Page 42 of The Other Side of Green
“It’s fine.” I couldn’t hide the tightening in my throat.
Eva tutted and silence stretched.
“I see you’ve been busy on campus.” I shook my head. “I had no idea you were a political activist.”
“Well, Alex and I decided that we weren’t going to let them get away with it.”
“Alex has turned against his family?”
“He’s nothing like them, Lyra, and he likes you.”
“He’s a good friend.” I didn’t know if this was strictly true, he was a Collins.
“So funny thing, Professor Greene was having a hissy fit because Mr. Cross wasn’t in class.”
“No?” My tone shifted a whole octave, like a fused scale squeaked on a string.
“Apparently, he’s also had a death in the family, but will be back next week. You’re coming back next week too, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know, Eva.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… I’m not going to lie. I’m not excited to come back with everyone knowing I only got my place because of the Collins’ family’s attempt to be politically correct.
“But you can play, I’ve heard you.”
I glanced down at my violin case where it sat still untouched from where I’d brought it upstairs after finding it on the back step.
“Not always.”
“I’ve heard a rumor you sing too.”
“Oh really? Seems I’m in a lot of rumors at the moment.”
“Lyra, you have to come back, otherwise all this marching and chanting would have been for nothing, and then what will we be achieving?”
“Eva, I never even wanted to go to college. I did it because Grams wanted me to,” because Jack wanted me to. “I was relieved when I didn’t get the scholarship.”
“Yeah, but now you’ve got it. It’s yours. Everyone will be waiting and watching you, ready to see what the girl who caused the storm can do.”
“I never wanted that.”
“But what would your Grams want? Are you going to ignore a dead woman’s wish?”
“Eva!”
“What? I miss you. I’m fighting for you.”
“I appreciate that, bu—”
“But nothing. Come back.”
I couldn’t say anything, didn’t want to lie anymore.
“I’m sorry you’re by yourself.”
“It’s okay.” My tears stung. “I think I need to get used to it.”
