Page 5 of Darkened Truths
I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment to restart my heart. When I open my eyes, I see his concern etched across his features. He presses his lips into a thin line, almost as if he’s keeping himself from saying something he shouldn’t. I nod at his earlier question and he slides out from the driver’s seat to get my bag out of the trunk. I push open the door to get a good look at my new home for the next four years. Stone buildings, a beautiful landscape that must cost a fortune, and secrets waitingto be unveiled. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this was a prestigious university.
I risk a glance back to the spot where the boys were moments before, but they’re gone. After a split second of disappointment, relief floods me and I let out a shaky breath.
What was that all about?
There is a large sign for orientation check in to the right and James hands me my single suitcase before pulling me into a hug, and placing a kiss on the top of my head.
“Be good, Riley. And stay out of trouble. Keep your head down and do what’s asked of you and you’ll be fine.”
“James, do you know something I don't know about this place?”
He offers a sad smile, then kisses the top of my head, and places his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t trust too easily.”
If that's not a little cryptic, I don’t know what is. I open my mouth to ask more and he gives a subtle shake of his head. He points to the small line of new students and when I turn to get in line, he slides back into the car and drives off. I watch him until he’s down the hill and out of sight.
“Next,” the girl sitting at a desk calls out to me.
I drag my bag behind me as I step up to the table. “Hi. I’m Riley Whittier.”
“Hi, Riley,” she smiles at me. “I need your signed contract and identification, please.”
I dig both items out of my messenger bag and hand them to her. She flips through the pages until she reaches the last page and when she’s satisfied that the signature belongs to me, she hands me back my ID, along with a stack of papers.
“Welcome to Pointebreak,” she starts, and the rest of what she says hardly registers. The hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. Subtly, I look out of my peripherals to see the samethree watching me with disdain. I literally just arrived. What could I have possibly done to piss these three off?
Fingers snap in front of my face, and I blink as she comes into focus again. “Earth to Riley,” the girl says. She follows my line of sight and smiles widely, wiggling her fingers at the guys in greeting. They give her a courtesy glance, but otherwise pretend they haven’t seen her. “Girlfriend, let me tell you they arewayout of your league. That’s Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastian. The Kings of Pointebreak. They’re in their third year, and don’t have time for anyone. Julien’s in big with Zander and Wesley. He has his sights set on the prize. He doesn’t date.” She pauses, and a smile splits her face. “But what I wouldn’t give to be tag teamed between the three of them.” She says it almost to herself, a wistful look in her eyes.
And what prize is that?The question sits on the tip of my tongue, but I’m not sure I want the answer. “He doesn’t seem to be ignoring me, does he?” I mumble.
She shrugs like it’s nothing. “New meat. Shiny toy. Whatever euphemism you wanna use.”
I look all around me and casually gesture at the other students checking in. “So are all these people. Yet they’re ignoring them.”
“You’re one who most wouldn’t expect at a place like this.” She shrugs one shoulder and looks past me. “Next.” And just like that, I’m dismissed. Does she mean because of who my father is? Does everyone know who I am?
I drag my suitcase behind me, trying hard to ignore the eyes glued to my back as I search for my dorm building. She handed me a map of campus with the path to the dorms clearly marked. Tension has me wound tight. My shoulders and back ache as I wander with my heavy bag. Campus is much bigger than I imagined and the lush grass, trees, and stoned pathways make it appear inviting. I’ll have to walk around later today after Ifind my dorm and unpack. Not knowing the weekend dress code prior made it difficult to pack clothes, but I made sure I had enough to get by for the first semester, anyway. Plus, dad said he would have items shipped. I’m sure if I reached out to him or James, they could put together a care box for me of more of my stuff.
Suddenly it occurs to me I should have asked that girl more questions about the Kings, as she called them, or really about anything at Pointebreak. I literally have no clue what I’m walking into. I pass other students, most not paying attention to me as they talk with friends, or in one case that has my face burning up—a couple in a very public, private moment together that includes her on her knees in front of him. He glances up at me and winks before threading his fingers through her hair, pulling her closer to him. She’s only partially hidden behind the bushes, and it doesn’t take a genius to know what’s happening. I quicken my step and rub my cheeks, willing the red staining to disappear.Oh, my God! I can’t believe I just saw that!There’s no way that’s a normal occurrence around here. And where are the teachers or staff to stop that?
The sign for Belknap Hall is straight ahead. I give a cursory glance around me to make sure I’m not being followed by the three grumps before I climb the steps to the building. When I’m satisfied I'm alone, I glance down at the paper for my room number and make my way up the few flights of stairs.
Jesus, I’m going to die before I get to my room.My muscles are straining from the exertion of trying to pull my heavy bag up the steps. One step. Pull. One step. Pull. On and on, as I slowly ascend the stairs. I stop on the landing between the second and third floor, looking up while stretching and rubbing my arm before I attempt the last flight.
“Hey, let me help you with that,” a male voice says cheerfully from behind me.
I spin on my heel with an automatic smile on my face in appreciation. Another thing that was ingrained in me. Always be grateful for help from anyone. But in this case, I really am thankful. I didn’t think I packed that much, but I know I filled this thing to the brim and it easily weighs half of me.
My smile dwindles as my mouth pops open in surprise.Are all the guys here just flat out gorgeous?I quickly close my mouth and clear my throat. “Um…thank you. The help would be great. I’m on the third floor.” I gesture up the stairs to the next landing.
“No problem. Hi, I’m Nate Halpin.” He extends his hand out in front of him for me to shake. I place my much smaller one in his and warmth floods through me. It’s a strange feeling. Almost like my body recognizes him as a friend, or someone who is genuine. I glance down at our hands and swallow. Lightly tugging mine back until he releases it.
“I’m Riley Whittier. Nice to meet you.”
Completely unfazed, he continues, “I live on the fourth floor. You a first year? I haven’t seen you before.”
He grabs my bag as I nod and we climb the stairs as he continues. “I’m a second-year student. I’m learning everything so I can take over my father’s business. It’s an excellent school, but hard.” He glances at the paper in my hand and stops down the hall in front of my door. “You’ll catch on quick. It’s not so bad here.”
Not so bad. Now that sounds like a winning argument for Pointebreak.
