ANIMA

2. Genuine emotion

Cassie

Kenzie is such a drama queen. We can’t even ask questions in our own home anymore without Queen Mackenzie “losing her appetite”. Who does she think she is?

My parents were generous enough to save her from an absolute dreary existence. They clothed her and fed her. She got to grow up with all the benefits of being a King without having to do any of the work that goes with it. Not everyone in her situation is lucky enough to grow up in a family and community like ours.

She should be overflowing with gratitude towards my parents for basically saving her from a miserable life and towards me for putting up with her. On the contrary every time they give me (their real daughter) their undivided attention, she throws a tantrum. Without any of the emotion of course because god forbid she shows any genuine emotion.

I will admit though, it is fun riling her up just to see how she hard she works to remain emotionless each time. And this year I get to enjoy that even more by living on campus.

Not that that’s why I chose to live in the dorms, unlike what she thinks, the world doesn’t revolve around her.I mean it when I tell my parents I am using this year as practice for next year when I am living away from home. Annoying Kenzie is just a bonus.

I can already tell this year is going to be amazing. I will get some rest from mom’s constant surveillance. I mean, I love her but she can be a bit controlling. I also get to see more of Mason.

Not that my parents don’t approve of Mason. His family’s wealth is almost comparable to ours, which is impressive considering it hasn’t been passed down like ours. So even though their wealth is relatively new, they are just as influential in our community. He got the parental stamp of approval easily.

At Wellington Academy you can’t do better than Mason An. He is rich, hot, smart and good at sports. He is both well-liked and envied in equal parts. He is the quintessential perfect boyfriend and that makes him worthy of standing beside me and carrying the title of Cassie King’s boyfriend.

Mason has always been a boarder so he will get to see more of me this year. Plus we will have more opportunities to make everyone jealous. It’s a win-win for everyone.

As I think of how great year is going to be, I take my time enjoying the breakfast spread Meredith put together. She really outdid herself once again.

Also Kenzie can wait outside and stew for all I care.

“I expect to hear from you every day and see you at every Saturday brunch, young lady.” Mom says with playful sternness.

Dad and I laugh at her antics.

“I will settle for the occasional letter pigeon but I am afraid brunch is non-negotiable.” Dad adds.

I have a feeling I am going to miss seeing these dorks every day.

When I get outside Kenzie is already sat in the car. Our driver Bertrand opens the door for me and soon starts the car.

“I can’t be bothered to remind you of the rules of conduct on how to behave outside the house right now. You should have them memorized by now anyway. Just bear in mind the most important one; don’t embarrass me, my parents or the King name. Got it?”

Bertrand stares straight ahead and pretends to hear nothing, as any good little helper should.

Kenzie chooses this time to pop in her earbuds and ignore me. She has a lot to learn from Bertrand.

I choose to bask in the quiet as I enjoy the beautiful scenery.

We spend more time waiting in the line of cars arriving on campus than we spent on the actual road here. Thankfully seniors’ parking is plenty so we have no trouble there.

Kenzie is unloading her luggage as Bertrand does the same for mine when I notice Mason’s car park a short distance from us. I wait as Mason gets his solitary bag anf turns in our general direction. I give him a little wave.

Surprisingly, he turns away and walks to the dorms.

WTH?!

Maybe he didn’t see me? I hope Kenzie didn’t see any of that.

“Trouble in paradise?”

Damn it!

Kenzie sounds a little too smug for my liking so I ignore her and walk to my dorm with Bertrand trailing behind me with my luggage.

As I walk, I try to put the whole awkward incident behind. But I don’t forget to make a mental reminder; make sure to get pay back for Kenzie’s little comment just. As soon as I regroup.
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A/N

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- Oli 💌