by Mya West
Jaxson smiles again. ‘Yah. Even though football hasn’t started, Davis is telling me scouts from some of the universities are calling his office to confirm season game dates.”
“Quarterback I take it?”
“Head quarterback actually.”
“Should I get an autograph from you now before you become rich and famous?”
Jaxson laughs. “I find you very...”
“Interesting?” He nods his head. “I’ve been getting that lately.”
“Chase?”
“Jealous?”
Jaxson rolls his eyes. “You’re going to find out pretty fast at Ryland Academy, most of the students were born into this lifestyle, while few of us, like you and I, earn it. Chase thinks girls should fall at his feet because of his last name and wealth.”
“And what about you?”
Jaxson stops and looks at me innocently. “I don’t mind putting the work in to deserve the attention.”
The way he looks at me makes me... I want to surrender my body to him right here in this garden. I’m sure he feels the same, from the glances he gives me.
I hear a low growl from my side. Several pairs of fast footsteps run towards me. I only notice their fur before it’s too late. Two large, vicious-looking dogs bark loudly at me. The only thing between them getting to me is an iron gate and Jaxson. He grabs my hand and pulls me behind him.
“I hate his stupid fucking dogs.” Jaxson says. “Go! Go away!” One of the dogs listens to his demands, but the other continues with its low growl. Saliva drips from its mouth while it looks at me intensely. “Meet Jack and Jill. Chase’s pets, but not exactly friendly.” Jaxson notices I’m scared stiff, and grabs my hand, pulling me away from the gate.
“What kind of dogs are those? They are huge.”
“Karelian Bears. He imported them direct from a Finnish breeder.”
“Lovely.” I say.
We walk around to the front of the home and Thomas Winters is waiting outside the Escalade for me. When he spots me, he walks to the back-passenger door and opens it.
I turn to Jaxson. “Thanks for the tour. I could do without seeing the dogs next time.”
“So, I’ll see you tomorrow?” He asks, with his light brown eyes hanging on for my response.
I nod my head. “Yeah.” I have a sudden instinct to hug him goodbye, but instead we look at each other awkwardly. If Thomas wasn’t staring at us, I wonder how the awkward silence between Jaxson and I would have ended.
I think of Jaxson and Chase the whole way home. Both are plainly interested in me. I, no doubt, am into them. How could any girl not be? They both have their own qualities that I like. Jaxson was endearing and seemed empathetic towards me. The fact that he’s more like me than any other person out here made him more attractive. He’s a city boy, who was not used to this world. He’s an outsider, like me. He is also, built like Superman.
Chase is entirely different. He’s obviously handsome, with a great personality. He was easy to talk to. Chase’s flirt game was top notch. Some guys come off cheesy, but Chase could say their same pick-up lines, and have them come off completely natural. I was very interested in getting to know him more.
I look forward to writing explicitly about both in my journal tonight.
I thought of Lance Cain for a moment. I had such high hopes before coming to Ryland about how it would be to meet him.
I shrug off my thoughts and start to daydream of what the first day of school will be like tomorrow. I certainly have high hopes, but was sure this time, I wouldn’t be let down.
Chapter 7
In the morning Marta lays out a school uniform for me. A white button-up shirt, with a red and blue plaid skirt. The outfit seems basic and isn’t what I expected from the nation’s wealthiest school. Maybe I expected the skirt to have a diamond-encrusted edging. When I try on the clothes, I feel ashamed that the skirt is, even by most people’s standards, a little too high up from my knees.
There would be no bending over to pick up a dropped textbook today.
Marta apologizes and thought she had my measurements correct. She says she was only able to get one uniform but should have more for me after school and will ensure they fit better. Luckily for me the shirt fit perfectly. Unfortunately, I only have a black bra, which is clearly visible under my shirt.
Great. Another amazing first impression about to happen. All the boys will think I’m easy prey and the girls will think I’m some bitch.
