“Yeah. She owes me money, so I’m letting her pay me back.” Roberta had the lie ready really quickly. “The college is raising my payments because she dipped out.”

The professor looked from her to me and back again. “Bill collecting is for another time.”

He waited, and I glanced at Roberta before shrugging. “He’s right. And I don’t even owe you money, so we can just be done with this. And you.”

Roberta and Peter stuck around long enough that it was beyond awkward before heading out the door.

My professor pushed his readers up. “Young lady, I’ve been around a lot of youths for a great length of time in my life. You didn’t want to talk to them, of that I’m sure.”

I nodded slowly. I didn’t want to bring him into it, but I was really feeling angry that they had decided to be in my class right after I thought I had put an end to dealing with them.

“How about I walk you out?” He held out an elbow and I took it.

I couldn’t predict Roberta other than she was like a mean dog with a bone—and they don’t give up easy. Sure enough, Roberta and Peter were sitting on the small brick retaining wall outside the doors of the lecture hall.

Professor Quigby ignored them as he led me to the quad. Once we had enough people around us as classes changed, he offered, “It’s easy to get lost in the crowd. You should be good. Please do be careful.”

“Thanks, sir. I really appreciate it.” Before the crowd could disperse, I threaded through them, not daring to look back to see where Roberta and Peter were.

When I got back to the apartment, I had to knock. Austin opened the door and waved me inside. He still had his headphones on and was having a very animated discussion about a spring line and the vibes he wanted a shoot to have.

I came through the apartment and set my bag down in his room. Then I sat right on the floor. I felt out of place. The last thing I wanted was dedicated bullies. I put my hands in my hair and rested my elbows on my knees.

I heard Austin end his call, then I felt his arm around me as he sat down, too. “What’s going on, kitten?”

I rested my head on his shoulder. Without him, I didn’t know what I'd have done. He felt like home. His comforting voice settled me.

“They decided to switch to my class and then waited for me outside the lecture hall.” I looped my index finger around one of his leather bracelets.

“The Dickbag and the Douche wash?” He brushed my hair off my forehead.