Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles)

by Melissa Aden

“Hey!” The boy was already halfway to the mouth. “You coming?”

  I was gaping again. With a start, I grabbed my remaining luggage and raced to meet him. It turned out being swallowed by the mouth wasn’t so bad. The doorway opened to an inviting circular room overflowing with students.

  The boy asked me something.

  “Hmm?” I asked, distracted by the scene before me.

  “What is your name?”

  “Oh! Sophie,” I answered, flattered he’d asked. Though I didn’t know if it was proper flirting, I extended my hand to shake.

  “Sophie what?” he impatiently asked, ignoring my hand.

  “Oh! Um… Sophie Cohen,” I answered, confused.

  Then and only then did I notice the rows of students lined up behind large signs reading A to C, D to F, G to I, and so on. Thrown by the boy’s flirtatiousness before, I thought he was asking out of interest, but of course a guy so cute couldn’t be interested in a boring bookwork like me. I blushed, embarrassed by my presumption.

  “This way,” he said, taking off for the opposite side of the room.

  I followed him, finding it hard to maneuver my suitcases through the swarm. Falling further and further behind, I finally lost him completely. Where had he gone? He had my bags! I stood in place and was about to panic when I heard him.

  “Sophie!” He wildly waved his arms some yards ahead. Relief flooded me as I reached him. “You’ve got to keep up,” he snapped.

  “Excuse me?” My relief wilted. “You left me!”

  He looked appalled by my insinuation. “Maybe you would have seen where I went if you weren’t daydreaming.”

  I gasped. Why was this gorgeous stranger boy being so rude? Had I imagined him flirting with me outside just moments ago? Who did this kid think he was? With great effort, I held my tongue, though I saw no problem allowing my eyes to speak what my mouth couldn’t.

  He took off again, this time looking over his shoulder every so often to make sure I was still behind him. When not glancing at me, he looked around nervously. I looked around too, wondering what he was looking for, his apparent anxiety wearing on my already-frazzled nerves.

  We soon reached the end of the “A to C” line only to silently stand with our arms crossed as we progressed at a snail’s pace. Bored, I watched the boy as he repeatedly scanned the crowds around us and glanced at his watch. After about an hour, I caved, unable to take the silence anymore.

  “Hurry up and wait, huh?” I offered. He ignored me. I was ready to write him off as a rude dolt but gave him the benefit of the doubt. I later tried, “Thanks for your help. It would have been hard to maneuver all four suitcases over here without you.” He glanced at me and shrugged before going back to scanning the room in his weird, fidgety way. Okay. So he was a total jerk after all. “Know what? You don’t have to wait in line with me. I can get it from here.”

  “It’s okay,” he responded without looking at me.

  I sighed, agitated. Bluntness wasn’t my style, but this guy clearly wasn’t getting it. “No really. I got it,” I said, wheeling the suitcases nearest him closer to me. “Have a good night.”

  He took the suitcases back. “I said I’m fine staying.” I looked at him incredulously. “What’s that look for?” he asked.

  “Sorry, but you’re creeping me out and I’d like to be left alone.”

  “Creeping you out?” He laughed. “I can’t leave. Dr. Smitherson told me to look out for you.”

  I frowned. “So you know about that?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And yet we’re here.”

  “He instructed me to get you registered and escort you to your room,” he explained.

  “Well, my dad talked to him this morning and told me I was to find him first thing upon getting here. Our stories aren’t exactly lining up. I’d like to see him now.”

  “Do you know where he is?”

  “No.”

  “So you’re stuck with me,” he said, haughtily. I scoffed. “Look, it’s not like I want to be here any more than you do. I wasn’t supposed to be here tonight. I got stuck minding to you because Smitherson got held up with more important things.” I gasped from the sting of his words. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean it like that. I meant—”

  “You’ve clearly said enough,” I interrupted. “If we’re stuck waiting together,” I said, turning his words on him, “let’s continue doing so silently.”

  “You’re mad at me.” An amused smile hinted at the corners of his mouth, only further infuriating me.

