Page 2 of That's Too Pucking Bad

“Yeah, sure.”

We pull into the parking lot at Blackridge. I glance at the campus, my stomach twisting. It’s bigger than I recall. A whole new world compared to high school, but I’m ready. I think.

“Thanks for the ride,” I mumble, pushing the door open.

“Remy—”

“I’ll see you later.”

I slam the door behind me before he can say anything else. I’ve got enough to worry about without addingCollin’s opinions on my wardrobeto the list. Today’s about me, not him. I’ve got this.

Time to start something new.

I step onto campus and immediately feel out of place. Blackridge’s campus is... something else. I knew it was a fancy school, butthis? This is next level. Everywhere I look, it’s rich kids. Designer bags, flashy clothes, and sunglasses that probably cost more than anything I own. Everyone looks like they are fashion influencers on social media.

Meanwhile, I’m standing here in leggings, sneakers, and my sweater, clutching my backpack like a lifeline. I try not to stare, but it’s hard. Every single person looks like they belong here, like they’ve known this world all their life. And then there’s me—here on scholarship, hoping no one notices how lost I am.

I finally tear my eyes away and head toward the admin building, trying to act like I know where the hell I’m going. I don’t, but at least I can fake it. The big, marble building towers over me, practically glowing in the morning sun. It’s intimidating as hell, but I make it inside without tripping over my own feet, so that’s a win.

“Hi, I’m Remy Arden. I’m here for my schedule?” I say, stepping up to the desk.

The woman behind the counter barely glances at me before typing something into her computer. “Arden... Arden... Ah, here you are. You’re a psych major, correct?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Here’s your schedule,” she says, handing me a printout. “And your dorm assignment.”

Wait. What?

“Dorm assignment?” I blink, completely confused. “I—I don’t think I have a dorm. I live off-campus.”

The woman frowns, then checks her screen again. “It says here you’ve been assigned a room in Hollister Hall. Didn’t you receive the notification?”

I shake my head, my stomach flipping. “No. I had no idea there was boarding involved. I live with my mom, and she... she didn’t mention anything.”

“Well, you’ve got a room if you want it. You can forfeit it if you’d like.”

“I—uh, I need to talk to my mom first.”

“Of course. Let me know as soon as possible so we can release it if necessary.”

I nod, taking the papers from her. “Thanks.”

“Your roommate will be here to get you. She will show you around the school,” the woman says. I am about to ask what my roommate’s name is, or even what she looks like, but she is already talking to the next student.

I step outside the admin block, feeling a little dazed. Dorms? I can’t even imagine staying in a place like this. It’s too... rich. And probably not free. I’m already on a scholarship, so there’s no way I can afford extra fees or whatever comes with it.

I sit down on a bench, staring at the campus again. This place is insane. There are huge banners advertising the school’s hockey team—Blackridge Ravens. I stare at a poster for a second. The guys on it look like actual models, all grins and cocky stances. Ice hockey is a big deal here, apparently. Great. More people I don’t relate to.

My phone buzzes in my bag, pulling me out of my thoughts. Collin’s name flashes on the screen, but I ignore it. I shove the phone back in my bag. He’s probably just calling to apologize.

“Love your sweater!”

I glance up and see a girl standing in front of me, grinning. She’s got long, fiery red hair, a killer smile, and looks like she walked out of a runway show. She’s wearing a cute plaid skirt and a crop top, with thigh-high boots. Gorgeous, basically.

“Thanks,” I say, tugging at my oversized sleeves.

“I’m Maya Pierce.”

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