Page 27 of Stay Toxic

Stay Privileged

PS: you’re a guy, right? Something in your entitlement makes me think that you possess a penis.

He’s quick to reply.

Dear Geek,

How’s your mom gonna know how you dressed at a party? And you could always earn your own cash. You’re clearly a brain. Have you thought of tutoring?

Stay Smart

PS: think about my penis much?

I take the last line as a confirmation of my theory.

As for the rest of the message…that’s food for thought. I never considered trying to earn pocket money. Back home, it would have been nigh on impossible without risking discovery, but here? I totally could. Something like tutoring should be easy enough for me, and I think people pay cash for that, right?

The possibilities swim in my mind. I don’t need much. My meals are covered, I can use my card for Senator-approved expenses, but I could buy myself some clothes actually appropriate for a twenty-two-year-old. Maybe get my hair done by someone who won’t copy the exact style of my mother’s.

No, that wouldn’t work. It’s just too risky. Thanks to the magic of the internet, nothing is ever truly secret.

Still. It wouldn’t hurt to earn some cash, some independence for the next few years.

It pains me to have to actually admit that he was helpful, given our usual exchanges, but I decide to tell him he’s given me a lot to think about.

Dear Wise One,

It’s not the worst idea. But I can’t get dressed in a way she wouldn’t approve of because people take pictures and post them online all the time.

Stay Useful

PS: here’s my phone number, in case you don’t want to have to log into the Rothford portal all the time.

His next message, a text, comes pretty fast.

Unknown: Dear Brains, Does your mom stalk you or something?

Again, the greeting makes it clear who I’m taking to, but I note that he omitted our traditional signature. I opt to do the same. It’s starting to be hard to find wishes for him.

Me: Dear Pal, Yes. And do you have a name by the way? To save your number.

I’m proud of myself fornotwriting a damn essay on Senator Cole.

Unknown: Dear Curious, I’m Aurelius.

Me: Seriously? That’s an unusual name.

I wonder whether I could find him based on that alone. I doubt there are many Aureliuses on campus.

Unknown: Dear Hypocrite, Riiiight, coming from Hestia Cole.

My jaw drops as I stare at the screen.

Me: YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

Unknown: Dear Tia, You changed the rules of the game. Naughty.

Me: SINCE WHEN???