“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
