Study with Ruth

“So you’re from across the country,” Ruth says, her voice so soft it’s almost a whisper. You walk together to the library. “Yeah,” you say. She doesn’t make eye contact. She smiles and nods.

“How has the school been treating you?” Ruth asks. Well, aside from the anonymous stalker, the random sex videos, and everyone keeping secrets? You clear your throat and say, “Fine.”

Ruth lifts her hand and brushes hair from her face. “It’s okay if it’s not fine,” she says, keeping her eyes to the ground. “St. Hartley’s has never felt like home to me. But I shouldn’t complain.”

She shakes her head, as if catching herself making an error. “Sorry. I meant to ask about friends. Have you made any yet?” You look at her. She seems like she’s very hard on herself.

“Sort of,” you say and sigh. “I guess me and my roommate. And Jess, the RA. And then there’s…” You think about Callum and Sabrina, and Chris who revealed the SSC to you.

Maybe Ruth can say more about the Senior Slut Challenge. She doesn’t seem like someone who’s participating. But don’t be direct. Bring up yesterday in Shakespeare class, when…