Marta had told me that Lance was going to be driving me to school today. I finish breakfast and am about to leave when I hear the loud rumblings of a car outside. I look out the window and see a slick gray sportscar taking off from the garage.
“Hey Marta.” I say shyly. “What type of car does Lance drive?”
Marta looks at me, then out the window. “Aye, that man. I’ll call Mr. Winters right away.”
I look out the tinted windows of the Escalade when Thomas gets close to Ryland Academy. The school looks more like a university campus, with multiple buildings, and its large area. A white brick wall surrounds the campus. I almost laugh when I think they’d built the wall to keep out poor kids like me from getting inside.
Thomas drops me off at the main building. Behind the massive light-brick building is a tall clock tower that reminds me of how Big Ben looks in England. It gives the campus a more rustic, castle look. Thomas wishes me a good first day of school before driving off.
I walk inside the building, knowing the marble floors were not meant to feel pressure from the shoes of someone like me. The building is an architect’s dream. The outside brick gives the school a historic vibe. The inside however is more modern. A glass ceiling gives natural light through the whole floor, with decorative sculptures and art prominently placed through the hallways. The lockers appear to be mini walk-in closets and are strategically placed and not condensed too close together.
Amongst the students moving along the halls, I don’t spot Jaxson. When I do, I wonder how on earth I couldn’t immediately spot this immensely hot guy smiling at me. I give him a quick wave and he nods his head back.
“I’m ready for another tour.” I say cheerfully. He does a good job not making it too obvious that he is checking out my chest this time, but I’m sure he’s noticed the black bra. I don’t mind him checking me out. A few stares from students walking by make me a bit shy though.
He reaches out his hand and I grab it. “Follow me then.” He holds my hand as he walks down the hall. He tells me about some of the wings and buildings on campus.
I look down at his hand and he smiles at me before letting go. “I’d show you some of the other buildings, but you got here kind of late.”
“Yeah, sorry. Lance was supposed to drive me but managed to forget.”
“Yeah, he kind of does his own thing sometimes.”
“Do you know him well?” I ask.
Jaxson waves his head. “Not really. Mostly, just through his reputation.”
Reputation? I wonder what that looks like. I don’t know much about my mysterious asshole neighbor. We haven’t even said a word to each other.
Jaxson walks by a wide clear double door that leads to an outdoor area. I peek outside in the open space and see none other than Lance Cain speaking to some floozy-looking girl. I remind myself that I shouldn’t speak too harshly about how other girls look with how I currently ensemble.
I apologize to Jaxson, telling him I must take care of something. I leave him in the hallway and enter the outdoor patio area. Lance looks at me and lights a cigarette.
The floozy girl notices me and rolls her eyes. “Can I help you?” She asks.
I wave my head. “Wouldn’t think so.” I turn to Lance with a frown. “Is this how it’s going to be while I stay at your place? Are you going to act like a shithead the whole time?”
Lance laughs and turns to the girl. “Let’s talk later.” The girl leaves, giving him a smile, and me a scowl. Lance looks at me while taking a deep drag o
f his cigarette.
I’m waiting for him to respond to me, but I guess I’m going to have to clarify my comments more. “You were supposed to drive me today, remember?” He nods his head and blows out smoke. He looks incredibly attractive when he looks at me in his cocky way, which drives me more insane.
“So, why didn’t you drive me?” I ask unamused by his silence.
“Listen, Noelle, it was my father’s idea you being out here. Not mine. I’m not into charity cases.” He leans against a large marble statue of a cherub, blowing out more smoke. “Who the fuck names their kid Noelle by the way?”
“First, I’m no charity case, so fuck you. Second, its Elle, not Noelle. Third, my parents love Christmas way too much.”
Lance smiles at me. “You’re spunky, Elle. I like that. Not too many girls would swear at a guy like me.”
“Or what? Your father will kick me out of his house for telling him how his son doesn’t follow through with what he says he will do.”
Lance laughs louder. “Elle, you wouldn’t want me to follow through with the things I agree to, believe me.”
