Glory

13. Brooklyn Scavenger Hunt

I watch as her eyes move beneath her closed eyelids, and I notice that the small birthmark on her back, which is usually hidden, is now more visible. Her usually tense shoulders are now relaxed. I couldn't look away, everything about this girl was perfect, and I couldn't find myself without her, my hand strokes her hair, meeting her eyes. "I want to wait the long game. I'm the friend you fall hopelessly in love with."

August 17th,
Manhattan, New York
NYU Dorms: Annika's
5:15 AM

"What's meant for you will always find its way back to you."

Thoughts will be italicized!

• Annika

The door swings open and a blinding flash hits our eyes. "It's past curfew, Damson. You can't stay in someone else's dorm for the night. Tell your girlfriend to leave", the security guard looks around his room and sighs. "Was there a party?"

Shit! My heart started racing, as the security guard stood in front of us, with his flashlight. My eyes pivot to Damson, observing as he endeavours to fight back a cunning smirk. Then I recall, that he's loaded, he has nothing to worry about. But if I get caught, I could renounce{lose} my scholarship. I'd have to go back home. My heart races, as the security grabs us, and we tramp to the dean's office. Fuck! What did I do? My gaze transitioned downwards, and my heart sunken. What am I going to do?

Damson glances at me, observing my hollow gaze. "Don't worry."

August 17th,
Manhattan, New York
NYU Dean's Office
5:25 AM

"What's so essential, that I required to be aroused from my chambers for?", declared the dean of NYU. "I found these two together, pass curfew."

The Dean lets out a frustrated sigh, completely ignoring me. His gaze sharpens as he directs it at Damson. I keep my eyes fixed on the floor, feeling Damson's hand lightly brush against mine as he flashes the dean a wide grin. "What have you done now, Damson? I shudder to think how much more money your father will have to shell out to secure your enrollment this time."

This isn't the first time, here I thought he was an honourable student. "I won't argue with such unkind words," pushing me to roll my eyes. "There is a female present," he said, trying to acknowledge my presence. It was the one time I wished I could just disappear. "A female you fancy?"

"No, we ar—", my frightened soft voice attempts to speak, but am immediately cut off by a harsh gaze. "I frankly don't care."

"Annika Jelani, am I correct? Not the formal meeting, I was hoping for, with such an exceptional application. Th—", the dean continued but was abruptly cut off by Damosn's snarky remark.

"Let me guess 4.0 GPA, 15 extracurriculars, and the best SAT score. Well, Frank Ocean. You do love competition."

Well, I am the best. I tried my best to dismiss Damson and focus my engagement on the dean but with every response the dean provided. Damson supplied me with another. I will not give him a reaction. "NYU is my dream! I'll do anything to make up for it. Please."