  “Silence, remember?” I reminded him with a cold glare.

  “I never agreed to that,” he smugly replied.

  I groaned, wanting to be as far away from this lunatic as possible. “Which way is Dr. Smitherson’s office?”

  “I already told you what my orders are and I’m not supposed to let you out of my sight, so no can do.”

  “You’ve already failed then, haven’t you?” I shot back. “Might as well quit while you’re ahead.”

  He frowned. “I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

  “Clearly.”

  “What can I do to make things up to you?” he asked.

  “Find Dr. Smitherson.”

  He sighed. “What can I do besides that?”

  I was ready to blow. “The man was integral in me getting admitted here on short notice and I’d like to personally thank him. I’d hate to put you out since you’re already stuck babysitting me and all, but if you’d please check, I’d really appreciate it.”

  I couldn’t read whether his face told of anger or amusement. He pursed his lips in thought, holding my gaze for a time with his stupid mesmerizing eyes. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thank you!”

  Leaving, he added with a smile, “But don’t go anywhere. We both know you have a propensity for getting lost.”

  Chapter 5

  Cock Fight

  I waited alone as the line continued to creep forward. I wondered what was taking so long. Forty-three people were in front of me, meaning if each person took only one minute to register, I’d be in line for another forty-three minutes.

  My stomach groaned in protest. Hungry and tired, I was not in the mood to wait anymore. As well, the room had grown chilly as the two heavy doors of the mouth were still propped open and most of the body-heat-providing students had registered and left. I clutched myself tighter.

  “Want my jacket?”

  I turned. An extremely gorgeous guy with shaggy blonde hair stood in the line next to me. He held out a black zip-up hoodie.

  After embarrassing myself earlier by my presumptuousness, I looked around to make sure it was me the Abercrombie model look-alike was talking to before awkwardly replying, “No, but thanks.” I again found myself regretting my lack of knowledge concerning teenage protocol.

  “We’re bound to be here a while and you’re shivering like a leaf.” He smiled, flashing perfectly straight, white teeth. “Please. I insist.”

  Are all Brightman guys gorgeous? First, Grumpy Pants Jerko Bazerko and now Abercrombie Guy? A quick glance around proved this theory false. I had simply been blessed by the gorgeous guy gods.

  “Now you’re running the risk of hurting my feelings.” Something about his eyes made me feel perfectly at ease. Or maybe it was his voice? Regardless, I was transfixed.

  Realizing I had left him hanging while lost in thought, I quickly shrugged into his hoodie. Though huge on me, it was soft and warm. “Thanks,” I smiled, instantly feeling better.

  “Your welcome—” He cocked his head to the side and waited.

  “Sophie Cohen,” I answered. Before I could think better of it, I again found myself extending my hand. I was about to slip it into my pocket when Abercrombie Guy grabbed it.

  “Hagen Dibrom,” he replied, shaking my hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

  “You too, Hagen.” He held my gaze for longer than was comfortable, but I couldn’t manage to look away. My cheeks grew hot. �
��How long have you been attending Brightman?” I nervously asked and he released me.

  “I’m new. My family just moved here. I’ll be a senior this year.”

  “Wow. Spending your senior year at a new school must be a bummer.”

  “Well, it was,” he said, running his fingers through his hair in true gorgeous guy form. “But things are starting to look up.” He shot me an unmistakable look.

  I fidgeted, regretting my lack of social grace. Dad was right about yet another thing: only associating with him, his work buddies, and his grubby master’s students had done me a disservice. I made a mental note to Google “Flirting for Dummies” as soon as I found time alone with an Internet connection.

  “Well, take it from me: I’ve moved a lot growing up, and I still haven’t mastered starting a new school or making new friends. All the schools — and all the people in them — are different, so the experience is never quite the same.”

  “Why have you moved so much?”

  “My dad’s job. He’s a nuclear physicist. We move every few years or so to whatever university is funding the latest, greatest scientific research.” I caught myself. “Well, we did. Until he sent me here.”

