*Lena*
The administrative building on campus was bustling with frantic activity as I stepped inside. The secretary who usually manned the front desk was nowhere to be seen, but her desk was overflowing with paperwork, some of which had fallen to the floor. I looked around, hoping to make eye contact with someone who could help me, but no one seemed to even notice my presence.
It was midmorning, and I’d slept terribly the night before. My stomach was in knots over the Xander situation and what he’d say to me today, whenever that would be.
Finally, the secretary returned, wiping sweat from her brow and looking exceedingly stressed. I stepped toward her desk but a man cut me off, speaking harshly to the secretary and pointing a finger in her face.
“Excuse me!” I said loudly, clearing my throat as the man and the secretary turned and looked me up and down. The man straightened up and adjusted his tie before glaring at me and walking briskly away.