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thirteen
PHOENIX
As we rollup to a gigantic house, my stomach starts to twist a little. I’m not sure why, but being here after the run-in with the kings is making me a little nervous. I tried making small talk with Chad on the ride over, but honestly, I’m just not feeling it.
Also, Chad’s been a little touchy feely on the way over, and it’s starting to make me a little uncomfortable. He finds a way to touch me as we drive. Something turns in my stomach with each touch. But the point of this was to show the kings they don’t own me, so I push forward and try to keep the bile in my throat down. Hence the small talk.
The one thing I was curious about was why people lived on campus when they lived so close to the academy. I found out that this area wasn’t always populated like it is. Most shipped their kids in from all over the states to go to Darkwood. But the Emerson family changed all that.
They single handedly brought life to Black Forest. I guess that’s why they get a building named after them. So even though they all live in the vicinity of the academy now, it has always been tradition to stay on campus and be part of the campus culture. There’s also a lot of students who come in from elsewhere that need a place to stay. I guess it just helps to have everyone all in one area.
When we pull up to the house, my mouth drops. Holy shit, the size of this place is insane. I’m pretty sure like a hundred of my tiny ass apartment that my mom and I lived in could fit in this place.
The vertical wood paneling is dark, but the large windows break up the outside. It makes it feel not so monstrous, but hell, this place is fucking insanely huge, even with the huge ass windows.
I look around at the cars strewn about the lawn and driveway. “Aren’t your parents going to be mad at the mess the cars are making to the lawn?”
Chad shakes his head. “Nope. The landscaper will fix it. Also, this is tradition. This house has been in my family for some time, so my dad had parties here, and my grandfather as well. It’s expected.”
“Must be nice,” I mumble under my breath.
“Come on. Let’s go celebrate our win.” Chad gets out of his expensive ass SUV. I have no idea what kind of vehicle it is, but everything in it screams money.
I open the door and jump down. “How did all these people get in, if you were picking me up?”
“The staff let them in.”
Oh. Silly me. Why didn’t I think of that?God, Nix, you’re showing your poorness.
We walk up a set of grey stone stairs to a huge set of brown wooden double doors. Massive windows flank the sides, and detail on the set of doors is ornate and looks hand carved.
But if the outside is the dark, the inside is the light. From the moment I cross the threshold, I’m greeted by white walls that contrast the outside. Colorful paintings take up some of the real estate along the walls. I can feel his hand on my back as he ushers me past the foyer into the great room. I want to recoil from his touch.
It’s odd. Somewhere inside me, something is telling me this was a bad idea, that he’s a bad idea.
Could just be my nerves and the bullshit the kings said today. So, I shake off the red flags and continue into the house, or should I say mansion.
And then my eyes fall upon one of the most pompous things I have ever seen. A fucking painting of what I’m assuming is him and his family over what looks to be a fireplace of some sort. I bite my lip to keep from making a remark, and man, I really want to say something about that atrocity.
Walking into the main area where others are hanging out, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.They’re here. I can feel their eyes on me, but I don’t want to make it look like I’m searching them out, so I try to ignore their stares and follow Chad farther into the great room. We find a group of people that he starts talking with, and I’m assuming they’re other football players since they’re all talking about their coach.
Not meaning to, I start to turn my head around trying to locate the reason for the goosebumps along my skin. I don’t see them, but I know they see me.
I grab the hem of my shirt, a habit I have when I am trying to distract myself or I get uncomfortable. Right now, I’m extremely out of my element. I’m going to need to find a place to escape to. I reach up to grab my locket, but then I realize it’s still missing.
Chad throws me looks as he continues to joke, smiling down at me. I do what I can to fake myself through this conversation that I have not heard a single word of. I feel so fake, so not part of this crowd. Hell, let’s be honest, I don’t fucking belong at this school. Except for some luck of the draw, I was given a shot to finish my high school education here.
One week down, a gazillion to go.
“Hey, you want something to drink?” Chad leans over, his hand caressing my back. I fight a grimace trying to break through.
“That sounds great. Just beer if you’ve got it.” I wring my hands together, trying to keep my nerves under control.
“Got it.” Chad disappears for a moment before coming back and handing me a red cup with beer in it. I accept it and pretend to place it to my lips.
One thing I have always known, never take a drink from someone else. Always get your own drink. While I have no reason not to trust Chad, I just don’t. Not yet. At the same time, I don’t want to be rude. It’s a balance, obviously. As soon as I can, I’ll swap it out with one I’ve gotten for myself.
Chad turns to me with his lips turned up and wraps his arm around my shoulder. “I can’t believe I got my hands dirty today helping you clean your locker.”