“I have no clue what the hell that even means.”
“That’s because you don’t belong here.” Lance flicks his cigarette in some bushes and comes closer to me. “You want some advice, the best you will get in this town? Leave. Don’t look back.”
I’ve heard this advice before.
I sigh and try to manage to control myself but fail. “You rich kids, think nobody else should get a shot in this world. What the fuck did you do to earn your spot here? You were born with a great last name, and you still act like a piece of shit. You’re the real garbage here, not me.”
Lance reaches out and touches my bra strap over my shirt and I shove his hand away. Jaxson walks up to us, staring blankly at Lance.
Lance smiles at him. “Mr. Football, welcome back for senior year.”
Jaxson doesn’t smile back. “Same to you, Lancelot.”
My eyes widen and I can’t help but laugh. “You’re making fun of my name when your name is Lancelot? In your first class are the desks arranged in a round table. Who the hell calls their kid Lancelot?”
Lance takes out another cigarette from his pack and places it on the tips of his lips. “First, it’s Lance. Second, my dad loves King Author too much. Third, fuck-, never mind. Enjoy the rest of the school tour.” He gives a quick glance to Jaxson before lighting the cigarette.
I try to not get pissed off thinking about my exchange with Lancelot, but it’s hard. It does make it easier when I have the sexiest tour guide ever. Jaxson asks me if I know what room number my first class is in, I take out a folded piece of paper and he looks at it.
Jaxson moves closer, wrapping his arm around me and looking down at the paper. “Yeah, you’re just down the hallway over here.” I can feel his breath on my skin, and I turn to look at his eyes.
“Thanks again for showing me around.” I look deeply at him.
“Anytime.” I almost feel like he’s about to lean in for a kiss, but instead he takes a few steps back. “I forgot about the cafeteria. Did Cain give you a meal allowance card? Most students have them.”
I nod my head. “Well, I don’t want the tour to end so quickly. Let’s go to the cafeteria.”
We walk down the hall and at one point he brushes up against me by accident, his hand touching mine. I smile at him. He tells me we’re close to the cafeteria.
“Did I ever tell you what my first day was like here?” He asks.
“Not yet.”
“This place was pretty strange for me. They do things different here and I had to get used to it or get shipped back to my shitty school. Sink or swim. I chose to swim, and now it’s a lot different for me.” I look inside the cafeteria and can see a bunch of students standing. It feels strange how many kids are interested in the cafeteria before school. Jaxson grabs my hand and squeezes. “I hope you can swim in the deep end with me here too.”
We enter the cafeteria and all the students turn and look at us, more specifically me. I have no clue why. Jaxson steps away from me. Out of the corner of my eye I see three guys wearing varsity jackets holding cream pies. One of them yells and the other two follow and whip the pies at me. One of them misses completely. Another hits me square in the chest, and the last passes close by my face, leaving cream on the side of my head.
Everyone is laughing, hystericaly. Some pointing and laughing. A marching band is in the corner and starts blasting music you would hear at a circus. I feel like screaming, yelling at each of the students separately, saving Jaxson for last. I notice Jaxson in the corner, covering his mouth.
I attempt to leave the cafeteria, but Lance is in my way. “Get the fuck away from me.” I tell him. He steps aside and watches me storm down the hall.
Chapter 8
“Hey, Apple Pie,” a guy wearing a varsity jacket says to me while passing by my desk in class. He sits back down and whispers something to his friend and he laughs, looking at me.
It was supposed to be quiet reading time in English class, but I feel like taking my hardcover book and bashing it against his head. It isn’t even lunch time and I already have a nickname at Ryland Academy.
Apple Pie. Apple fucking pie. I want to tell the shithead there weren’t any apples even in the pies thrown at me, but I’m sure that wouldn’t matter.
I run some of my hair through my fingers ensuring I had gotten all the cream out. It was impossible trying to clean myself in a washroom close to the cafeteria. I managed to get rid of most of the mess that Jaxson and his friends made, but my shirt was stained. Not only was it stained but it landed right on my breasts, the one spot that doesn’t need any more attention from people.
