Page 3 of Beasts

“The school admin team is usually available from eight in the morning. Some of us are heading there now if you want to join us.” Passing off a grateful nod I go back up the stairs to collect a backpack of things I’ll need today. Notebooks are always a requirement, but I don’t have a class until ten, hopefully, I can sort out permanent accommodation until then.

The sprawling campus of the university feels even more expansive than I remember from my visit last year. Accompanying me to the administration office are Nolan, Hugh, and Seth. Nolan, who I learn was the school captain at the prestigious Harvard-Westlake School, commands a certain respect and attention, even from the college staff.

Upon learning that all two thousand student accommodations are already filled, a wave of disappointment washes over me. “There’s seriously no room?” I ask, struggling to mask my dismay.

The woman behind the counter, Beth, offers a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry dear, is there family you can stay with?” she inquires. The question stings a bit, reminding me of my family’s distant relationship and our move away from here years ago.

Seth, ever the quick thinker, steps in with an unexpected offer. “Yes, she’s my cousin. She can stay with me,” he says, draping an arm around my shoulder. His claim isn’t too far-fetched, given our similar physical features – dark brown hair, amber-tinted eyes, and even our matching heights.

Nolan, with a subtle but firm elbow nudge, prompts Seth to reconsider his hasty offer. “Hey Seth, maybe you should check with everyone else at the house before making that kind of suggestion?” he says, his tone hinting at the need for a more collective decision.

Beth, behind the counter and eager to resolve the situation, begins to interject, “Well, sweetie, if you’re comfortable staying with—“

But Seth, with a hint of mischief in his eyes, turns to Nolan and playfully challenges him. “Nolan, do you really think I could make a bad suggestion?” His question hangs in the air, loaded with an unspoken understanding between the two.

After a moment of contemplation, Nolan concedes with a reluctant nod. “Alright, yeah, she can stay with us.” The decision, although made quickly, seems to be in line with the frat house’s spontaneous spirit.

Feeling a mixture of gratitude and apprehension, I quickly interject, “I’ll find other accommodations. I just need to find a part-time job that will work with school hours. I won’t impose long.” Hugh, ever the reassuring presence, shakes his head, a half-smile playing on his lips.

“Don’t worry about imposing,” he assures me. “You do you, and we’ll make sure everyone gives you space.” Their kindness is overwhelming, a stark contrast to what I’ve experienced back in L.A., where genuine kindness often feels like a rare commodity.

As the doors of the administration office close behind us, I can’t help but ponder over Seth’s spontaneous declaration. His impulsiveness, though slightly problematic, reveals a heart in the right place. The way Nolan and Hugh trust him, their camaraderie evident in every glance and gesture, makes me long for such connections.

Seth hurries to catch up with me, his expression apologetic. “Sorry for blurting out that we’re cousins,” he says, sincerity resonating in his tone. “I just didn’t want Beth to think it was weird for you to stay with us.”

I can’t help but smile at his concern. “That’s very considerate. Thank you, Seth. It was quick thinking on your part,” I respond, appreciating his effort to smooth over what could have been an awkward situation.

“Any time,” he replies with a casual shrug, shooting a glance at Nolan and Hugh, who are a few steps behind. He then strides off, presumably back to his own schedule. I turn to Nolan and Hugh, noticing the contrast in their reactions. Nolan’s brow is furrowed with a thoughtful concern, perhaps mulling over the potential repercussions of our impromptu living arrangement. Hugh, on the other hand, seems amused, a smirk playing on his lips as if he’s seen this kind of scenario unfold before and knows it’ll work out in the end.

Checking my watch, I realize the day is still young. A sense of curiosity about campus life bubbles within me. “There are other kinds of clubs and activities here, right?” I ask them, eager to learn more about what the university offers beyond academics.

Nolan’s expression shifts from concern to mild surprise. “Of course, there are plenty. What interests you? I’m surprised you didn’t leaf through the pamphlets before arriving,” he says, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

I admit to my preoccupied mindset before the sorority fiasco. “My initial plan was to immerse myself in sorority activities, but now I’m keen on exploring something more creative. Is there a drama club here?”

Hugh chuckles lightly, possibly recalling some inside joke or stereotype about drama clubs. “Yeah, there is one. It’s not usually full. You might find it interesting,” he says, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Grateful for the information, I thank them and take a deep breath, ready to explore the campus on my own. “Cool, thanks,” I say, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about venturing into unfamiliar territory

As Nolan and Hugh wave goodbye, I’m left alone with my thoughts, a map of the campus in my hand. The numbering system of the lecture halls seems like a cryptic code waiting to be deciphered. Stepping onto the bustling pathways, I feel a surge of independence. The day stretches ahead, ripe with the promise of new experiences, challenges, and perhaps even a venture into the dramatic arts. I take my first steps with a sense of determination, ready to embrace the unknown and carve out my place in this new world.

Exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders as the day draws to a close. The chaos of my first day at university left me drained – my frantic search for the lecture hall had me arriving late, the rapid-fire lecture left me noteless and bewildered, and the cafeteria’s lack of food coupled with my forgotten wallet meant I went hungry. To cap it all off, I mistakenly wandered into the wrong class, where the professor’s harsh reprimand for a drop-out I wasn’t even planning stung deeply. My afternoon, spent trudging from one coffee house to another in search of a job, yielded nothing but polite refusals.

With a stroke of luck that felt almost ironic, I find myself back at the fraternity house. Apprehension gnaws at me as I enter; the house buzzes with energy, and I brace myself for whatever reactions my presence might have stirred among the fraternity members.

Stepping through the door, the source of the noise becomes clear – it’s coming from the dining room. I hesitantly peer around the doorway and am greeted by the sight of a long, hall-sized table surrounded by guys deep in conversation and laughter. Most faces are familiar, but my eyes are drawn to one I don’t recognize sitting near the end of the table.

“You’re Amelia, right?” he calls out, catching my gaze. “I’m Byron.” He extends a hand across the table, and I lean over an empty chair to shake it. His friendly demeanor is a small comfort. “Do you want something to eat? We’ve got plenty here,” Byron offers, motioning to the array of dishes on the table. Kane and Seth, sitting to my right, nod in acknowledgment before returning to their meals. Their manners, surprisingly refined for a group of college guys, contrast sharply with the chaos of the day I’ve had. The aroma of the food is tempting, hinting at homemade quality.

“Thank you, maybe I’ll grab some later if there are leftovers,” I respond, though my stomach protests at the delay.

Valentine scoffs at the idea. “What planet do you live on? When do a bunch of guys ever leave leftovers?”

Kane retorts without missing a beat, his mouth full. “You leave leftovers all the time.”

Valentine’s comeback is swift. “No one asked you, Flounder.”

Echo, trying to play peacemaker, chimes in. “Easy, gents. And he’s right, you do leave food behind most nights.”

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