ANIMA

9. Right choice

Tomas

One thing I did not expect in all of my preparations for Wellington is ANIMA. After that text was send, that’s all anyone could talk about for the rest of the day. Weirdly enough no one was wondering who the sender is.

All talk centered around Mason and the King sisters, how what Kenzie did is such a betrayal to the people that generously took her in. That’s how I found out she is adopted.

With Kenzie’s warm brown skin, curly hair and hazel eyes and Cassie’s pale skin, wheat blond hair and blue eyes, it was obvious they are not closely related but I thought they were stepsisters.

Throughout the day all I heard was what a traitor Kenzie is, how Mason had downgraded so badly and poor Cassie. Everyone is blaming Kenzie and leaving out Mason like there weren’t two people in that photo.

After class I decided to explore around campus, I checked out the arts building with its impressive theatre and gallery where students' art is displayed. I also checked out the sports building with its different courts for different disciplines. I was surprised to find an Olympic sized pool and a professional gym.

The last place on my check list was the stables where I ran into Kenzie.At first I didn’t recognize her but once we got to talking I realized who she was. After hearing her side of the story I am glad I didn’t judge her based on what I had heard from my classmates.

As I walk back to the dorms, I make a mental list of the books I will be needing and when I should check out the library. I am so deep in thought I nearly run into someone, stopping just before we collide.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

It’s the genetic lotto guy and he looks even more flawless up close!

Wait he asked me a question.

“Um…I am fine. Are you okay? Sorry I wasn’t watching were I was going.” I say.

“Tomas!”

I look to the side and I am almost tackled to the ground by Aiden. I swear he is like an overgrown puppy.

Also how did I not notice him until just then?

“Where did you disappear off to? I wanted to introduce you to all the cool people at Wellies.” Aiden says pretending to pout.

“Just getting familiar with my new surroundings. Also Tom is just fine.” I say.

“This is one of the cool people I wanted you to meet. Tomas meet the guy with the highest honor of calling me his best friend, Mason. Mason this is my roommate and possibly your rival for my heart, Tomas.” he says like a game show host.

He motions for us to shake hands so we do and then we all bust out laughing.

“So where are you headed now?” Aiden asks.

“I was thinking of heading to the library, check out if they have all the books I will need.”

“Oh my god, I am surrounded by nerds! But…this is also perfect, Mason is also headed there. You guys can nerd out together and I can go see my perfect Sierra. Later nerds.” Aiden says as he jogs away.

“Does he not like books or something?” I ask as we watch Aiden disappear out of sight.

“He has near perfect recall so reading something once is all it takes.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

“Unless it’s something you want to forget then…”

“True”

Like everything else at Wellington, the library is a sight to behold. The building is made up of 4 floors, the 1st being a bookstore, the 2nd and 3rd being where all the physical copies are kept and on the 4th is the digital library. The 4th floor is also where the study rooms and various study nooks are located.

I have read about and seen pictures of the library before but I am still blown away by every detail as Mason points out everything.

Apart from the sheer number of books that I can see, the architecture is also jaw dropping. With its colorful vaulted ceiling and the gold and white hues aesthetic, the place looks like a page out of a fairy tale.

The 4th floor on the other hand feels like stepping into the future with its monochromatic designs and digital interfaces interspersed with plush sofas.

We are getting ready to leave when I notice some people looking over and nudging each other. Their whispers aren’t that quiet so I am able to hear them talking about how Mason was stupid to lose Cassie by allowing himself to be seduced.

People here really take this shipping thing too seriously.

“Just ignore them.”

Wait. He is that Mason?

I am not quick enough to mask the surprise on my face and he looks away and sighs.

We walk back to the dorm in silence.

“See you around”

“Yeah…”

That was awkward.

When I enter Econ the next day, I realize Trent is in this class too. I wonder if he is still pissed about yesterday.

“Hey, Tom sit over here.” Trent calls out.

I guess he is not mad at me.

“How are you liking it here so far?”

“This place is amazing.”

“That’s good. Hey about yesterday…I was just having some first day jitters and took it out on you. Sorry. Maybe we can even be friends again?” Trent says.

“That’s okay man, I understand. And I would like to be friends again that too.” I say.

I don’t actually understand but I do want my best friend back.

“How about you sit with me at lunch today?” he asks.

“Sure.”

As we leave the lunch line I notice Kenzie sitting alone. What happened to her friends from yesterday?

“Let’s sit over there.” I say to Trent.

“You want to sit with the social pariah?”

“She seems kind of lonely sitting by herself. I feel bad for her.”

“She’s a King, granted an adopted one but still a King. She doesn’t need or deserve your pity.” Trent says sounding a bit heated.

“Are you and the Kings sworn enemies or something?” I say jokingly.

“All these rich kids here are the same. They have everything handed to them on a platter but look down on us who actually work for everything we have.”

“I doubt that’s everyone though.”

“I will not pity them, Tom. And for your own sake I hope you don’t either.” Trent says walking to his own table.

For a moment I am conflicted looking between Trent’s table and Kenzie’s.

“Mind if I sit here”

“Sure”

She sounds relieved and I know I made the right choice.

🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇

A/N

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- Oli 💌