In Too Deep Read Free

beds. “This is the girls’ dormitory,” she says as I step up next to her. I recognize my two black suitcases lying on top of the twin-size bed closest to us.  Each of the other beds in the room sport blankets and quilts in various colors and patterns, but the white iron headboards give everything a uniform feel. There are floor to ceiling windows along one wall, and the window in the center opens onto a tiny balcony with a decorative wrought iron railing.
    Vera nods toward the other side of the room. “The boys’ dormitory is through there.”
    I glance at the opening that separates the two rooms, not even an actual door. 
    She crosses the room and opens the doors to a large, dark, wooden wardrobe. “You can unpack your things here.” She runs a finger over the shelf, inspecting it for traces of dust. Seemingly satisfied, she shuts the door. She then turns and leaves the room. I stand there for a second, unsure if she intends for me to follow, and when I hear her voice in the hallway, I hurry out after her.
    “This is the girls’ lavatory, which is shared by the first and second year girls. The boys’ lavatory is down the hall.”
    At least that is separate. Sharing with other girls will be bad enough. The bathroom is large though, and, thankfully, clean. There are half a dozen dark wood vanities, a separate area for toilets, and four shower stalls along the opposite wall. Each has a frosted glass door. Not bad, considering there are only a few girls in my class. I can make this work. The bundle of nerves in my stomach uncoils just slightly.
    Vera turns abruptly, leaving the bathroom and heading back down the hall.
    “Where is everyone?” I ask.
    “The rec room. That’s where we’re going next.”
    I had hoped to change before meeting the student body so I could make a better first impression than I was sure to make in the clothes I’d spent travelling in all day, but I don’t have any choice. I tuck my hair behind my ears and draw in a deep breath.
    Vera pulls open the massive oak door and the voices and laughter immediately die down Every student turns to stare at the door and the odd new girl who surely looks stunned and bewildered.
    The room is like a big family room with several chocolate brown couches, a large TV screen mounted on the wall and several desks scattered at the far end on the room. A few people practice self-defense moves on one end of the room and another group is huddled around a set of high-tech computer monitors, but other than that, they appear normal.
    “This is Taylor Beckett, a new first year,” Vera introduces me in her official sounding voice and then abruptly turns to leave me, letting the door close behind her with a thud.
    Many of the students who had glanced my way at our arrival have gone back to talking, watching TV or doing homework, but a few continue to stare. I straighten my shoulders and put on my best breezy, unconcerned face, studying them right back. Surely someone will come up to introduce themselves or wave me over or at least smile from across the room. The seconds tick by. One friendly face, that’s all I need. I can walk over and make the introductions myself. One friendly face.  Come on, come on . No one makes a move. My insides tighten like they are being twisted with a fork. I have never felt so alone and dejected.
    I remind myself silently not to panic, that surely these people aren’t as unfriendly as they seem. In fact, I’ll probably be having a good chuckle at this tense standoff by tomorrow. But a few seconds more slip past and I realize I am just as alone as I feel. I need to get the hell out of here. Now .
    I turn and yank on the door, but it doesn’t budge.  I grab the handle with both hands and pull. Hard. Nothing. Damn it . It’s stuck.
    All conversation in the room dies away again and I can feel a roomful of eyes on my back.
    “You have to push,” a girl with a deep, throaty voice offers from behind me. I hear a few people laugh as I