Page 13 of His To Claim

“I take it you don’t like them?” I ask, taking my seat beside Jade.

“I may be a Silver, but I’m not in with the ‘in’ crowd. I’m an outsider. Kinsley, one of the queens, and my cousin were together last year and well, I found out she was cheating on him and kind of anonymously sent him a picture of her and the other guy. Bass went berserk and broke up with Kinsley. I don’t know how she found out it was me, but she did, and let’s just say I haven’t been able to live it down.”

“That’s crazy, it’s not your fault the slut was cheating,” Jade yells defensively.

“Yeah, well, they didn’t see it that way. Bass still hasn’t forgiven Kinsley, and I’m still on the outside. Which is fine, it’s not like I like those girls.”

“And your cousin doesn’t stand up for you?” I ask her as she looks down at her hands twitching nervously on her lap.

“Yeah, I’m sure he would, but the guys don’t get involved in what the girls do unless it directly affects them or their reign. But like I said, it doesn’t matter. I try to stay out of their way. Which is why I’m glad you’re here. I can use some new friends,” she says, looking up at us.

“Well, count me in,” Jade replies as she walks over to sit beside Stella.

“Not sure why, but I kind of like you, Silver,” she says, patting Stella on the shoulder.

“Yeah, whatever,” Ruby says as she stands and heads toward the left hallway where there are three doors. “Which one is my room?” she asks.

“Oh yeah, duh. Well, the quarter has four rooms and twobathrooms. To the right is my room, a bathroom, and your room, Scarlett. To the left is Jade, another bathroom and Ruby’s room.”

Ruby opens the door to her bedroom and steps inside as we follow behind her.

“All the rooms look the same. A queen bed, walk-in closet, desk with an Apple Desktop, Mac Book, and iPad, a dresser vanity and a couch or chaise.”

“This room is ridiculous,” Ruby says as she throws herself back on her bed.

Stella walks over to the closet and pulls out a garment bag.

“Your bag with your clothes and stuff was brought in here but this is what you’ll wear during the week.”

She unzips the bag holding out that hideous uniform Leighton was wearing.

“That’s gross,” Ruby says, making a disgusted expression.

“Yeah, but it makes choosing outfits easier. There are some variations to it, a red and black plaid skirt, white knee-high socks, a white-collared shirt both sleeveless and long-sleeved, and a black blazer. On Fridays we get to wear our red school polos, black for the boys, and black shorts. Both the polos and blazers are embroidered with the school crest. We also get to wear the polo and black spandex shorts for gym class, that is, if you’re not in a sport.”

I frown, already overwhelmed by what Stella is saying. “That’s a lot to remember.”.

“We just have to wear the uniforms for class and any other school-related activities. Other than that, we’re free to wear what we want. Most girls wear heels, but any shoes in black work.”

“Well, it’s going to be sneakers or boots for us, because that’s all we have,” Jade groans, looking down at the black combat boots on her feet.

“That’s fine, I don’t wear heels either,” Stella says as we walk out of Ruby’s room and into the hallway. “Anyway, Jade, your room is through that door and that’s the bathroom. Scarlett, if youwant to come with me, I’ll show you to yours. I’m sure you guys want to get some rest before we hit the party tonight.”

“Party?” we all ask in unison, our interest clearly piqued.

“The end of summer party. It happens every year before school starts. Tomorrow is the assembly so tonight we party. There’s a party pretty much every other weekend, so tonight we’re heading to the private beach on the outskirts of the academy. It belongs to the Servites, but it’s mainly Ace’s party pad. There are some beach houses down by the private beach owned by the prominent families of Hillcrest and well, it’s summer. I got some extra swimsuits in case you guys didn’t pack any.”

“Party by the beach, sweet. Count me in,” Ruby says as she heads back into her room.

“After the shit of a day I’ve had, I can use a drink,” Jade says as Stella turns to me.

“Sure, whatever,” I say, heading out of the room and over to where Stella said my room was.

“This is us, my room, our shared bathroom, and your room. I’ll be in here if you need anything. Party starts at eight, so I’ll see you then. I’ll pull out some swimsuits to give you guys options.”

“Stella,” I say, and she looks up at me slowly. “Thanks, you didn’t have to be so nice to us, but at least not everything about coming here sucks.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m taking you to a Servite party tonight,” she says nervously.

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