19-I Can Survive This

Helanie: 

After I filled out the form while sitting behind the same tree as before, I walked back into the academy. Thankfully, the students were not around. I don't know why I felt so insecure under their gaze. They were so well-dressed and well-groomed, and here I was, wearing old clothes with large holes. I know I should be fortunate to at least have something to cover my body with, but it makes others bully me.

But that didn't mean the brothers weren't in the office. I was kind of hoping it was Emmet, but Maximus was sitting across the table, his head bowed over the papers before him.

"I filled out the form," I said after clearing my throat to get his attention. He acted like he wasn't the one who let me in after I knocked on the door.

"Tape it to my forehead," he pointed at his forehead without raising his head, his eyes focused on the files in front of him.