  “I see. So what put him over the edge?” he asked, sizing me up with narrowed eyes. Noticing my confused look, he clarified, “Drugs? Sex? Alcohol? All of the above?”

  “Oh!” I caught on. “None of the above,” I quickly answered. “Quite the opposite. Dad said he wants me to learn to act my own age even if it means getting into a little trouble.” I laughed at how ludicrous it sounded.

  “You’re the never been kissed type. So not what I expected,” Hagen mused. My cheeks blazed. “If it’s trouble you’re looking for, I can give you a few pointers. As the saying goes: practice makes perfect.”

  “Sophie?” I jumped at the sound of Grumpy Pant’s voice, happy for the distraction. He eyed Hagen warily before saying, “We need to meet Dr. Smitherson in his office. Now.”

  I shot him an I-told-you-so look and his eyes narrowed. “Fine. Lead the way.” I started taking Hagen’s jacket off.

  “No don’t!” Hagen said. I froze. “While I greatly appreciate watching you undress, you should keep it.” My cheeks again burned. “Retrieving it will give me an excuse to see you later.”

  Grumpy Pants was suddenly between Hagen and me. “I don’t think we’ve met,” he said, squaring his shoulders. The two sized each other up. I didn’t know whether to laugh or intervene as they looked like feather-spiked birds before the commencement of a cock fight. Both tall and well-muscled, they were well matched. “I’m Everett Sinclair,” he replied, politely, yet briskly, extending his hand.

  So Grumpy Pants knows how to properly introduce himself and shake hands after all. How quaint!

  A flash of recognition crossed Hagen’s face. “Everett Sinclair? You’re the kid who… I’ve heard about you,” he blurted, leaving Everett hanging.

  Returning Hagen’s death glare, Everett retracted his hand.

  Hagen continued, “Some kid was just telling me you… well, I’m sure you know what they’re saying about you.”

  I didn’t know what Hagen was referring to, but it was evident the exchange wasn’t friendly. Everett’s eyes were like fire, his mouth a tight line. Feeling the urge to protect him, I stepped in.

  “Let’s go, Everett. Dr. Smitherson is waiting.”

  Without a word, Everett turned, grabbed two of my suitcases, and marched away.

  “I’ll see you later, Sophie,” Hagen said.

  Ignoring him, I quickly followed after Everett. Once again I was chasing him. “Everett!” I called. He was already halfway across the room. “Everett!” I called louder this time. He stopped in place without turning. “Everett is your name, right?” I asked, breathless upon reaching him.

  “Yeah.” He glowered, clenching and unclenching his jaw.

  “Will you please look at me when I talk to you?” I snapped. He looked at me, surprised. Compassion took over and I cautiously put my hand on his arm. “Sorry. It’s been a long day. Are you okay?”

  He glanced at my hand and his face visibly softened. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

  Taking off again, I could barely keep up with his methodical stride. I was tempted to press him on what Hagen had said and why it upset him so, but I kept pace in silence instead.

  As I followed Everett through hallway after hallway, I thought over the weirdness of the day. I was hungry and tired and didn’t know how much more I could take. As if on cue, my stomach grumbled loudly.

  Everett laughed. “When did you eat last?” He sounded calm again.

  “I ate on the plane.”

  “Last time I checked, peanuts and pretzels aren’t considered a meal.”

  “Yeah, I’ve hardly eaten anything all day,” I admitted. “My stomach has been in knots since my dad told me I was coming here.”

  “When was that?” he asked, seeming sincerely interested.

  “Yesterday afternoon,” I replied.

  “What?” Everett stopped. “He didn’t tell you until yesterday?” He seemed shocked.

  “Nope,” I answered, wondering why he cared.

  “Wow! I’m sorry about that.” He continued walking at a slower pace. “Want to get something to eat?”

  I frowned, questioning his intentions. Was he flirting again or just being nice to the dorky girl? Unable to read him, I lied, “No, I’m fine.”

  “But, you just said—”

  “I’m fine,” I insisted.

  “You should eat something,” he chided. “I know how you get when your blood sugar drops and we wouldn’t want you to implode or anything. Your little outburst earlier was pretty nasty,” he teased.

