Four letter word

17. Cold.

Lindsey got back to her dorm feeling tired and hangover. Riley had gone for a smoke behind the academy.

The blonde went into her bedroom, needing a few extra hours of sleep - tents were not comfortable, though she had definitely enjoyed being outdoors in the nature... even if she was too high for most of it.

AJ woke up when Lindsey walked in and turned her head to see who it was.

"Did you just get back?" She asked half asleep.

"Yeah, Riley and a few of her friends had a bonfire party. Sorry, I didn't tell you, you weren't in the dorm and Riley said you were probably in the library" Lindsey said and sat down on her bed.

"Yeah, I was. Had go catch up on some studies. Did you have fun? What time is it?" AJ asked .

"Around 7am. It's pretty early. Thought I'd get more sleep, plus it's Saturday and most of the teachers aren't back yet" Lindsey shrugged.

"Okay. I think I'll go back to sleep as well" AJ said and pulled her blanket up to her neck - it was a bit chilly in the room. Lindsey changed into her pyjamas and got into bed.

                                               ~•~

A few hours later Riley barged into her dorm. A cold rush of air immediately hit her and she hugged herself to keep warm,

"Why the fuck is it so cold in here?!" She shouted, waking up the other two girls. Their fourth roommate was nowhere to be seen as always.

Lindsey raised her head first and looked out into the living room where Riley was standing.

"Oh, god, it's freezing" The blonde said and wrapped her blanket over her.

"Are the radiators off?" AJ asked. Riley went to check and it seemed none of the radiators in the dorm were working.

"They're not working. God damn it, it's fucking freezing. Where's my jacket?" She said and went into her bedroom to look for additional pieces of clothing.

"Looks like I'm gonna have to talk to the headmaster" Lindsey said and pulled her covers off and got out of bed.

"Do you want me to come with you?" AJ asked. The question kinda just fell put of her lips and she was lowkey surprised by it.

"Oh..." Lindsey looked at her, "don't you wanna get some more sleep? Riley kinda just woke us up..." she said, sounding almost as awkward as AJ.

"No, it's fine. Plus it's too cold to be in this room right now" AJ answered and got up.

"Ok, then let's go" Lindsey said cheerfully and grinned. AJ was glad to see Lindsey smiling, she didn't want to seem too pushy.

They both got dressed and walked out of the bedroom. Riley walked out at the same time with a long black jacket on.

"That's better" she said and rubbed her hands, "where are you two headed?"

"We're gonna go talk to headmaster Gamold. Wanna come?" Lindsey asked. AJ looked away awkwardly. How come she hadn't asked her to come? AJ had to offer it herself. Maybe Lindsey didn't want AJ to go with her. Or maybe she was just overthinking it again.

In that moment AJ had a small realisation... was she... jealous? Of Riley? Maybe... either way she felt terribly uncomfortable at that moment. She hated how she needed reassurance on everything. It probably wasn't as deep as she thought it was.

"Nah, I'm gonna go hang out in the common room downstairs. I'm sure the radiators are working there" she shrugged.

"Okay, we'll try to get the problem fixed in the meanwhile" Lindsey smiled and the three left the dorm. Riley went downstairs while Lindsey and AJ went to see the headmaster.