“Dad, I wasn’t failing. I was passing my classes online?—”
“It’s not up for negotiation!” he shouts.
“Neither is my life,” I bite back, then turn and face the window.
“Do as you are told. Masen is not to be distracted. He needs to focus in order to achieve his dream of playing in the NHL and I won’t allow anything to come between him and that dream.” Hurt explodes inside my chest.
I’m a distraction.
He doesn’t need to spell it out for me, I can read between the lines. He wants me to stay as far away from my brother so I don’t distract him and ruin his dream. What he really means is, given his new promotion to senator, he can’t have his fuck up of a daughter causing a scene and derailing his golden boy son’s image, tarnishing his reputation in front of all the other senators. I say nothing because what does a daughter say toher own father who thinks of her as nothing more than adistraction?
I’m too lost in my own thoughts and haven’t paid any attention to where we are going until my father speaks again. “You are under no circumstances to interact with Caspian.” I snap my head to the side and gape at him. Whatever he sees on my face has him pursing his lips and adding, “He doesn’t go to Somerset anymore.”
I furrow my brow. “Why not?”
“He just doesn't,” he says in a clipped tone.
“Why would I have to stay away from him if he doesn't go to the same school as me?” I push.
My father’s face contorts. “Because both the schools have been merged for the time being.”
I reel back and smack my head against the window. “You said I was going to SU!” I fire back.
“You are, you will be attendingStormsend University.You are to stay on their side of the school and away from Masen and Kellan. If I find out you have disobeyed me, you will be returned to Walter House.” My face drains of color. I reach up and clasp my pendant reciting my chant over and over in my head trying to calm down. Stormsend is the next town over and has been our biggest rival for years. As children we were never allowed to cross into their side of town. The only place where the two schools interact is at the beach whenever there is a bonfire. It appears more has changed in the year since I have been away.
“I’m going to be eaten alive,” I breathe out as the car comes to a stop.
He snorts. “Don’t be dramatic. Frederick will accompany you to the administration office. Best of luck, Toren. I’ll see you—” Before he can finish I shove the door open and jump out, not waiting for Fredrick to open the door for me. I slam the door as hard as I can, gaining the attention of everyone nearby. Well, it'seither the sound of the door or the fact I just got dropped off in a Rolls Royce.
Stormsend is a…lowerclass town and Somerset is for the rich and wealthy.
I ignore Fredrick as he points toward the brick building in front of me. I came here for orientation so I know the way without him needing to say anything. When I had originally thought about attending college with my best friend, this isn’t how I had planned for it to go. I don’t know why the two schools are suddenly merged, given the fact that the towns have had a long rivalry. I don't see how the students can coexist without a bloodbath happening.
It takes a lot longer than I wanted to get my schedule for my classes, book list and the keys to my dorm. The only silver lining is that my father paid the extra money for me to have a single room rather than a shared one because there is no doubt in my mind that my roommate would have hated me. I ignored the whispers the second I entered the building. I heard them calling me names. I never used to mind people pointing out the fact I was Masen’s little sister but now, they know me asthe Torenand I have no idea why.
When I exit the building, I fight not to roll my eyes at the sight of students posing for selfies next to my father’s car, it’s obvious to me that those students must be from Stormsend. Somerset alumni are already used to flashy cars. It’s not uncommon for kids to be driving around in Lambos. Frederick leads me toward the dorms. They aren’t far and I don’t miss the fact I have the attention of every person we pass. I keep my head down and try to ignore the feeling of my skin crawling.
My room is on the third floor. I open the door for Fredrick to enter first. He places my bags on the bed, then heads out to retrieve the two boxes from the car. I use my free time to check out my room… Wow, is the only word I can think of. The paintis a yellow… ish color and I don’t think that was intentional. There’s a small faux wood desk in the corner, a dresser, a small closet and a twin bed. I’m assuming the school has housed all Stormsend students in their old dorms which were supposed to be torn down and rebuilt to match the rest of the wealth of the school.
“No bathroom?” I muse aloud.
“This isn’t the Hilton, rich girl.” I whirl around to see two girls standing in my open doorway. The one on the right eyes me like I’m a rodent, her black hair cut so short that it’s just long enough to tuck behind her ears. Her muddy brown eyes burn with accusation. Her septum piercing gleams in the sunlight, clothing matches her Emo girl vibe: black, tattered crop tee with a pair of army green cargo pants.
“Don’t be a bitch, Maddy,” the one on the left says. I focus on her and against her counterpart she seems less…harsh. Soft brown hair cascades around her shoulders. Her brown eyes are warm but I see hesitation lurking beneath the surface. Unlike her Emo friend, she’s dressed in a sweater and jeans that are clearly well loved from how faded they are.
“Let’s make a bet,” the girl Maddy says with a sinister smirk. “I say the rich girl doesn’t last two days.” My nostrils flare and my face contorts in annoyance.
“My name isn’trich girl,” I spit.
Maddy raises her brows mockingly. “Do I look like I give a fuck about what your name is?”
“Maddy, stop,” the other girl says. She turns to me and smiles timidly. I try to wipe the annoyance from my face but clearly fail when her smile slips. “I’m Telisha.” She nods her head to the side. “That’s Maddison.” The latter seems pissed that her friend gave up her identity.
“I’m Toren,” I say.
Telisha smiles and this time it reaches her eyes. “That’s a really pretty name.” I feel heat creeping up the back of my neck but the second Maddison scoffs it vanishes. I scowl at the Emo, Avril Lavigne wannabe.
“What’s your problem?” I snap.
