One thing about not being alone anymore, it convinced me I needed to do something about Sashenka. After a brief discussion with Sassafras, it was apparent I wouldn't get anywhere if I didn't know why she hated me in the first place.
"Grow a spine," he said with his personal brand of subtlety. "If you want to know something, ask already."
Okay then. The moment the door creaked open, Sashenka's nervous face peeking through, I was ready for her.
"We need to talk." She flinched at my words, but entered, head down, book bag falling to the floor at her feet with a thud as she pushed the door shut behind her.
"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
"For not liking me?" I shrugged, going for couldn't-care-less casual. "Whatever. But won't room with you if you can't even be civil."
Sashenka's eyes flew wide and she opened her mouth to speak, a few consonants stuttering out, but I cut her off.