"Welcome, freshmen!" the personnel and staff chanted.
Well, that's annoying.
As I adjust my glasses, I silently wish the ground would open up and swallow everyone whole. Too dramatic? Maybe. But can you blame me? Everyone here is probably thinking the same thing. Who actually wants to be crammed inside a sweltering gymnasium, seated shoulder-to-shoulder, pretending to care about some over-rehearsed welcome speech? If this wasn't mandatory, I wouldn't be here. And seriously, who even listens to this crap?
Probably someone stupid.
Speaking of stupid, I'm relieved I haven't run into them yet. They're probably off somewhere "slutting it up"—their words, not mine. And Paige (yes, Page) Ramos is definitely one of them. Remember that douche I left with a hard-on last night? Yeah, that's him. And lucky me, there he is, laughing it up with his buddies just a few feet away.
Why didn't I notice them earlier? Doesn't matter. But hearing what they're laughing about now? That's worth the listen. So I inch closer—not that I needed to move far since they're obnoxiously loud.
"Fvck that b*tch! She won't get away from me next time!"
Wow. Seems Paige really enjoyed my little disappearing act. Talking like there's going to be a sequel. I can't wait to disappoint him again.
"You keep calling her names, but you still don't know her actual name," says the guy with the ever-present drumsticks. Why does he always carry those things around? He looks ridiculous. Just like his buddy who couldn't even ask for a name before trying to drag a girl off somewhere. Idiots.
"Too noisy. Shut up."
Those four words cut through the noise and make me glance their way—only to meet a pair of chillingly cold eyes. I bow my head quickly, feigning shyness or whatever.
Crap. At least he didn't recognize me. Good for you, Kendall.
"I don't need to know her name yet. I've got a feeling we'll meet again," Paige says smoothly.
Liar. They don't do feelings.
"In my opinion, what she did was amazing. Finally, someone had the guts to give you what you deserve, Paige," the one with glasses says. He seems like the only one with half a brain. Still dumb, though, considering who he hangs out with.
"That's bullsh*t! You don't just leave someone naked on a club floor! That's not normal!" Paige isn't enjoying the joke as much as I am. Trust me, there's plenty more where that came from. Everyone in their precious little circle will get a taste.
"What do you know about normal? You screw girls in bushes," drumsticks replies.
"Hey, they like it. Girls love the thrill. It's normal."
Ugh. These aren't "normal" girls. They're his groupies or girls with no choice because of who they are. My grip tightens on my bag. I have to calm myself.
Just a little longer, Kendall. The ceremony's almost over. I focus back on the stage, trying to drown them out.
"Shush, you two. I can't hear what they're saying," says the guy in our uniform and a sweater vest. It makes him look even more arrogant than he already is.
"Shush, Zeff. Master can't hear all the praise being thrown at him," Paige mocks, bowing exaggeratedly toward drumsticks. I smirk—slave suits him.
On stage, the Dean speaks: "On behalf of our Directress, we thank Mr. and Mrs. Yellic, owners of this University, for their continued support and guidance. Brillian Vil University owes much to their vision. Though they couldn't attend today's ceremony, we're honored by the presence of their son, Mr. Beethoven Yellic. Please welcome him for our inspirational address."
Oh joy. 'Vest' guy is the founder's son. You can tell from the way he walks—everything he wears screams expensive. As if I didn't despise him enough already.
"Here we go again. Another ego boost for that jerk," Paige grumbles. At least they admit they're all jerks.
"KYYYYYAAAAHHHHH!!"
Let me guess: fangirls, groupies, or wannabes. I want to cover my ears. So annoying.
The president hands Beethoven the mic. The gym falls into an eerie silence, hanging on his every word. Ugh.
"Good morning, everyone—staff, faculty, and fellow students of Brillian Vil University. I'm Beethoven Yellic. Like many of you, I'm a freshman. I'm not here to flaunt my lineage but to express my pride in my parents' achievements, not only in business but in founding this outstanding school. I'm thankful—if not for them, I wouldn't be here."
Wow. Humble bragging 101. Only the clueless are buying that scripted BS. Tch.
Bored out of my mind, I head to the restroom.
As I near the door, I pause.
"Ahhhh... Uhmmm..." A girl's moans echo. Seriously? She sounds like she's having the time of her life.
"Babe, relax."
Wait.
"Yes, babe. Let us handle this."
Those voices.
Oh hell. Trouble. If I wasn't in disguise, I'd do something. But I am.
Yes, I'm a nerd, but not like in those dumb stories where glasses fool everyone. I go all in—fake freckles, messy hair, wig, and even fake braces. It takes forever to get ready.
That was close. I almost walked in. Thank god I heard them first. Relieved, I lean against the door—
Big mistake. The knob turns, and the door swings open. I forgot I'd twisted it earlier. I really need to have a long talk with myself.
Looking up, I nearly laugh out loud at their faces. Shock doesn't even cover it. I guess she regrets not locking the door before offering herself to two monsters. But that synchronized head twist? Priceless.
Taking in the scene: blouse unbuttoned, messy-hair twin kissing her neck, neat-hair twin with swollen lips. Gross.
"Y-you! What are you doing here, freak?!" she screeches. No shame at all. Her insult raises my brow, but I drop it. Nerds don't talk back.
The twins look at me—impressed? What? No. Focus, Kendall.
I tug at my blouse nervously. "Sorry, I-I didn't see anything. N-no one would believe a nerd anyway. S-sorry!" I slam the door shut and bolt.
I barely make it down the hall before—"W-wait!" one of the twins yells. Nope. I'm out.
As I flee, the president's voice echoes: "Again, freshmen, enjoy your stay at Brillian Vil University. Please return to your respective classrooms."
Yeah, some are really enjoying it.
Back in the main hall, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. They're part of that group I absolutely despise.
You might wonder why I hate them so much. Too early for that.
Using the school map, I find my classroom quickly. But I can feel every glare and stare as I walk in. Why do nerds always get treated like crap? Just because this place is elite doesn't mean someone like me can't belong.
I let the thought go and take my seat. The professor walks in.
"Good morning, class. I'm Professor Lucio. I'll be teaching Basic Algebra. For today, let's introduce ourselves."
Cue groans from the class. What are we, in kindergarten?
My thoughts are interrupted by a crumpled paper hitting my head. I glance around.
Sh*t.
The twins. Of course. I grit my teeth. I just wanted peace in this class, but fate has other plans. Both of them smirk and wink at me.
Classy. Really classy.
I ignore them and notice my seatmate fast asleep, head on the desk, arm covering his face. Good for him.
Might as well join him. As I settle in, I catch his scent—damn. I could smell that all day. I glance again and notice an ear piercing. Looks familiar... but sleep is more tempting.
A while later, the seat next to me shifts. Not him.
Then—
"AAAHHHHH! My gosh, he's here!"
"He's so handsome!"
"Three of them in one room?! What if all eight show up?!"
"Sis! Pinch me! Am I dreaming?!"
What the hell is this now?
"Ezekiel Melwin. One of the High Profiles. And I like girls' butts," he says, completely deadpan.
My head jerks up.
What the f—
He's one of those idiots?!
He notices and looks confused.
Yeah... this is going to be a long day.