“I heard you got into trouble with Professor Lynch.”
“Good news travels fast,” I quip. Anya doesn’t look angry at least. That’s a plus.
“This isn’t funny Katia. Disrespecting your Professor in front of the entire class? You could’ve gotten in a lot of trouble. What were you thinking?” she asks, leaning back in her chair and sighing loudly. It’s a very un-Anya like gesture.
“I wasn’t thinking anything,” I tell her, idly rubbing a smudge off the cuff on my right wrist. “I was dreaming. I fell asleep in class.”
“What did Headmaster Pratt say? What’s your punishment?” she asks looking resigned. Apparently Anya is well aware of his dislike for affluent students, although they are the bread and butter of the institution he so loves.
“It’s not that bad,” I tell her, surprised that she hasn’t asked about the dreams. “He gave me work detail for a month and revoked my off campus privileges.”
“Could’ve been worse, I guess.” She seems a little surprised that my punishment wasn’t more severe. “What’s the work detail?”
“Helping out in the stables two days a week.” I neglect to mention that he couldn’t have given me a better punishment. Anya doesn’t need to know of my developing friendship with Keegan. That’s Shaye’s secret to keep.
“Figures. He probably loves the idea of Aldo’s niece shoveling manure.” Our eyes meet, and we both burst into laughter. I’m surprised at Anya’s candor. Then I remember that she was like this before. It’s me who’s put up the walls and created the tension that usually disrupts our sessions. If only we could stay on lighter topics like Pratt’s punishment.
“I won’t keep you long tonight,” she says. “But I do have a surprise for you.”
“Oh?” I ask, wondering what it could possibly be. I watch curiously as Anya opens the coat closet and pulls out a nondescript dress bag.
“Lissette wanted to make sure you had something appropriate to wear for the New Year’s Eve ball.” Anya gives the bag a little whirl for show and gracefully lowers the zipper.
“Appropriate? That dress is amazing.” I’m stunned. It’s a deep shade of emerald green that I know Anya picked to compliment my eyes. The dress is a fitted one-shoulder style that flares at the bottom. It will show off my figure nicely. I’m glad to see that, although the back is cut low, the front is a bit more modest. The dress is simple and yet sophisticated. There are no sequins or rhinestones. I admire the understated style and the way the fabric falls from the hanger. I just hope I can pull off a dress like this. Anya may have me way out of my league.
“I don’t know what to say, Anya. Thank you.”
“I had hoped you would like it. I know that these events aren’t exactly your thing,” she begins. Talk about the understatement of the century. “But they are important, and, with Aldo attending the ball, it’s essential that you are seen as well.”
“I know,” I sigh, reaching for the dress. I offer her the one assurance I know she’s expecting. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“One last thing before you go, Katia.” She pulls the dress bag back from my grasp, refusing to turn it over to me until she’s said her piece. “You look tired. I’m worried about you. Are you sure you can handle everything?” She pauses. “Let me help you. I can get you waivers for your midterms.”
“Yeah. That will go over real well with Pratt,” I return, brushing off her suggestion and unsuccessfully reaching for the dress again.
“He doesn’t know half of what goes on at this school,” Anya tells me fiercely. “Say the word and I’ll make it happen.”
“I appreciate the offer Anya. I do. But I can handle it. I don’t want any special favors, and I don’t need any help. Thank you again for the dress. I really do love it.” I grab the bag from her hands and head for the door.
“Katia, I’m not the only one who will be able to see it,” she calls to my back. “Aldo will see it too.”