He started with a usual speech talking about his summer and congratulating the previous class before moving on to welcoming the freshman. Then his segue, “but not all of us are welcome here at this school.” Long pause. Bored students continued to look bored. “and I don’t mean to insinuate that black, queer,” and he started getting groans, “female, mentally disabled, PHYSICALLY disabled, religious, poor, or white people don’t belong here. Belong here? What did I want to say?” The kids started getting really rowdy but he just shouted into his mic, “what I really mean is that a specific student has not been allowed here since he is a fugitive of Federal law.” The students fell back in their seats and some reacted in shock. Dean took out a picture, “do we have a projector? No…can’t really bring one out ot the field. Who planned this to be here? Oh, me. Anyways, if I could get everyone to strain their eyes for a moment- and you can even come by to me after to take a picture with you’re cellular devices! This child photographed here is hidden amongst us. An imposter! If you spot him anywhere, please contact me or the FBI as soon as you can.” A long silence while Dean look satisfied. Bree pet Ethan while he buried his face in his hands. One of the staff members whispered into Dean’s ears. “Oh an incentive! Well obviously, this imposter is a super evil criminal and none of you should tried to harbor him out of your own safety. I actually don’t know what crime he has committed. But! the finder will win one free semester for just themselves!” Ethan raised his head. “That’s right, its a manhunt! Your dorm and classes will be paid for but not food or in-class purchases. For a whole semester! So good luck!”
Then, apart of the pep rally, was a show by the college’s band and cheerleaders but the students weren’t as hyped as they could be. The students were dismissed and they left in a rush. Some lingered just to flirt with each other or play on the football field, especially the boys. Max and Lisa found Adolphus but had to sadly return him to Fatima. Barto and Claire returned to Claire’s dorm together. Emilia glanced at the boys, who had kidnapped her at the beginning of this week, playing football while Marcia and Anna chatted about a few things. Emilia wanted to leave but Marcia kept including her in conversation and couldn’t find a right moment to excuse herself. Eventually, they had to go to class and Marcia hugged them goodbye.
Ethan, despite taking a popular and long route back to his dorm, returned safely with Bree holding on. She left to go to her own class and then Xiley opened the closet door. “How is she alive?”
“I don’t know, Izzy didn’t attack. Mission failed.”
“We’ll get them next time. Just keep hanging out with her in public areas.”
“I understand that. And now I understand what you are, Xiley,” Ethan said turning toward them.
“No one can truly understand me.”
“You are a federal criminal.”
“….w…wait”
“So you’re hiding here from the law? What kind of crazy crime did you commit? Whatever, I’m going to betray you. You can heal here for a little longer and then I’ll release you to the feds for a free semester. That is the bounty on your head.”
Xiley thought for a moment and then said, “you’re even more stubborn than my read of your social media led me to believe. I already told you the state was after me. I told you I escaped jail. I came to this college because a student here framed me. I’ll find him myself after I heal.”
“…after I get my free semester from you. Then you can just escape jail again and go after this framer. Stupid criminal,” and Ethan closed the door. Xiley thought, I should’ve just stayed with that NEET Emilia…
Emilia was about to enter her dorm building but there was David leaning on a pillar before it. He waved at her and she just shyly nodded. She don’t recognize me? Then it worked! David walked away and Emilia looked back as he past. Everyone was there but I didn’t have to see David, thank God! I didn’t see the photo but I don’t really need a free semester.
tdwriter 