Gifted Connections: Book 2(13)

I was grudgingly happy to see a wide selection of hair care products specifically for curly hair on the bathroom vanity, along with a hair straightener and a hair dryer. I quickly took a shower and walked back into my room, with my new hair stuff. I stood in my towel as I looked through my closet. I had been spoiled with a walk-in closet at Will’s. I was a closet snob now, even though Ella and I shared a closet in the trailer, and the dorm I stayed in across the way wasn’t much better.

Thinking of Ella, I wondered once more where she was, who she was with, and if she was happy. I also needed to figure out a way to contact Judge Myers.

My door was pushed open behind me and I spun around, startled, grasping the towel to my chest. “Collin,” I gasped.

He looked at me appreciatively. “Sorry,” he said with an unrepentant grin. “I was just making sure you were up.”

“I am,” I snapped. “Can you knock next time?”

He took a step forward. “Oh, come on babe. You enjoyed being all over me, what happened?”

Whoever he had talked to last night was pushing him to ingratiate himself further with me. It made my stomach ache and my skin crawl. Until I could figure things out, I needed to continue this charade.

I tried to hide the annoyance at his lies. “I still don’t feel like…me. Can you give me more time?” I pleaded in a small voice as I looked down at my bare feet.

He took a few more steps forward before I saw his larger feet next to mine. He grabbed my upper arms and kissed the top of my head. “Of course, babe.” I hated it when he called me babe. Baby was the endearment Remy used for me. It was too similar.

“Thanks,” I said brightly. “Can you close the door behind you? I need to get ready, and it takes forever to straighten my hair,” I told him.

“Hurry up, we have an hour before we leave,” he joked.

I turned back to the dresser and closet and decided to put on a pair of skinny jeans, tan boot cuff knitted legging warmers, an off white sleeveless blouse, a light weight camel colored leather jacket, and leather camel colored tall boots. My wardrobe choices had changed significantly since I left home and met Jemmy. I no longer found the need to hide my body in ill-fitting dark and drab clothing. I didn’t have to make myself look as unappealing as possible. At least whoever shopped for my wardrobe bought clothing I was willing to wear.

I quickly applied some foundation, bronzer, natural color eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. I made sure to add additional concealer around my eyes, hoping the bags and tiredness disappeared. The makeup I found in my vanity was all brand new. Another thing I took care to do now. The only time I used to wear makeup was when I worked at the bar and had to make myself look older.

If they were trying to convince me that this was all my makeup and wardrobe, maybe they should have made my makeup look used and removed the tags off my clothing. If I were to confront Collin, I sure he would have an answer ready for it all.

I decided to straighten my hair for the day. It would save me from having to wash it for a day or two. I had a lot of hair. Not only was it long, but it was thick. I hated washing it if I didn’t need to.

It took me roughly 40 minutes to get ready. I grabbed my duffel bag, book bag, and books for the day. I had Introduction to Sociology and History of Performance Arts today. Collin had already informed me that we had a lot of ‘gifted’ people attending this school—he failed to mention we were both gifted. He said we enrolled me in this class to get a better appreciation and understanding of the people around us. I tried to act convincingly surprised and fascinated by the possibility we lived and were around people that had abilities.

“You look really nice,” Collin assessed me as I entered the kitchen. “Would you like some cereal?”

I smiled credibly. “Thanks, and do we have any bananas or fruit?”

“I have canned fruit in the pantry. Would you like to do some shopping after school today? I kind of lived like a bachelor. I can make eggs, toast, and frozen pizza. We can get whatever you want if you want to cook. Otherwise, I’m fine with take out. That bottom drawer is filled with local take out joints,” he explained a bit sheepishly.

I smiled as I reached into the pantry to grab a can of peaches. “I don’t mind cooking. Before I go to the gym, I’ll make a grocery list.”

He frowned slightly. “Since when did you become a gym buff? You look perfect just the way you are.”

I shrugged as I dug into my peaches. “I’m comfortable in my body, don’t get me wrong, but I want to tone up.” I started looking around his kitchen. “Do you have any coffee?”

He shook his head. “Sorry, no. I’m not much of a coffee drinker. We can stop in at the quad if you like, get some at the coffee shop.”

I looked at him in mock horror. “How do you get through the day without coffee? Are you even human?”

He chuckled genuinely. “I’m more of a Monster or Red Bull man. I never got accustomed to the bitter taste of coffee, no matter how much cream and sugar I added. We can add a coffee maker, travel mug, and coffee to our list for tonight.”

I nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 13. I suspect that may have contributed to the stunt in my growth…or maybe it’s just bad genes.” I said ruefully. “Anyway, I can’t imagine if I had to go through withdrawals.” I teasingly shuddered.