Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Sienna

" Y es, Mother." I don't even bother with the pleasantries as I answer the phone. I already know what's coming.

"Do you want to tell me why on earth you would tell the president of the Omega Chis that you're not interested in him?"

I knew Margot was going to call her. The moment she made the comment, I knew she'd follow through. And I'm sure she didn't mince any of the details of the evening, except for those including her being a total bitch to me.

"Because he's a jerk, Mother." The list of my reasons is long and drawn out, but it doesn't matter whether Hunter was rude or not, or the fact that he told me I should give his dick a try before making up my mind; in her mind, I will still be the root cause, so I might as well save my breath.

"Well, maybe he came off as a jerk because you were not only monopolizing the entire conversation all night talking about your classes, but you insulted Margot and Hunter. Then you had the nerve to tell him not to bother asking you to the Halloween party when you should've begged him for an invitation. He's the president of the fraternity, Sienna, and his father owns the largest used car franchise in the state. God, how did I get such an idiot for a daughter?"

Right, I'm the idiot for not letting a self-centered, arrogant prick fuck me in order to decide if I was good enough for him to invite to the Halloween party. If Mom had been there last night, she probably would've told me to go back to the frat house and fuck his brains out, proving that I'm worthy of being his wife so I can have the privilege of spending my life with a used car salesman. God, that explains so much.

"And as far as your room goes, I've told Margot not to bother rearranging her belongings. She doesn't deserve to have to put up with you. It wouldn't be fair to her, so you'll be staying put in that tiny little shoebox you're living in. Maybe you'll finally learn your lesson on how not to look a gift horse in its mouth."

I've never understood what that even means, but I know I'm so grateful not to have to room with the bitch. I was actually contemplating quitting the sorority. But then I kept thinking about how I'd be sacrificing my tuition, and I'm not willing to let Margot win. I don't need to be strapped with school loans and debt up to my eyeballs over a girl whose sole goal in life is to be cruel.

"I suggest you find it within yourself to apologize to that sweet girl, Sienna. If you don't, then don't expect me to buy you a plane ticket to come home for Thanksgiving break. I will not be celebrating a day of thanks with an ungrateful daughter."

Celebrating a day of thanks? My mother doesn't celebrate, nor does she give thanks. The three of us sit around the table, choking down our dry salads, while she rants about whatever it is that's she's irritated over. There is no turkey or stuffing, no Macy's Day parade on the TV in the background. We don't play board games or talk about all the things we're thankful for. We don't do what normal families do. So, her telling me I won't have to come home is a blessing.

"I'm sorry, Mother, but I will not be apologizing. Margot fed you her load of lies, and unfortunately, you believe her. I guess that means I'll be spending my holiday alone." I can't even fake the disappointment as I do a happy dance around my room. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll be able to get myself out of having to spend winter break with them too.

"I do not appreciate you accusing me of being a fool, Sienna. I can spot a liar from a mile away, and you are notorious for telling tall tales. I definitely think it's best for you to stay there. In fact, you won't be hearing from me for a while. I have no interest of being reminded of what a failure I have for a daughter."

The line goes dead, and it feels like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. She just gave me the best gifts ever. I don't have to live with Margot. I don't have to come home for Thanksgiving. And I don't have to endure my daily dose of her anger and criticism. I'm so happy I could scream.

But just as I'm about to let out my cheer, Cara comes walking into our room and my happy little bubble bursts. I go to my desk and start packing up my books. Looks like I'll be studying in the library today.

"I heard about your date last night," she says, taking a seat on her bed.

I'm sure she did. I'm sure the entire sorority has heard Margot's version of our double date, and just like my mother, I'm sure they all believe her.

"You're a fool for turning Hunter down. But I guess I should be thanking you because I have a date with him tonight."

If she's trying to make me jealous, she's failing. I actually feel bad for her. I'm guessing this is Hunter's way of getting back at me for rejecting him. But by the look on Cara's face, I think she thinks it's a whole lot more. If I had to place a bet, he's going to come back and stay the night, wanting me to walk in on them. Guys like him are so predictable.

"If you see a sock on the door, that means we're busy and you need to scram."

"Sounds good." I smile. "By the way, you'll have to let me know if what Margot said is true."

Cara's brow pops up in question and she takes the bait. "What did she say?"

"That he has a tiny dick. Jill was there, so she heard it too." I fail to bite back my smirk. "Makes me wonder how Margot knows that by the way." She probably just walked in on him in the bathroom one day, but I'm all about stirring the pot right now. "Well, I'm off to the library because I'm pathetic. Hope you have fun tonight."

I grab my bag and exit the room, taking myself to the peace and quiet of the library. The place that smells like old leather and ink and makes me feel calm. This is where I'm going to be spending my days and nights from now on. I'll show my face at the sorority house when it's required, but the rest of the time, I'm going to bury myself in my studies and focus on my goals. And since my mother will be leaving me alone, I won't have to answer for why I'm not an active member.