Thursday
At precisely 0855, Andy DeGroat pulled his 2015 Toyota Tacoma into the administration building parking lot of Colton College. After six years in the USMC, being dressed in civilian clothes was still a novelty to him, but his grandfather, as he always did, reminded him that if he wore the same basic pant/shirt combination each day, he would still have a uniform of sorts.
"Andrew, Steve Jobs wore the same damn thing for years. That man had enough money to burn a wet mule. You'll be fine," the older man had lovingly explained. With his grandmother's sartorial help, he had settled on Bill's Khakis, and Red Wing boots. The gray and navy polo shirts, and button-down Oxfords came from his grandfather's Boston tailor: Sordillo's. His sweaters bore the ubiquitous horse and rider logo of Ralph Lauren. Grandma was not happy with the uniform approach, so she made sure the constituent parts were to her standards and liking. His workout gear and casual attire were left over from his time in the Corps. She was satisfied, but not thrilled with the image he would be conveying through his appearance around campus.
To be fair, it was hard for a 6'3" Marine not to stand out. Add to that the angry scars running down his left arm and the left side of his neck, and he was bound to be a curiosity. The scars looked better every day, and Andy knew himself to be fortunate. Others of his brotherhood could not return to their former lives, for they had been translated to that eternal brotherhood of Marines who had fallen in battle. Still, he was a good-looking, 24-year-old combat veteran. No one was shooting at him here, and Uncle Sam was footing the bill for a top-notch education. He was fortunate, indeed.
As he strode through the building, he was conscious of being watched. This was not serious recognizance, but rather a curious gawking at the new guy. His grandparents had attended, and met one another, at this college: a small, academically rigorous institution in the northeast. The walls did indeed have ivy on them, and the place reeked of old school respectability. He made his way to the second floor, and at 0858, let the receptionist know he was here for his 0900 meeting with Dr. Gloria Adams. He was told the Provost was expecting him, and to please take a seat.
At 0902, the office door opened and Provost Adams welcomed him into her office. She was a striking woman -- quite tall, particularly so in her tasteful heels. Her pant suit was obviously tailored for her, and she wore the ensemble quite well. Diplomas from prestigious institutions dotted her walls, as well as photos with various VIP's. On the credenza behind her massive desk, there was a picture of a family of 5: The Provost, her husband, and three willowy blondes. There was also a recent wedding photo adding a sixth person to the mix. The Adams family was stunningly photogenic.
"Mr. DeGroat, welcome to Colton. Your grandfather tells me the past month has been a bit of whirlwind for you. I hope you'll find matriculating into college life easier than processing out of the Corps."
"Thank you, ma'am. My grandparents said to be sure to pass along their greeting," replied Andy.
"They are wonderful people. They've been faithful and successful ambassadors of this school for a long time. Your grandfather's time as chairman of the board of trustees is used as a model in higher education classes. I fear we'll not see his like again."
"Yes, ma'am," Andy replied sheepishly. He knew of Ralph Carlson's love for the alma mater, and knew he'd served on the board, but had never heard this side of the story. He'd have to ask him when he called them tonight.
"Andy, to be clear, we don't usually have incoming freshman into the Provost's office for a sit down. You obviously are not a typical incoming student, and with it being the beginning of the summer term, it worked out well for me to sit down with you. This first week in June is much less hectic than the beginning of either semester," she explained.
"My grandmother warned me I may get the red carpet," mused Andy.
"Well yes, as a legacy, you are a valued part of our college community. But there is another reason I've called you in," she paused. "You're a mature young man. You've seen things most of us will never see in our privileged, sheltered lives. You have the physical scars to prove it. Given your unique stage of life, I have a favor to ask of you," the Provost looked at him as though she were appraising him in some way.
"Yes ma'am," Andy replied. "I'll be glad to help if I can."
"Good. Your grandfather thought as much. Three years ago, we were set to demolish President's Hall. Two past US presidents lived there when they were students here at Colton, and the building needed structural improvements, as well as a bevy of other work done to bring it up to code. As I said, we were ready to tear it down. However, a donor agreed to underwrite the entire remodel, and so that work has already begun. The Commons Room in that building stands alone, it's connected by a breezeway to the larger structure. That renovation was done first as a kind of showpiece for donors. It was once the small chapel on campus, so it's a lovely space. Long story short, we have work being done at other dorms on campus, and I'm afraid all we can offer you is co-ed housing in the Common Room," said the Provost with all the fervor of a used car salesman. "It's quite nice -- think the Gryffindor Common Room at Hogwarts."
"Ma'am, I've been living in Quonset Huts, or tents with other Marines. Bunking in the Commons Room is no problem."
"Thank you. And, to be clear, it is a co-educational space for the foreseeable future."
"Again, I'm used to 50 jarheads. How many other students are in the Common Room?"
"You'll be one of three. The other two students are women," said the Dean. "And, Lance Corporal Andrew DeGroat, one of those women is my daughter. Her name is Eden."
Andy smiled. He knew there was a catch. There always was with higher-ups. Military, academy, business -- it was all the same. Shit ran downhill. SSDD.
"Roger Wilco that, ma'am." When the Dean looked puzzled at his response, he clarified, "I hear you loud and clear Dr. Adams. And, just to be clear -- it's sergeant. I got promoted on my last tour in Iraq."
"Yes, well, congratulations Sergeant DeGroat. As I was saying, Eden and her roommate Sara both row crew here. They are good students, and good athletes. As the Provost, I'm glad we can put students in that space temporarily. However, as a mom, I don't like my daughter living in a place next door to all sorts of comings and goings. There's not even an RA or RD in the complex. This may sound matriarchal and sexist, but I would feel much better with a young man possessing your resume around to keep an eye on things."
"I understand, ma'am," replied Andy. "Mine is a deterring presence."
"One last thing, Andy. Please don't let Eden know that I've done this -- intentionally. Her sisters went to other schools, and I was thrilled when she decided to come here. I don't want her thinking her mother is putting a decorated Marine in her building to look out for her -- though that's exactly what I'm doing."
Andy smiled again. "Need to know, ma'am. Roger that."
