Chapter 1

Hannah and Charlotte chittered excitedly about their winter break as they sat in the cafeteria. They were both college freshmen and roommates. Although in many ways they were opposites, they had become fast friends in their first semester together.

Hannah was from the wealthy suburbs of Minneapolis and a committed progressive feminist. Her college studies were focused on politics and history and she hoped to become a lawyer, activist, and possibly even politician dedicated to righting the wrongs that had plagued American society for centuries. Hannah had dark, reddish brown hair, striking green eyes, and a dusting of freckles across her nose. Although she was short, barely standing above five feet tall, she was brilliant, a fierce advocate for her beliefs, and a dedicated student who carefully backed up her strong beliefs with careful research and meticulous attention to detail. Hannah had chosen to follow in her older sister, Sarah’s, footsteps in attending the elite private school that she believed would open the door to allow her to change the world. Today, Hannah was dressed in a grey cardigan over a white tank top and loose-fitting jeans that did little to show her figure.

Charlotte also grew up in a wealthy community but came from old Southern money. She lived in a small town in Alabama and spoke with a slight lilt reflecting her upbringing. Charlotte was less politically motivated than Hannah, but a committed Christian who, like most of her friends and family from home, was a staunchly conservative Republican. She wore a red headband over her long, black hair, which contrasted sharply with her pale white skin and light blue eyes. Completing her outfit was a black turtleneck, a black skirt that went past her knees, and a small silver cross necklace that was her constant companion.

The girls were startled by their conversation by a sudden squeal and the sound of footsteps rushing toward them. Startled, they looked to see a tall, blonde woman rapidly approaching them with a look of happiness and excitement on her face.

Charlotte was puzzled by the sudden approach of the stranger and looked at Hannah quizzically. Hannah’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the new girl, and she whispered, “Jessica?” under her breath.

Jessica was from Hannah and Sarah’s hometown, and ahead of both of them in school. While Hannah and Sarah had been shy, quiet, nerdy girls with their heads in books and dedicated to their studies, Jessica was the stereotypical high school queen cheerleader, prom queen-and also an academic star. Although stereotypes said Jessica should be a mean girl, she’d always shown kindness and friendliness to Hannah, although the two had only passing interactions.

“It’s SOOOO good to see you, Hannah!” Jessica exclaimed. “I’ve been away at a study abroad all semester, but I promised Sarah this semester that I’d look after you and take care of you.” She beamed a vivacious smile. “Sarah and I have become so close in the past year, I miss her now that it’s her since she decided to stay in Europe for the rest of the year.” She then turned to Charlotte, who was looking down while blushing furiously and staring at her food.

“Who’s this Hannah?” Jessica asked.

“Oh, this is my roommate Charlotte, ” Hannah stammered, taken aback by the surprise of having Jessica shower with her attention and the news that she was now close friends with Sarah.

Jessica grinned widely, showing brilliant white teeth, and thrust her hand out towards Charlotte. Charlotte stared for a moment before tentatively reaching her hand out to grasp Jessica’s. She blushed and gently whispered “Ummmm ... it’s nice to meet you.”