Chapter 2-2
534 Words
While most of the people studying at the Academy lived in the dorms, I would continue living at Morad House.
Since I joined the family recently, my connection to the house, and the family magic, was too tenuous. I had to spend the nights there, or it could fade. Pops got special permission for me to live away and use the portal daily.
Being awarded a special status for my family name was uncomfortable. I was used to hating people like that, and now I was one of them.
It still seemed wrong.
There were so many things where I got special privileges: despite barely passing, they allowed me to continue with my studies, while some of my fellow distance department students got kicked out with much better grades. I wasn't on a scholarship anymore, paying the full rate, but it still felt like I was getting special treatment because of money.
The change from the distance to the face-to-face classes was also very smooth. Money just makes everything easier.
I was also informed by Marty that, as his fiancée, I could visit his dorm bedroom with no problem, despite the usual prohibition of bringing female guests (that time I came in my ethereal form didn't count, since I wasn't present in body). By the wide, suggestive smile on his face, I could see he wasn't talking about having tea in his bedroom or something like that.
That special privilege I could do without, although I think they afforded it to all engaged or married couples (it's not like there were that many in the Academy, as far as I know).
Maybe because last semester I was still attending in ghost form, and this semester I was going in full body form, but the first morning before class became rather more emotive than usual.
Instead of going back to my bedroom and jumping there, I headed out after breakfast. To my surprise, everybody followed me.
"Eh…" I said, as the kids, uncle Azzie, his wife Cloris, and Pops accompanied me outside. "You guys don't have to worry about me. I know how to use the portal now."
"We know," Pops said. "But we just wanted to accompany you on your first day."
"Are you coming to the Academy?" I asked.
I wouldn't mind, but it would be kind of pointless. Maybe the kids could take a look. But there were only forty minutes until my first class started.
I was trying to come earlier today, so I wouldn't need to run around. It would be hard to do it without looking like a mess, especially now that I wasn't in ghost form anymore.
"Oh, no, just helping you to the portal," Pops said.
"I'll be coming for lunch," I said. "It's not like I'm going for a long time."
"We'll wait for you," Cloris smiled. "Just tell us if you're running late. Or if your fiancé takes you out."
It felt… unnecessary. Wasteful. Pointless.
Heartwarming.
Is this what having a family means?
After I adjusted the settings for the portal, uncle Azzie checked them, making sure I did everything correctly. Then I looked around, waved my hand at them, as the kids waved their hands widely, everybody wishing me to have a nice day.
I was only going for five hours.
But it was nice they cared.
- Writer
