"I thought this was all just a giant ruse. Like when rich kids go to college and pretend they're learning and graduate with a degree they didn't earn, because they're paying people to take their tests for them."
The words come out a little shrill, and Penelope shushes me. I snap my mouth shut, trying to pretend I'm not as panicked as I am.
She grabs my arm. "Come on, let's get you to the dorm advisor. I'll show you every class on your schedule."
"My schedule?"
"Which I share with you, of course." Her smile brightens the hallway.
I follow her through the winding corridors, my feet moving on autopilot while my mind spins. The opulence of this place already made me feel like I didn't belong here, but now I really don't feel like I do. I was expecting to play a part, to pretend. Not to be a proper student.
