High school senior Jess Smith meets Ace of Spades, an online friend who helps her question her mask of celibacy and recognize her true asexuality. Except that their friendship begins to develop into something more.
[Featured April and May 2020 under...
My hands turned cold and clammy as we entered the grounds of Holy Cross. It resembled a newer version of Harvard. Another isolated bubble with top-notch academics and kids from rich families.
And a certain crush of mine who would remain nameless.
A wrought-iron archway proudly displayed the Jesuit symbol between twin stone pillars. It made me feel very small. Nervous tingles raked across my stomach, and I began to wonder whether this was such a great idea.
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Language labs, Jess. Language labs.
Grandad pulled up to a small brick building, manned by a solitary security guard.
"What's the purpose of your visit?" the guard asked.
"An overnight tour of the campus with..." Grandad turned to face me. "What's the girl's name again?"
"Helen Delaney," I replied in a hoarse whisper.
"Ah, yes," the guard said. "Very good, sir." He gestured towards a large building. "Drive up Linden Lane until you reach O'Kane. That brick building straight ahead."
Grandad nodded. "Thank you."
Wide-eyed, I stared out the window at the patches of pristine, manicured lawns and brick buildings laced with dark green vines. The campus was gorgeous. Striking. Yet daunting.
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The preppy kids wore outfits straight out of a catalogue for Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch, or Saks Fifth Avenue. Way out of my league. I stared at my pitiful clothes from the clearance section of TJMaxx and swallowed the lump in my throat.
Normally I wouldn't give a crap about fashion or even notice. But I'd entered Eric's world, an environment designed for prospective yuppies.
Not a poor kid like me.
What the hell am I doing here?
"What do you think?" Mom asked me.
"Impressive."
She smiled as Grandad pulled up and parked in front of O'Kane. "Have you got everything you need, dear?"
I grabbed my backpack and opened the car door. "Yep! Thanks for the ride."
