72 hours

everyone sees it, except her

All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday
Is everything has changed - Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran

Elizabeth
The Blackford Preparatory Academy is in the top ten schools in the state of New York, number 3 on admissions at Ivy League schools, and first in STA scores. The rain makes it look haunted, like the windows are crying and I might find a ghost of a Nobel prize winner who graduated here - so far, there's been 7 - in the hallway.

Jeremiah and I stand at the entrance, protected from the rain, while I analyze the construction. It's one big building with two adjacent spaces, most likely a sports complex and an arts center. It looks modern but also antique at the same time.

- It's not that scary inside. - Jeremiah shoves my shoulder lightly, grinning from ear to ear.

- Right. - My feet are cemented to the floor. We came early since I have to talk to the headmaster before class, but there's a few students walking around already. - If you say so.

My hand tightens on the backpack strap. I've been holding back from freaking out because I knew once I started, I wouldn't be able to stop. In hindsight, that was a dumb idea. I'm freaking out now. In front of my new classmates, who might think I'm a psycho. In front of him. Why didn't I do this before leaving?

- Hey, you. - Jeremiah steps in front of me, holding of my shoulders. There isn't any fear on his face, he's completely serene. - Everything's gonna be ok. I'm gonna be with you the whole time. I'll show you where the classes are and introduce you to everyone.

- Really? - I was certain he'd ditch me the second he saw someone he knew.

- Of course. - He shrugs like it's the most obvious thing in the world. - I'll be here. I promise.

His words, and the sincerity in them, make me relax a bit. I nod, only then realizing his hands are still on my shoulders.

- Let's go.

Jeremiah smiles, pulls his hands away, and guides me to the headmaster's office. He points out important rooms, like the cafeteria, the chemistry lab, the auditorium, and the entrance to the sports center. All of the buildings are named after someone, most likely a person who graduated here or donated to the school. I can't deny it, the place is incredible.

Everything is clean and seems to be in the right place. I went to public school in Cousins, it was the only option, and it was very different. Not the same resources.

There were 3 extracurriculars and one of them was a church thing. I never did any, it was just school and working in the diner for me. Since it got slow there, especially during the winter months, I had a lot of time to study and do my school work, hence my 4.0 GPA.  

- This is it. - We stand in front of a white door with a golden plaque that reads "Headmaster's Office". Jeremiah knocks before I have the chance to stop him.

A black woman in her forties opens the door, wearing a suit and high heel boots. I like her.

- Morning, Mr. Fisher. - The formality of the speech contrasts starkly with the warmth of her tone. - You must be Elizabeth.

- Yes. - I force myself to smile. - That's me.

- I'm Stephanie, but everyone calls me Steph. It's nice to meet you. - She shakes my hand and steps aside. - Come in.

I glance at Jeremiah and he nods softly.

- We won't take long. - Steph tells him, shutting the door after I walk in. She called Jeremiah "Mr. Fisher", yet she tells me to call her by a nickname. - Please, take a seat.