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“Umm, no. No boyfriend or girlfriend. No friends at all, for that matter.”
Her eyebrows pinch together as she searches me for humor. “You’re funny. We’re going to get along just fine.”
Oh, joy!
She keeps tugging me along until we’re inside the room. It’s a nice size, which is good. Half of the room is decked out in the same color as Riley’s personality—pink. Her twin-size bed is clad in a shaggy pink comforter that matches the square rug beside it. Her walls are decorated with flamingos, which I take to be her favorite. There’s a large corkboard hanging on the wall overtop a desk with pictures of her and what appears to be some of her friends. The entire space looks super happy.
Then there’s my side. A white, wood-framed twin bed with a gray sheet. On top of it are my neatly-pressed school uniforms. Aside from the bed, there’s only a four-drawer dresser and a simple, white study desk. Unfortunately, it will not get much better because my belongings are minimal.
Bending at the waist, I pick up my larger bag and fling it onto the bed and pull out some mundane items I brought with me. A black-and-white skull tapestry to iron out and hang on the wall over my bed. A retro tabletop moon lamp. And some white string lights.
“Once we get you settled in, I’ll give you a tour and show you where the bathroom and common room is. There’s a little kitchenette down the hall with a microwave and refrigerator. Put your name oneverything,” she enunciates. “A few of the girls in this dormitory are royal bitches.”
Well, she swears so there’s that.
“So, where are you from?” Riley asks, as I pull my bedding out of one of my bags and fluff the black comforter on my bed, letting it drop flat.
“Essex, here in Colorado. It’s about three hours away. You?”
She pops a piece of gum in her mouth and rolls the wrapper with her fingers. “Really? I’m in Verdemont—Osto Chapter. About three hours from Essex.”
“Small world.”
“Very small.” Riley crisscrosses her legs and rests her hands in her lap. “Why’d you come during the final year? Why not junior year like everyone else?”
I smooth my hand over my satin comforter before tossing myNightmare Before Christmasthrow pillows at the head of the bed. “It’s a long story. I never planned to come at all, but my parents were persistent.”
“Why didn’t you plan to attend? This place helps to build who we will become. How could you willingly miss out on such a fundamental part of our future?”
Don’t comment. Don’t react. Just keep your mouth shut.
“I guess that’s why I’m here now. To embrace all that The Academy offers for my future as a Blue Blood.” I turn back around and throw up in my mouth for the second time since I arrived.
“You’re about to get the full experience here. The grounds are breathtaking. Mountains, the river, endless trails. The only thing that could make it better is if we were in Falcons’ Nest. Their dorm rooms are much better than ours. Private bathrooms and an in-room kitchenette. But beggars can’t be choosers.”
My parents mentioned not being able to get me better accommodations due to my late enrollment, but I’m perfectly fine without the added luxuries. One thing I swore I’d never become is an entitled brat.
“Speaking of embracing. There’s a party tonight to kick off the new school year. You totes have to come.”
Did she really just say totes?
“So I’ve heard. Unfortunately, I already have plans tonight that involve me and my new book boyfriend.” I hold up my closed Kindle Paperwhite, then drop onto my freshly made bed.
She frowns. “It wasn’t a question, really. Everyone attends.”
I reach into my suitcase and pull out a family photo of me, Mom, and Dad at a ski resort in Aspen. That was a good day.
“Which is exactly why I won’t.” I turn around to face her, feeling a tad guilty for being such a downer. “Look, Riley. You seem like a sweet girl and I think we’ll get along great, but I’m sort of a loner. Don’t take it personally. I’m awkward as fuck and put my foot in my mouth far too often. It’s best this way. I promise.”
I leave out the fact that socializing with me in any way will only put a target on her back.
“You’re still here, though. Which says a lot, considering last year I went through four roommates before they even unpacked…in one day.”
My eyes pop wide open. “One day?”
“Mmhmm. Apparently, I’m too much. Crazy, right? I mean, I like loud colors and have a high-pitched squeal, but that’s who I’ve always been. I’ve tried to change, but in the end, I decided to just be me.”
That’s it. I’m officially a bitch.
