"Wintering in Greenwich Hall" (Excerpt) - March 10, 2018

Raine approached the docent in hopeful apprehension. It was all up to this woman, after all, to determine if she would be able to stay at Greenwich Hall’s campus library. She approached, twining her hair about her finger nervously, eyeing the woman. She was well into her twenties, perhaps even her early thirties, but she carried herself with a gravity that reminded Raine of a monarch - someone ancient and forbidding. She wore a cream, lacy top over a old-fashioned bodice, a sorrel woolen skirt, and brown leggings with functional wedges.

“Excuse me, miss.” Raine started. She watched as the woman’s pair of mouse like eyes darted from the small book she was reading.

“Ahem”- The woman skipped all pleasantries, seemingly bored by them. “You’re Raine Stewart, yes? Dima said you were interested in remaining through the storm.”

” Yes, ma’am.”

“Your request is granted… but here,” she started, producing a form from her notebook. “This will require your endorsement, to release the school board of any responsibility of incident during your time here. Please also note that while we will afford you every comfort possible, to serve against cold and hunger, that this is an unpaid post for you.”

“Absolutely, ma’am,” Raine said brightly. She hurriedly scrawled on the signature line, her tongue poking from the side of her cheek. She was noticeably elated. “I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you!”

“Indeed…” the woman intoned, extending a hand. “Welcome to Greenwich Hall, fellow docent. My name is Marjane Stipa.” Raine blushed, somewhat surprised that her name had been a mystery up until that point. “The pleasure is all mine, really!” She pumped Stipa’s hand excitedly.

“There are extra woolen blankets in the study down the hall. The fire will be stoked promptly at 10 pm. Also, there are refreshments in the lounge area. Nothing incredibly substantial, but it may suit you. The lounge has the usual amenities, microwave, coffee maker, filtered water, Soda fountain-"

“SODA FOUNTAIN?!?” Raine gaped at Marjane as if her hand were missing. “That’s wild!”

Stipa frowned slightly and pursed her lips, her brows beading together into a caret of mathematical precision. “Begging your pardon, Ms. Stewart -and I truly don’t mean any harm in my query, but one is led to wonder exactly what spurred your interest in staying here versus in your own domicile?”

Raine fidgeted with her canvas bag, searching for a suitable cover response. After failing to find one she defaulted to the truth.

“Um… I don’t like the arrangements at my place.” She looked down at her shoes.

“Do you not live nearby?”

“I do … I’m out on the east end, at Charles Point,”

“Oh, dear,” Stipa blanched slightly, fanning herself with the tiny book in hand. “I suppose that explains things then,” She was surprisingly crestfallen. Raine was relieved that her new companion had not chosen to isolate her in shame. “Where is your family from? If you don’t mind my asking?”

“Algiers, just outside of New Orleans. I grew up there – B-but I’m like really into genetics too, which is why I’m here.”

Raine didn’t like mentioning the old home to the upper crust of NYU. She knew her home’s capital was prolific for its debauchery and vulgarities. The drinking, the staunch Confederate loyalties shared even across party lines. She felt that her background spread doubt over every authentication of her pursuits, like a blanket soaked in syrup. Who ever heard of a quarter--breed Muscogee-French-creole with an appetite for Human Genetics anyway? Raine stewed over her response, hoping she wouldn’t have to explain more…

“You came a long way to pursue your passion” Stipa started, “and believe it or not, I’ve heard good things from the Genetics Consortium about a certain bright up-and-comer. Did you know you’re to be featured in the freshman Gazette in a few weeks? You should be proud.”

Raine suddenly felt herself growing hot with shallow breaths. Someone DID notice her hard work. She had felt that the whole department was conspiring against her. After all, she wasn’t part of the in-crowd & could never hope to be so, since those circles were formed for the elect far earlier than the start of undergrad. She flushed with embarrassment, and her crooked smile, this time, pulsed with joy.

“…N-no I … I had no idea,” Raine bleated in short breaths.

“Understandable,” Stipa offered. “As a member of the Gazette’s publishing team, I have something of an inside track.”

“…That must be-- convenient,” Raine blurted, still recovering her breath.

To the surprise of them both, Stipa laughed at this, lightly behind her free hand.

“Well, I certainly haven’t used my position for blackmail purposes... Yet” She tittered. “...Raine Stewart,” she recited, in review. “I can see your nature’s quite the rarity. Please make yourself at home. I’ll see if I can dig up something a bit more fitting for us to enjoy at evening supper.”

"Thank you!" Raine’s eyes were now red and watery. She sniffed and bowed deeply, dashing off to the washroom at once so that she could cry.