“All right baby, you know you can come home anytime you want,” she said, hugging me tightly.
“I know mom, but I think this will be good,” I said.
Before I started to cry, I went back into Mrs. Harrington’s office.
“Yes, dear,” she said warmly as I came into the office.
“I am ready to head to my dorm now,” I said confidently.
“All right, let me call one of the girls to escort you,” Mrs. Harrington said, picking up the phone and dialing a number. “Yes, if you would send Georgia I would appreciate it. Please have a seat Miss Jacobson.” she said, turning to me and hanging up the phone.
I sat down and smiled at Mrs. Harrington, who smiled back warmly. “Georgia will be right here in a moment, and she can take you to your dorm and help you get settled,” Mrs. Harrington said as she sat down at her desk facing her computer.
Someone knocked on the office door and Mrs. Harrington called them in. It was Georgia, a friendly and outgoing girl with a bright smile. She greeted me warmly and introduced herself.
"Hi, I'm Georgia Bentley. I'll be your roommate and orientation buddy. Mrs. Harrington told me you needed some help settling in," she said cheerfully.
I nodded gratefully, feeling a bit of relief wash over me. Having someone familiar to guide me through the daunting process of starting at a new school was exactly what I needed at that moment. Georgia seemed genuinely kind, and her presence instantly put me at ease.
Mrs. Harrington handed Georgia a set of keys and some paperwork, explaining the necessary details about my dorm room and the university's rules and regulations. Georgia listened attentively, nodding occasionally and jotting down notes.
Once Mrs. Harrington finished, Georgia turned to me with a reassuring smile. "Alright, let's go get you settled in. Don't worry, I'll make sure you feel right at home."
We left Mrs. Harrington's office and walked through the bustling campus. Georgia chatted amiably, asking me about my interests and sharing her own experiences. Her friendly demeanor and genuine interest in getting to know me made me feel comfortable opening up to her.
As we reached the dormitory building, Georgia handed me my keys and pointed out the common areas, the laundry room, and the cafeteria. She explained the dormitory's layout and mentioned some of the activities and events that would be happening during orientation week.
Once we arrived at my dorm room, Georgia helped me unpack my belongings and made sure everything was in order. She shared tips and tricks for organizing my space and made suggestions for personalizing it to make it feel more like home.
I couldn't help but feel grateful for Georgia's kindness and support. Starting a new school was a major transition, and having someone to lean on during this overwhelming time meant the world to me. “Let’s head down to the cafeteria for something to eat,” Georgia said.
As we sat down at a table in the cafeteria, Georgia's expression turned serious. Sensing the change in her demeanor, I asked her what was on her mind.
"Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something important," Georgia began, her voice filled with concern. "I know you're just starting out here, and I want you to be prepared for something that unfortunately happens at this school."
My curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer, giving her my full attention. Georgia took a deep breath before continuing.
"There are a few bullies in this school, and they tend to make life difficult for some students," she explained, her eyes scanning the room as if making sure no one was eavesdropping. "I won't lie to you, it's not a pleasant situation, but I want you to know that you don't have to face it alone."
I nodded, grateful for her honesty and support. "Can you tell me more about these bullies? How can I recognize them?"
Georgia sighed, her gaze fixed on the table. "Well, they usually travel in a group, making themselves known by their unkind words and actions. They target students who they perceive as vulnerable or different from them. It's important to remember that it's not your fault if they target you, and you don't have to tolerate their behavior."
Her words resonated with me, and I felt a mix of apprehension and determination. "What should I do if I encounter them?"
Georgia's eyes met mine, filled with determination. "First and foremost, stay strong and confident in yourself. Bullies often feed off of others' fear or insecurity. If you show them that you won't be easily intimidated, it might discourage them."
She paused, gathering her thoughts. "If you find yourself in a situation where they're being aggressive or confrontational, don't engage with them. You shouldn't have to face them alone, and there are people here who genuinely care about your well-being."
I nodded, grateful for Georgia's guidance. "Thank you for telling me all of this. It's good to be aware and prepared, even though it's disheartening to know that such behavior exists."
Georgia's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on mine. "Absolutely, it's important to know what you might encounter. But remember, this school is filled with wonderful people too. Focus on forming positive connections, finding your support system, and pursuing your passions. Don't let the bullies overshadow the opportunities and growth that await you here. They call themselves the Renegades, and they all play for the basketball team.”
I looked around the cafeteria and in strolled four of the most gorgeous guys I had ever seen, all of them tall and muscular, with arms inked with tattoos. My heart skipped a beat, but I knew immediately by the demeanor of them that this was the Renegades. The four of them looked more like Greek Gods, why call them Renegades? I hope I wouldn’t find out. The one in the front of the group with his dark blond hair looked at me and his eyes narrowed, assessing me. I felt like I was being undressed with his eyes. “That’s them, and their leader, Dalton Greyson,” Georgia said, following my line of vision directly to the four Gods in the doorway.
I looked sharply at Georgia, Dalton Greyson, the Dalton Greyson was here at this school for kids with mental issues. I barely recognized him, since the last time I saw him.
Chapter 4