10. Maddison

Maddison

R iver nailed it when he called orientation painful. It’s so dull that I get a headache. The only drop of entertainment is the whispering and gawking being thrown my way. I have a feeling that my time at this school will be extremely exhausting, but it’ll be worth it.

I hope.

“So, I have a question?” I ask as Lily and I return to our dorm room.

We took off the instant orientation was over, and no one made an effort to talk to either of us. A group of guys stopped River to speak with him about cross country, and part of me wanted to stay and eavesdrop, but I decided against it. And Wren snuck out before orientation was over, muttering something about being tired of this. By “this,” I assume she meant the boring droning from the dean.

“What’s up?” Lily is texting on her phone but glances up at me.

“This whole staring-at-me thing going on right now”—I point at a group of people doing just that, not bothering to try to hide it—“is it because it’s clear I’m from northside? And do you think they’ll ever stop?”

She pockets her phone and chews on her lip as she mulls it over. “Well, I think it’s partly because you can tell you’re from northside—and I want to point out that you can mostly tell by how you carry yourself.”

“Really?” I question dubiously. “Or is it because I’m not wearing designer clothes?”

“Not everyone wears designer clothes here. And vintage is really in. The dress you’re wearing, for example.”

“Okay, but how do I carry myself that makes it so obvious?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “You look super confident, like you don’t give a shit about anything, and yet you also look like you’re ready for a fight, if you need to.”

“Okay, fair enough.” I sweep a strand of hair out of my face while processing what she just described. I guess that is how people walk around in northside. They have to, to survive.

“There’s also something else,” she adds warily as we stop at our door. “But I’ll explain it when we enter our room.” She opens the app that unlocks the door then waves it in front of the scanner. With a beep , the door unlocks. Then she twists the handle, pushes the door open, and walks into the room.

I follow her in, shucking off my jacket and hanging it up on a hook near the door. Then I go over to the sofa to sit down and take off my shoes. I fully plan on changing into something more comfortable then wandering around campus so I can learn where everything is.

“Let me get a snack first.” Lily walks into the kitchen and begins rummaging around in the cupboards. She settles on some sort of fruit-like bowl in the fridge, digs out a fork, and shoves a mouthful into her mouth. “Okay,” she says around a mouthful as she makes her way into the living room and plops down on the sofa beside me. “My brother is betrothed to this girl named Isla. She is from one of the wealthiest families in the country, and so are mine. And basically, because of that, right after River and Isla were born, my parents and her parents got together and made an agreement that when River and Isla turned twenty-one, they would get married and the two families would merge their assets and become like one big super powerful family.”

I wiggle my foot out of my boot. “That’s … well, that’s messed up. Seriously, I didn’t realize stuff like that happened in real life.”

“It does in this world. Like with Wren. And yeah, it is messed up.” She takes another bite of food. “Basically, if you’re the firstborn, either daughter or son in the family, you’re doomed.”

“So, you and your other brothers don’t have to deal with this?”

“No, but we have to deal with other stuff.” Her eyes suddenly widen. “Not that I think we’re like the only people in this world with issues. I know there are many benefits to being wealthy, I just … I’m sorry if I’m coming off all first-world problems on you.”

“You’re fine.” I get my other boot off then recline back on the sofa. “Everyone has their problems.”

She nods in agreement. “That’s so true.”

I pause. “I still don’t get why you brought up River’s betrothed right after I asked why everyone was staring at me. Or were they staring at him?”

“Usually, River draws attention as it is.” She sets the bowl of fruit down on the table beside her. “My brother is basically like that mysterious, intense guy that every girl wants to understand, but he never lets anyone in, even with his betrothed. Usually, he keeps to himself, except for the few friends he has, which really is just Finn. And in high school, he used to let me tag along with him sometimes.”

“Okay … I’m not following you on the connection between people staring at me.”

“You walked into orientation with him. Just you and him. River hasn’t done that with any girl, not even Isla. In fact, the two of them barely talk, so for him to be hanging out with you … it’s weird for everyone to see. And I’m guessing there will be a bit of gossip floating around that you two might be together.”

I shake my head in shock. “But we barely talked. And he annoys me, and I’m pretty sure I annoy him.”

“You don’t annoy him. River’s just that way. Honestly, I think he might like you or he wouldn’t have even talked to you.” She picks up the bowl of fruit again. “Just give him a chance, okay? I’m not saying you have to date him or anything like that, but you could be friends. And if he is, he could help you get on the team.”

I pull a face. “I’ll try, but I still don’t like people thinking we’re together, especially when he’s betrothed.”

She stuffs a grape into her mouth. “Usually, people who are betrothed date other people during school. It’s not a big deal.”

“It seems depressing when you know the end game.”

“Yeah, but never getting to be with someone you care about sucks, too.”

“True.”

She offers me a slice of apple, and I take it, popping it into my mouth.

“Do River and Isla like each other?”

“They barely talk,” she repeats, stirring the fruit around in the bowl. “Isla is quiet, and so is River, which makes them pretty compliant about the whole thing. Although, River …” She trails off, swallowing hard. “Never mind.”

I want to press so damn bad, but I’d be as bad as the gossipers if I did. “I feel bad for him and her.”

“Me, too.” She grows silent for a moment before shaking whatever thought is haunting her mind away. Then she turns to me, smiling. “You want to get lunch or something, and then I can show you around so you know where everything is?”

“Yeah, I’d really like that. Let me just get out of this dress.” I mirror her smile as I get to my feet. And it feels weird because, for the first time in my life, a lightness is spreading through me. But I should’ve known it wouldn’t last. Because the moment I step foot into my room, I receive a text from my mother.

Mom: Where are you, Maddy? I need you.