“What do you want us to do tomorrow?” Bryn asked, hoping to move this along. Maybe she could talk to Jaxon after his mother and her grandmother left.
“You can greet incoming students with enthusiasm…fake enthusiasm is acceptable as long as it’s believable,” her grandmother said. “Once everyone is seated, one or both of you should give a short speech about the exciting prospects of the year ahead.”
Bryn and Jaxon both snorted at the exact same time, which made Bryn laugh.
“I’ll give this speech, you can give the next one,” she said. “Although I have no idea what to say.”
Her grandmother pulled an envelope from her pocket. “I took the liberty of writing down a few points you can discuss if you can’t come up with anything appropriate.”
“It’s the appropriate part that might be the issue.” Bryn took the envelope from her grandmother, removed the paper inside, and read the message aloud. “We’d like to welcome you back to the Institute for Excellence. A new school year is always exciting. Now that hybrids and throwbacks are out in the open, dragons can no longer be categorized by Clan color alone. Individuals must be judged on their deeds and their intentions and their loyalty to the Directorate.” Well that was interesting. “What dorm will the hybrids stay in?” Bryn asked. Everyone was normally assigned by Clan.
“I think dragons should be allowed to live with the Clan they identify with,” her grandmother said.
“So if a Black-Red hybrid identifies as Red then he’ll live with the Red dragons?” Jaxon said. “What if the Reds aren’t interested in taking him in?”
“That would be rude,” Bryn said.
“They didn’t want you,” Jaxon stated.
“Asshat much?” Bryn asked.
He glared at her.
“Jaxon raises a valid, if somewhat rude, point,” Lillith said.
“He does, which is why I’ve talked Bryn’s grandfather into opening the Orange dragons’ dorm up to hybrids or anyone else who doesn’t feel that they would want to live in one of the traditional dorms. And before you even make a smart-ass comment,” her grandmother said, “no, you may not move to the Orange dorm.”
“I know you too well to even ask that question,” Bryn said. “I might have thought it, but I wouldn’t have asked.”
“If you’re clear on your role tomorrow, then Lillith and I can let you both return to your regularly scheduled evening.” Her grandmother stood gracefully.
Lillith leveraged herself out of the chair. “Excuse my awkwardness.”
Only a Blue who was nine months pregnant would be embarrassed at her lack of grace. Any other female would be happy they’d managed to get up and out of the chair.
Bryn hugged her grandmother and Lillith. Jaxon followed them to the door and kissed his mother on the cheek. Once the women were gone, Bryn expected Jaxon to bolt. She was surprised when he shut the door and paced back and forth in the living room.
Not sure what to say, Bryn waited.
Jaxon stopped walking and dragged his hand down his face. “I should go.”
“You can stay, if you want,” Bryn said and then mentally kicked herself. Why had she told him that? She didn’t know what else to say. “I wish I could help somehow.”
Jaxon nodded and then he headed for the door, letting himself out without another word.
…
The next morning, Bryn dragged Clint and Ivy along to Orientation. “Why are we here again?” Clint asked.
“Because misery loves company,” Bryn said. “Plus I think you’ll make the other tattooed dragons feel more comfortable, since Jaxon isn’t exactly relatable and I’m the odd man out.”
“You’re not the odd man out anymore,” Clint said. “Hybrids have been invited back to school.”
Yes, but will they come? If Bryn had had a choice a year ago, she would have agreed to be homeschooled in a heartbeat.
Tension flowed through the room like a murky fog as soon as she entered the dining hall. The students had congregated by Clan, which wasn’t surprising. Along with the Red, Blue, Orange, Black, and Green groups there was a group which appeared to be predominantly Black, but some of the girls had auburn or hazel hair instead of the standard black. There was another group of students who had the dark complexion of Green Dragons, but their eyes were blue rather than brown. The combination of dark skin and light eyes was striking. There were several students with coloring that hinted at intermixed heritage that must have gone on for generations. A pale blonde with green eyes resembled an ethereal elven princess.
The dragons from the traditional Clans seemed to be eyeing up the hybrid and throwback dragons with suspicion. The breakfast buffet sat mostly untouched.
“Is it me, or is this awkward?” Bryn said.
“You’re always awkward,” Jaxon said. “But this time it isn’t just you.”
Bryn considered huffing a small fireball at his head, but in this tense climate she might start a battle. “Keep it up, and I’ll tell your mom that you want to be present at Asher’s birth but aren’t sure how to ask.”
Jaxon grimaced, which made her laugh. “Use your superior event-planning-knowledge to find me a microphone and we’ll get started.”
Jaxon stalked off.
“That was fun,” Clint said. “What’s next?”
“No one is eating. Why don’t you and Ivy go through the buffet line and maybe some other students will follow your lead.”
“I suppose I can eat bacon for the greater good,” Clint said, like he was making some sort of sacrifice.
“Grab me a cup of coffee,” Bryn called after them as they walked off.
Jaxon returned with a cordless microphone. “I can make the speech if you aren’t up to it.”
She held out her hand. “No. I’ve got this.” She’d stayed up until midnight coming up with what she hoped would be the perfect speech.
Pushing the button to turn the microphone on, she said, “Good morning, everyone.” People turned toward her. Some of them seemed curious. Some looked annoyed. “I know it’s early and it’s your first day here. The good news is there’s coffee and bacon on the buffet. The bad news is none of us knows what this year will bring. Last year, I thought I was the only hybrid around, but now I know that wasn’t true. Having other hybrids and throwbacks out in the open will make me feel more comfortable, but it may take the traditionalists a while to adjust.
“And I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but the Directorate did investigate and approve every student before allowing him or her on campus. After the attack, I know they wouldn’t take any chances with our safety, so please don’t feel like you have to be suspicious of the student sitting next to you.” She glanced over at Jaxon. “You may find some people annoying or overbearing, but none of them should wish you any serious harm.”
A few students chuckled. Jaxon was not one of them.
“This year is a fresh start for all of us. Now that no one has to hide who they really are, we can all get to know one another. The Directorate has opened the Orange dorm to any student who may not wish to live in one of the traditional dorms. If you’re a hybrid or throwback who identifies with a certain Clan because that is how you were raised, then you can move into that Clan’s dorm. Basically, you can present yourself as whoever you want to be.” She reached up and touched the cherry-red stripe in her golden-blond hair. “Rather than hiding your heritage you can be proud of it. Or, if you’re a more laid-back person who’d rather not attract attention, you can blend in. Basically, this school year is about options. If you have any questions you can ask to meet with Jaxon or myself since we represent the Student Directorate.”
She turned to Jaxon. “Anything you’d like to add?”
He held his hand out for the microphone, which surprised her, but she passed it to him. He cleared his throat. “Many of us have lost loved ones or friends. I’ve been informed that Miss Enid, the librarian, will be hosting a support group in the library Thursday evenings. Everyone is welcome. Now, please feel free to visit the buffet.”