someone . He looked up to see a girl . A tall girl . Really tall , and glowering at him .
“ I ’ m so sorry ,” he said , dusting himself off . He held out his hand to her . She didn ’ t offer to help . “ Uh-huh .” Connor looked up at her . She had dark blue eyes resting above a broad nose . Her hair was so dark he couldn ’ t tell if it was black or blue , and it hung straight like a curtain around her head . She stood almost a full foot taller than him , and her muscles were sleek and toned . She wore baggy shorts , a loose tank top , and heavy-looking , black boots . She adjusted a bright blue scarf around her neck , taking care to ensure it remained securely in place , then flexed her muscles and huffed . Connor hoisted himself up .
“ Did you need something else ?” Her teeth were sharp and pointy , and did nothing to lessen her intimidating figure .
“ Oh , what ? No . Sorry , I just …” Connor said . He swiveled around , looking for Garrett or anyone else to help him escape her gaze .
“ Connor !” Garrett cried , catching up . “ Do we really need to run ?” He paused , noticing the girl , and took a reflexive step backward . “ Who ’ s this ?” “ This is , um …” Connor said , gesturing to the girl . She glared at them both . “ Ninette .” “ Nice to meet you , Ninette ,” Garrett said with a forced smile . “ Are you a freshman , too ? We were just heading to orientation .”
Ninette ’ s eyes darted from Garrett to Connor and back . Her mouth moved , but no words came out . Garrett offered his hand to shake and Ninette flinched away . Finally , she snorted and stomped away toward one of the ponds in the atrium .