Even Top Students Fail

A New Beginning

William's call was as arrogant as his recent behavior. Already near Lilith's house, he threatened to barge in if she didn't come out.

Of course, William was just trying to scare her. If he dared enter uninvited, Louis and Maria would throw him out.

Receiving the call, Lilith glanced at herself. At home in shorts and a loose tee, hair messily tied up. Not suitable for meeting William. No time to choose carefully. She grabbed a new dress bought with Maria, put it on, quickly brushed her hair. Over three months, it had grown past her shoulders, recently trimmed. Letting it fall loose looked presentable enough.

Dressed, she grabbed her bag and rushed out. Maria only heard a hurried "Mom, I'm going out!" as Lilith disappeared.

William waited in a nearby coffee shop. When Lilith arrived breathless, he let her sit and catch her breath. After a few sips of an iced drink, he rolled his eyes. "You look awful. So tan." He ruffled her hair, feigning disgust.

Not seeing each other for over a month, barely speaking on the phone, there was some awkwardness. But William's casual gesture eased the tension.

Lilith's initial nervousness dissipated at his grumbling. She pouted, miffed. Everyone cares about their appearance, especially with someone they like. Though out for a month, Lilith didn't tan easily. Her skin would lighten quickly. Jennifer and the others had turned into real "coal balls" in comparison.

William's comment was to vent frustration. He'd been studying while she was having fun. If school wasn't starting soon, who knows when she'd have returned. Seeing Lilith quiet, his heart softened. They wouldn't have many chances to meet. If she left angry, who knew what trouble she might cause. Actually, being tanned wasn't so bad; it might keep away admirers. Lilith had always stood out for her fair skin; being darker made her seem less ethereal.

William pinched Lilith's cheek affectionately. "Don't pout. You're so tan. Gone for a month and couldn't call me." This forward gesture was new for him, but Ryan was right – physical contact could spark chemistry. Despite feeling shy, he maintained a serious expression.

Lilith's face turned bright red. She'd been feeling passive around William lately, unsure of her feelings. Though she liked him, they hadn't defined their relationship. She'd planned a serious talk, but his touches left her flustered.

Seeing Lilith blush, William smiled faintly and laid out expectations. "School's starting. Text me after changing your phone card. Don't ignore my calls. Don't go out with boys carelessly, no mixers. Be good, focus on studies."

Honestly, if she wasn't such a good student, he wouldn't insist on studying. MIT was no joke, on par with Oxford. With Lilith being such a fresh beauty, who knew how many would set their sights on her? Having such an outstanding girlfriend was both a blessing and anxiety.

Lilith kept quiet to avoid more unexpected gestures.

Time flew by. As William was about to leave, Lilith gave him two notebooks she'd made. William smiled gently. He already had two from Linda – future family heirlooms. Of course, he accepted Lilith's gesture. Seeing no one around, he gave her a quick hug. "You look better with long hair. Don't cut it anymore, okay?" With that, he hurried off.

Days later, Lilith, Louis, and Maria boarded the train to Cambridge. Despite Jennifer and Barbara accompanying Lilith, her parents insisted on seeing her off.

At MIT, students in matching tees greeted them. Maria was delighted by their manners. Lilith found it amusing – every school had greeters.

A male greeter, learning Lilith was a direct entry student in his department, became attentive. He helped with registration, cards, uniforms, fees, and locating the dorm.

Lilith's dorm was comfortable – four-person rooms with bathrooms. Her bed was by the window, next to the heater. Bunk-style beds with desks below and individual closets.

Two roommates were already there. Alice, outgoing and warm, reminded Lilith of Jennifer. Emma seemed cold and aloof. The fourth roommate hadn't arrived.

After settling in, Louis and Maria took Lilith for lunch and bought necessities. Back at the dorm, Maria teared up at parting. Louis hurried Lilith back to her room and left with Maria, fearing Maria might make Lilith cry too.