The Freshman

Chapter Three - The Assistant

Emily's POV

After I got off the phone with my parents, I met up with my friends in the kitchen. "Emily? Is everything okay?" Kaitlyn asked.

"I... I don't think so. My family is broke," I said. "What started off as the best week of my life just turned into a nightmare."

"We can't lose you! We've... we've bonded!" Zack exclaimed.

"I guess there's only one thing to do now... I have to find a way to stay. I'm not going down without a fight!"

"Hell yeah! That's the spirit!"

"Maybe you could get... a job?" Tyler asked.

"No offense, but tuition runs like $50k a year here. Minimum wage isn't gonna cover that," Abbie said.

"There's gotta be some way you can stay... I mean, I'm here on a football scholarship," Chris said.

"I don't think I'm exactly what the football team is looking for," I said.

"Maybe not, but I'm sure there are other scholarships available."

"Not a bad idea, Chris. It might be worth a trip to the financial aid office to check it out!" Kaitlyn exclaimed. "I was just about to leave anyway, I'll go with you!"

"That'd be great. I could really use a friend there with me..." I said.

As I turned to follow Kaitlyn out the door, Chris caught me by the arm. "You're going now?" Chris asked.

"Of course! There's no time to waste. A girl's life is on the line," Kaitlyn said.

"Kaitlyn's being a little dramatic, but... it is pretty urgent," I said.

Chris glanced at Kaitlyn and turned quickly back to me. "I just... I feel like we've barely gotten to know each other. And if this is going to be one of our last days together..." Chris said. "At least let me walk with you over to the financial aid office? We can stop on the way for coffee or something."

"A coffee might not be the worst idea. It'll give you the energy to face whatever horrors await in the financial aid office of terroooooor!" Kaitlyn exclaimed. "I can always meet you there."

"So? Let me walk you?"

"Well, I could use the pick me up," I said. "Honestly, spending time with you sounds like just what I need to get ready for this meeting."

"Perfect. Coffee's on me."

"Don't keep me waiting too long, okay? See you in a bit!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

Chris and I headed out of the suite and down to the bustling quad. As Chris and I stepped into the quad, there was a moment of quiet between us. "So, how are you feeling about everything?"

"Honestly, kind of whiplash-y. I feel like I just got here. I haven't actually gotten to do anything yet!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah? What is it you wanted to do?"

"I hoped I'd at least get a kiss in front of the statue!"

I pointed at the statue in the middle of the quad. "Seriously?"

"What? I heard it's a Hartfeld tradition for couples to share a kiss in front of it. It's supposed to be lucky." Chris grinned and grabbed my hand, tugging me toward the statue. "Chris, what are you -"

Before I could finish, he swung me around and pressed a searing kiss to my lips, wrapping an arm around my waist. Just as I felt myself melting into his touch, he pulled away. "What do you think? Feeling lucky enough?"