Chatoyant College, Book 1: New Student Orientation

Chapter 9: Stairs

After lunch, Edie asked, "Corrie, do you still have that information on what's going on for the new students?"

"Sure," said Corrie. "Just give me a minute." She fished around in the pocket of her jeans for a few seconds before emerging with a folded and wrinkled paper. She opened it out and tried to smooth it out on the dining hall table, but it didn't help much. At least it was still readable. "Was there something you wanted to do?"

Edie pointed. "Just what I thought. The bookstore is open now. I'd like to make sure I get the books for all my classes."

Dawn nodded. "Good idea." They deposited their trays on the conveyor belt that went to the kitchen and headed out toward the bookstore, which was, like seemingly everything else, located in the administrative building.

"I ordered most of my books online," Corrie said. "But I couldn't get all of them."

Edie looked at her in surprise. "How did you find out what you needed?"

"I emailed my professors," she explained. "Not all of them got back to me, though."

"How do we know what books we need once we get there?" Dawn asked.

"They should have a list, I think," Edie said. "By department and class."

"Hmm." Dawn searched her pockets, then shook her head. "I don't have my class schedule with me. I'm not sure I'll remember what sections of the classes I'm supposed to be in. All my classes have different sections since they're pretty popular."

Edie sighed, then grinned. "Well, I guess we make the trek back up to Gilkey Five, then."

By the time they were out of the dorm again Edie's legs were aching. "Well, at least I'm going to build up some leg strength by the end of the semester," she said, glaring down at her feet, which were only visible past her breasts and stomach because she was slouching. "Maybe I'll even lose some weight."

Dawn nodded in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. Did they really have to put us on the fifth floor?"

"You guys are both wusses!" Corrie said, sticking out her tongue. Without warning, she took off toward the administrative building. Dawn shouted and ran after her. Edie continued trudging along at her usual pace. It wasn't very far to the administrative building, but when she reached the door they were both waiting for her. Dawn was panting and they were both smiling.

"Hey, how come you didn't run with us, Edie?" Dawn asked, still trying to catch her breath. "It was fun!"

"I can't run," she said shortly. "My legs are tired and I'm too fat."

Corrie stared at her. "Please don't tell me you're playing that stupid girl game where you put yourself down just for compliments, because I really do not want to have friends who do that," she said. "You are not fat, so don't say you are."

Edie stared back in confusion. "Of course I'm fat."

"You two are so ridiculous," Dawn said. "I'm sorry I asked. Edie, you're not fat, and neither of us is in any kind of condition to compete with Corrie, because she runs every morning and we don't. Now let's go get our books."

"You could both join me," Corrie said brightly as they walked into the bookstore. "It really is fun."

Edie was still brooding, but the bad mood was doomed to failure: she and Dawn met each other's gazes and rolled their eyes at the same time, making them both burst out laughing.