I make my way across campus and arrive outside Thomas’s office in the engineering building minutes later. I knock, and he calls for me to come in.

“Hello, Princess,” he greets me, since we’re alone. The title sounds foreign after weeks of being just Vivienne.

“Thomas,” I acknowledge. “What did you want to discuss?”

“I have some extended family in Texas,” he begins. “My wife mentioned to them that I’m in the country at the moment, so they’ve invited me for Thanksgiving. Your father has already approved the trip, but I wanted to make certain that you’re comfortable with it as well.”

“Of course,” I assure him. “You’re free to spend the break wherever you’d like. Does Philip have plans?”

“I haven’t asked him yet, but I was planning to invite him to travel with me. You’re more than welcome as well, but if you choose to remain here, you’ll remain protected. With most of the campus empty, Julie and Steve will be able to remain close by.”

“You and Philip should both go,” I state firmly. “And thank you for the invitation, but I’ll plan to remain here.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Thomas replies. “Are you sure you don’t want any arrangements made for your own travel, though? Home or anywhere else?”

“I’m certain,” I reply. “I’m actually looking forward to having some time to enjoy a quieter campus.”

“All right,” Thomas says. “I’ll speak to Philip and update Julie and Steve as well.”

“Very well.” I turn to leave.

“Everything else all right, Princess?” Thomas interrupts my exit.

“It’s fine, Thomas, thanks,” I reply, then head back out into the empty hallway.

The next week passes quickly, and before I know it, the first day of Thanksgiving break has arrived. I wake as early as usual, but rather than the usual silence, I hear shouts and thuds in the hallway as residents of Kennedy Hall prepare to depart. Katie’s alarm goes off right as I’m getting dressed in my running clothes.

She looks at the time and groans, but climbs out of bed.

“Crap, my taxi will be here in twenty minutes.” She yawns widely as she grabs her toothbrush.

“Can I help with anything?” I ask, tying the laces on my sneakers.

“Actually, yes,” Katie replies. “Pack whatever you think people in New York City wear. I’ve never been before.”

“You haven’t packed yet?” I exclaim.

“I was going to last night, but then I fell asleep.” Katie heads into the bathroom to get ready.

I roll my eyes as I survey the mess of clothes draped around her side of the room, then start sorting them into neat piles. By the time Katie emerges from the bathroom, I’ve laid out several outfits.

She looks them over and smiles. “I knew you were the right roommate for the job!”

“Was ‘I fell asleep’ code for ‘I want you to pack for me?’” I tease.

“Maybe.” Katie winks before quickly getting dressed in one of the outfits I selected. Her phone rings right as we finish shoving the clothes into her oversized suitcase.