  “What?” It was my turn to stop. I was notoriously grouchy when my blood sugar dropped. My Dad — even his coworkers — knew it. But how did Everett know that?

  “I was joking,” he said.

  “No, what was that you said about blood sugar?”

  He gave me a strange look. “I know how women get when they don’t eat.” Not buying it, I frowned at him in silence. He shrugged. “My mom gets grouchy, so I figured all girls do.”

  “Whatever,” I said, letting it go. Though I didn’t know where I was going, I walked ahead of him. “How much longer until we get to Dr. Smitherson’s office?”

  “Oh, he’s busy.”

  I stopped again. “Then where are you taking me? And why did you imply that he was waiting for us?”

  “Did you not notice what a creeper that Hagen guy was? I needed to get you out of there.”

  I threw my hands in the air. “This is getting out of hand. I am tired and I’m hungry and I just want to be shown to my room. I don’t want to wait in long lines in freezing cold rooms or chase you through a maze of hallways. Show me where I can wait for Dr. Smitherson and you can be on your way.”

  “I was just trying to help. You don’t have to be such a brat.”

  “A brat!?!” I gaped. “Well, you’re not exactly the shining star of the welcoming committee. You’re nice one second and rude the next. I’m seriously over your mood swings.”

  Everett laughed. “Shining star?” He laughed harder. “—of the welcoming committee?” I glared at him. “That’s the best you can do?” Realizing he wasn’t helping things, he abruptly stopped. “Chill! You look like your head’s going to pop off.”

  “Don’t tell me to chill!” I growled.

  “I’m just giving you a hard time, Sophie. It’s been a long day for both of us.” I crossed my arms and looked away. “I’m sorry, okay. For everything. I’ve had a lot on my mind today, but it’s no excuse for my moodiness or rudeness.” I looked at him and was surprised to find sincerity in his eyes. “This evening didn’t turn out like either of us anticipated. Dr. Smitherson has your dorm key but won’t be available for a good hour, so let’s make the best of it.”

  “Fine,” I relented. “I forgive you and I’m sorry too.”

  “You’re fine, Sophie.
I know it’s just your blood sugar talking.”

  I jokingly shot him a dirty look and he laughed, making me slightly melt.

  “Sophie Cohen, would you please do me the honor of joining me for dinner?”

  I studied Everett, mystified by how we’d gone from bickering to him formally asking me to dinner, and much more, how I didn’t mind the idea in the least. Grumpy Pants was growing on me.

  “I’d love to.”

  Everett smiled and his green eyes flashed. “Me too.”

  Chapter 6

  Coincidence

  I again followed Everett through a maze of hallways, but with the prospect of dinner now in my future — with a very cute boy, no less — I didn’t mind anymore. Instead, I used the time to study Everett and try to figure him out.

  At first glance, he was blatantly attractive. From his tousled, preppy-boy hair to his piercing eyes and full lips, he was perfectly handsome. But there was something more than his exquisite exterior that appealed to me.

  Falling back a bit, I watched the methodic swish of his rhythmic step, his muscular arms pulling my suitcases along behind him. There was an innate regalness in which he moved — a subdued pride, like he knew himself well and was proud of who he was. If it weren’t for the slight slump of his shoulders and the way he sighed every so often, I might have mistaken it for arrogance. But no, Everett seemed troubled, and being a problem solver at heart, I wondered if it was this underlying dilemma of his and the challenge of figuring out what it was and how to fix it that truly attracted me.

  The notion was odd for knowing Everett for such little time, but I found myself already caring for him. Then again, we had already weathered our first fight and makeup — a milestone in any relationship — leaving me feeling more comfortable around him now. If I hadn’t scared him off already, I doubted I was going to.

  “I’m surprised you apologized,” I blurted, appreciating the freedom I felt with him. “I’ve met a lot of people and you’re rather unique.”

  Everett warmly laughed at my assessment, as if in agreement. “Sometimes, it’s best to eat your pride and apologize. Life is too short to waste time on grudges or anger for long.”