I hear girls whispering and turn my head. A girl wearing a gold colored button-up shirt is looking right at me. Her body is slim, and her clothes fit her perfectly, unlike mine. Her hair looks as if she went to a beauty parlor right before school started. Her two friends turn and look at me with shit-eating grins. She nods her head at me, and I nod my head back.
She whispers something at me. It’s hard to make out at first, but her signalling the letters with her hand seems to help clarify what she meant.
Loser.
Perfect. Looks like I’m making more friends. I’ve had enough of rich kid’s shit for one day though. I stand up and sit at an empty desk closer to them.
The ringleader of the group, the one who whispered to me, smiles and says, “Can I help you with something ghetto girl?” Her friends giggle at her comment.
“I’m more interested in helping you, rich bitch.” Nobody laughs at my rhyme. “I’d love nothing more then to stick that Prada purse of yours up your ass, but I’m worried you would like it too much.”
She looks at me in shock. One of her friends gives me a cold look. “Go back to the streets, Pie Head.”
I roll my eyes. “The nickname is Apple Pie, you stupid cunt.”
The teacher clears his throat. “Ladies, this is quiet reading at your desks. Mrs. Maven, please go back to yours.”
I go back to my desk and raise my book in my hands, trying to ignore everyone around me. I peek over at my new friends who are still whispering to each other. I hope they are talking about me. I’m on a roll for making first impressions today. Everybody who pisses me off will be greeted by nasty words for the rest of the day.
I peek over my book again and notice a heavy-set boy looking at me. When he sees that I notice him he looks back at his own book with a thin smile.
Who else wants some of this? I’ll take all comers at this point.
The person that hurt me the most today was Jaxson. How could he lead me to a prank? Was it some school initiation?
He told me he hoped I could swim in the deep end with him before it happened. Had the same thing happened to him? Was this something all new kids had to deal with? Or was it only students who got here through scholarships, who truly didn’t deserve to be here according to the rich kids?
I look at the clock and hope the remainder of the school day hurries the fuck up.
∞∞∞
The lunch bell rings, and I cringe. Now I must make my triumphant return to the cafeteria. I have no lunch and didn’t exactly have a large breakfast. I’m starving and decide to go back to the cafeteria.
Part of me doesn’t give a fuck either. I almost hope some stupid bitch tries to mess with me again. I will put her in her place. I won’t hurt them, even though I’m sure I could mess up that pretty little blond girl from English easily.
That is exactly what these rich bitches would want me to do. Fight one of them and get suspended, losing my scholarship and everything that goes with it. I’ll put up with whatever they have lined up for me. If it means I get to go to any university I want, I’ll do exactly what I must to succeed.
That will be the best revenge I can give them.
I walk into the cafeteria, half expecting all the students to stand and laugh at me again, but they don’t. They are all talking at their tables with their friends. I never truly felt alone at this school until now. Everybody has their place, but me.
I order a sandwich and drink from the cafeteria, and plan to eat my lunch somewhere else. Before I leave, the large guy from my English class walks up to me.
“Hey.” He says shyly to me. “I’m in your English class.”
“I know.” I say with a harsh tone.
He ignores my cadence and a tall, very skinny girl walks up beside him. “I’m Bryce. This is Dana.” Dana waves at me. “Do you want to have lunch with us?”
I look at them suspiciously. “You don’t have any pies waiting for me when we sit down, do you?”
Bryce smiles. “Despite my size, I don’t like pie. You’re safe.”
Danna hits him in the shoulder. “And despite my size, I love them.” Danna looks as if she hasn’t eaten in days. Her eyes are sunken in, but despite her malnutrition look, she has a beauty to her.
I agree and sit with them. I ask if they are at Ryland from some sort of scholarship as well, but they aren’t. I was getting to a point where I assumed all rich kids were brats, but I guess I shouldn’t paint everybody with the same broad stroke.
