6. Mallory
CHAPTER 6
Mallory
S tepping through the doors of Grayson Hall for my first college class, my nerves assault me. Butterflies flap their wings frantically inside my stomach, making me nauseous.
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out as I walk down the hallway.
It’s going to be okay. You can do this.
Hitching my backpack higher, my eyes scan the numbers on the wall, searching for my classroom. I’m relieved when I find it without issue.
I’m fifteen minutes early, so it’s mainly deserted. I choose a seat by the window, my nerves getting the best of me.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
My gaze moves to the glass, observing the throng of wealthy students, some chatting with friends while others stare at their phones. Guess this place isn’t so different from home.
My brows furrow as I squint at the hooded figure standing beneath the shadows of a nearby tree. He’s wearing a black ball cap with a hoodie pulled over his head, shadowing his face so I can’t see it. But I feel his stare boring into me, stripping me bare.
It’s unnerving yet titillating, making me question my sanity.
A feminine voice draws my attention from the window. “Hi. I’m Amanda. Would it be okay if I sit here?” Her hand shakes as she holds onto the strap of her backpack. Pretty green eyes stare at me, waiting for my response.
I give her a reassuring smile. “Of course.” I gesture to the empty seat beside me.
As she slides into the seat, I introduce myself. “I’m Mallory Chapman.” I cringe as soon as I say my last name, my muscles tightening as I anxiously wait for her to recognize it and ask if Gregory and Danelle Chapman are my parents.
But she doesn’t.
“Amanda Buckley. But you can call me Mandy. It’s my first semester here. Seems like a great place.” Her cheeks are pink as she glances down at her lap. “Sorry if I’m rambling. I’m so nervous.”
I feel an immediate bond with this girl. “No worries. I’m nervous, too.”
“Really?” Green eyes lift, latching onto mine and searching them. She must be satisfied by what she sees because she visibly relaxes. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
“I’m sure it’ll get easier as the week progresses.”
Mandy nods. “I hope so.” She reaches down and begins unloading her backpack, and my attention drifts to the window.
There’s no one standing beneath the massive tree.
I blink a few times, feeling relieved and yet… unsettled.
Why do I care about some random weirdo staring at me through the window? I should be glad he’s gone.