We're Not Related Anymore...

Princeton

Maddie: Three Years Ago

Ok. I won't lie, Princeton is beautiful. We take an Uber to get there and when I see the top of the buildings peak out in the distance, I know I'm in for a treat. 

It really is one of those old-world buildings that make you think of tragic tales and forbidden love affairs. By the time we get out of the car, I'm wishing I'd brought a camera other than my phone. I spin around as we walk up a gravel path, entranced by the castelike structure. 

"Wow," I say, my eyes taking in the shaded buildings. There are enormous trees everywhere and they cast nefarious shadows over everything, making me think of all those dark academia books I once read. Rich kids and murder, that's what this place gives the vibe of. Although, I hope for Jacob's sake, none of these things happen when he studies here. 

Speaking of the devil, I think biting my lip, I start looking out for his tall frame and dark hair. I had no idea when this idea took form that visiting the college would be the very first thing on our agenda. I'd thought we'd have lunch first or something. But, nope, we came straight here which means there's a high chance I'm going to run into my stepbrother. 

"Oh, there he is!" My mom says, excitedly, scaring me out of my wits. "Carter!" She calls and I look up to see a glasses-wearing tall guy jog in our direction. I'm guessing, this guy is the friend my mom thinks can squeeze me in here. He has to hold his tie while he runs to where we're standing on the pathway.

"Hannah!" He says, out of breath when he reaches us. "I'm so glad you made it. It's been what? Five years?" My mom pulls him into a hug and I see his face turn pink. 

"It's good to see you, old friend," my mom tells him and I don't think I imagine the flash of disappointment I see on his face when he hears her words. 

"Who's this?" He asks, recovering quickly, taking a step back, and holding out his hand to me. 

I shake his hand firmly and he gives me a smile. "Maddie Culkin, sir. It's nice to meet you."

"You as well. You look just like your mother did at your age," he says, only a little bit wistful. "So, Princeton? Are you up for the challenge?" He asks, getting straight to the point. It makes me want the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

"Actually," my mom interrupts, wrapping her arms around herself when a soft breeze blows past. "My little hooligan isn't sure she wants to study further. That's not a problem, is it?" She asks slyly. 

Carter gives me another look, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're more like your mother than I thought. But it's no problem. I was thinking about the paperwork I would have to do to get you in this late... and it gave me indigestion." 

I laugh, grateful that he's not making me feel like an idiot. "I'm glad I've relieved you of a chore. It must be amazing to work at a place like this," I say in order to change the subject. 

We start walking and he shows us into a doorway that leads into a barren hallway. I look around, admiring the wooden doors. "Well...the beauty of it all dulls the more you get used to it. Don't get me wrong, I love this place but any job that involves education in any form is tiring."

"Yeah, I bet it's pretty exhausting pulling favors for old friends with underachieving kids," I jibe and my mom sends me a warning look. 

"Maddie," she says in a low tone. 

"What? It's true."

"She's not wrong," Carter says and we grin. "The only difference is that doing a favor for a pretty face feels a lot more rewarding," he says and then blushes at his own abrupt honesty.