Chapter 3
ANASTASIA
The last few days came and went. I’ve mainly stuck to my room trying to get used to my new reality. I haven’t seen Ro since the day I first got here, but I know that she has the room next to mine.
When I opened the door to my room today there was a small bag filled with gummy worms and few of my favorites snacks. A small note that reads,
Welcome to Crestview
tucked inside. I gotta thank Ro later for this. I was talking to her about my favorite go-to’s the other day. Nice of her to remember, and its the perfect little gift.
It’s Monday, first day of classes. I look down at my schedule filled with a mix of law and business classes.
Monday, Wednesday and Fridays; Constitutional Law, Legal Research Forensic Psychology, Finance it smells like lavender and vanilla.
The scent has always felt like home to me, reminds me of my mom's warm hugs.
Double cleanse, always. As I let the conditioner do its thing, I grab my wash cloth to lather and exfoliate my skin. Today is an everything shower.
Twenty minutes later and I’m wrapping a towel around my body after lotioning up, and start heading back to my room to change. My hair drips onto the floor but I don’t care. As I exit the shower I run smack into a wall. “What the fuck!” I stumble back, but two hands grab my shoulders halting me.
“Want to watch where you’re going?” cool it Stassi, stop being so angry. Deep breaths remember?
“I could ask you the same thing, seeing as you're coming out of the men’s showers.”
It’s him, why is it always him?
“What? This is the wo…” Realization hits me, in my morning daze I must have gone right instead of left.
“Whatever, just get out of my way.” My cheeks flush red. He chuckles, still blocking my way.
“Are you always this angry? I can see the smoke coming out of your ears. You should try smiling more.”
Did..did he just? Oh hell no!
“Listen here, Eryx, is it? How about you step aside and let me through. This whole ‘I’m big and scary, macho man’ is not giving what you think it’s giving. And smile more? I’m sorry, is it 1952? This is my face, and if you don’t like it, then like I said, move. Aside. And. Let. Me. Pass.”
A smile creeps on his face, small, it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Oh trouble, that mouth of yours, tsk tsk. I’m going to need to teach you some manners aren’t I?
You’re new, its Monday, first day of classes so I’ll give you a pass.
But hear me, cause I don't like repeating myself.” He leans down to whisper in my ear, “Watch that mouth when speaking to me, ‘cause next time I won’t be so forgiving.”
And just like that he steps aside and walks past me.
My mouth drops open. Again.
And of course here comes Caine, again, “You really don’t listen well, do you?” he reaches out to close my mouth. I’m left standing there, speechless, red-faced. And an ache between my legs. What. The. Fuck.
I make it back to my room still trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Whats his damn problem? Its like no matter where I go, he’s always there around every corner.
I sit at my desk and start putting my face on.
I get dressed, slipping into the skirt and short sleeve today.
I pull my hair in a ponytail, roll my socks above my knees and slip into my black loafers before grabbing my bag and heading out the door.
Walking through the courtyard to the dining hall, I can’t help but notice what nice weather we’ve been getting these past few days, given it's August.
I grab a muffin and a large coffee–splash of cream, two sugars. I notice Ro sitting with another girl. She sees me and waves me over.
“Hey girl, over here!”
I walk over to them, setting my bag down before taking a seat in front of her.
“This is Shina, my sister,” she says gesturing to the girl next to her.
If it wasn’t for their own unique styles, I don’t think I’d be able to tell them apart. Where Ro is gothic barbie, Shina is laid back streetwear. How you can still show your unique style while wearing these damn uniforms is an art all on its own.
I take a drink of my coffee and instantly relax. Damn thats some good coffee.
“So what classes are you taking?” asks Ro.
I pull out my schedule, Ms. Hyson gave me, and hand it over to her.
“Double major?”
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“Same here, looks like we’re taking some of the same classes.”
That eases some tension I’ve been holding. Its good to know I’ll have a familiar face around.
“How about you, what’s your major?” I ask, turning to Shina.
“Shina is a wizard with computers, she’s my little hacker baby.”
That actually might be helpful. I’m still looking for information regarding my mom’s passing, and if she’s as good as Ro is saying, then I need to make sure I pull her aside later and see if she can help.
I look at the time and realize I better get going unless I want to be late. I’ve got about twenty minutes before class starts and I still gotta find where its even located.
“It was so nice to meet you both, but I’ve gotta start heading out.” I stand and gather my bag and coffee.
“We should probably start heading out too, let’s meet for lunch?” Ro asks.
“Yeah, that sounds good. See you then.”
I leave the dinning hall and look at the school map seeing what professors names and locations—Ms. Valenzuela, Mr. Fuentes, Ms. Evans, Mrs. Terry, Mr. Flores, and lastly Mr. Roberts. The lab class is with him too.
Looks like their all on the main floor, with the exception of Roberts; his class being combined with the lab, is located off campus. There’s a separate structure off of the left wing of the school. I’ll definitely have to hurry when trekking over to his class.
“You got this Stassi, just one year. Thats all. One year and you’ll be free.”