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“It’s fine. A perfect curl.” I brush it off like nothing ever happened as I look down at the blonde strands stuck and sizzling on the iron.
Once I’m finished, Riley looks like a homecoming queen. A homecoming queen wearing a skimpy dress that barely covers her ass with a V-cut so low, her tits pop out, but she’s stunning nonetheless.
“All right,” she beams, crossing her pink purse over her chest. “Let’s party.”
I internally scream. The idea of socializing with strangers has me more on edge than being questioned about arson on the principal's shed. In that situation, I was hushed by my attorney, who had the case dismissed. This time, I can only save myself.
ChapterSix
SCARLETT
My heart isin my throat as we near the end of the trail where The Ruins are. There are so many terms used here and I’m not sure how I’ll ever keep track of them all. I guess it goes hand in hand with the rules, which I’ll also be struggling to remember.
As much as I’ve dreaded my attendance at BCA, I have to admit, the atmosphere is intriguing. I’m really digging this whole dark academia vibe. Although, I’d prefer to dig it from inside my dorm in solitude.
“You ready for this?” Riley asks, the powerful stench of her perfume filling the space between us.
“You’re the second person who’s asked me that today and my response is the same: I have to be.”
There are people everywhere. Shuffling and moving through the dim beams of light casting over a chunk of the area. Pillars are set around the property, about two stories high, with fluorescent lights shining down. “High” by The Chainsmokers is pounding out of the speakers that surround us.
My eyes skim the crowd as I look for the guys.Crew said it himself, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
“Let’s get a drink.” Riley tugs at my arm eagerly, whisking me over to a keg that sits beside a tree. There’s a crowd surrounding it, and she wastes no time planting us right in the middle of it.
“Actually,” I speak loudly over the music and chatter, “I’m good on the beer.” I point a thumb over my shoulder at a cluster of large rocks. “I’ll be over there.”
“Okay. But don’t go far. We need to stick together.”
I’m reminded of what my mom said as I backtrack to the rocks.Find your person. Stick with them. Do not go out alone at night.
I’m settled on a rock, twiddling my thumbs and watching people drink their beverages while carrying on and having the time of their lives. Sometimes I wish I could be carefree and enjoy the simplicity of a good party. I hate that my anxiety gets the best of me in social situations and I feel the need to make an escape before I even say hello to anyone.
Speaking of saying hello. Here comes Melody and her sidekick, heading straight for me.
“I’m so glad you made it, Scarlett. Not that you had a choice in the matter.”
“So I’ve heard.”My tone is flat and I’m hopeful she gets the hint that I’m not in the mood to chitchat.
“Well, if you need anything at all, let me know. Be it liquor, cigarettes, happy candy, dust, bud. I’m your girl.”
My eyebrows hit my forehead because I was not expecting that. Melody most definitely does not come off as the dealing type. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
What is this place?
While dusting off my legs, I get up. This is much too awkward for my liking. “You two have a good night.”
Melody’s eyes follow me. “You, too, hun.”
I see familiar faces and a couple people I’ve interacted with from our chapter, but I never really got to know anyone on a personal level. It’s safe to say, I’m the outcast here. The one and only person I trust and want by my side during this phase of my life can’t be here, and it kills me.
Maddie and I made a promise to live our lives outside of Society standards, yet here I am doing exactly what I swore I’d never do.
I’m pushing through the crowd while “Said and Done” by Sickotoy vibrates my eardrums. Memories of my last ride out to Coy Mountain infiltrate my mind.
“Turn it up. I love Sickotoy,” Maddie hollers over the already blaring music.
She stands up in the back seat and the upper half of her body disappears out the moonroof of Crew’s car.
