, tucking it safely inside her handbag, she left the shade of the colonnaded porch of the administration building and walked into the late summer sunshine.
It seemed brighter and friendlier than when she had nervously entered the building. The flowers blooming along the landscaped sidewalks were brilliant. The sky was exceptionally blue, the clouds white and without blemish. She had never noticed how intensely green grass was, or was the grass on the campus of Dander College inordinately verdant?
It was as though she, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, had suddenly been thrust from a world of black and white into one of vivid Technicolor. She had been through pure hell, but had emerged on the other side to discover that life might be worth the struggle after all.
154
Sandra Brown
The Westminster chimes in the campus chapel's bell tower struck the hour as she jogged past the library. She was imbued with a sense of peace and optimism that she hadn't experienced since before the rape. Today, she had been granted a new beginning.
Her car was reluctant to start and even more reluctant to go over thirty miles an hour without the heat indicator flashing on. It had barely survived the trip from Savannah. Since the drive took several hours, they had come the day before. After checking in to the Pine Haven Motor Court, Jade had used the remaining daylight hours to acquaint herself with the college community.
The campus formed the nucleus of the town, which Jade thought had charm and character. The only local industry was the college, and the domed administration building was the town's only skyscraper. Surrounding the campus were gracious neighborhoods comprised of stately homes that housed faculty members. Morgantown's commercial district was compact and sufficient to fulfill her needs.
Where would they live? Would they be able to find an inexpensive apartment close to campus so that she could walk to classes and keep the car free for Velta's use? The fall semester wouldn't begin for another month, but there was so much to do before that. Which should she look for first-a part-time job or a place to live?
She parked the car in front of cabin number 3 and, with a laugh of self-derision, chided herself for falling into her characteristic pattern of worrying. Today she would relax and celebrate. Being awarded this scholarship was the first positive step toward achieving her ultimate goal-seeing Gary's murderers punished.
As surely as Neal Patchett, Hutch Jolly, and Lamar Griffith had raped her, they were responsible for Gary's suicide. If her resolve to see justice done was ever shaken, she had only to recall the sight of Gary's body dangling at the end of that rope. With their violence and treachery and lies, Neal and his cronies had driven him to suicide.
Jade wouldn't rest until they had paid for their crimes. Revenge wouldn't come quickly. It would be a slow, pains-
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taking process that might take years to fulfill, but she was prepared for that. Thanks to Dr. Hearon and his committee, she was on her way.
Expecting the cabin door to be locked, she was surprised when it swung open. "Mother? I got it!"
Jade stepped into the small, musty room. The air-conditioner in the window labored to put out cool air but to little avail. Her brain registered three things immediately. There was a packed suitcase at her mother's feet. A man Jade had come to loathe was standing on the other side of the suitcase. And Graham, her baby son, was crying in his Portable crib.