The not-a-princess

Dreams, dumbs and falling dormmates

"WOAH YOU'RE MY NEW ROOMIE!" 

I cover my ears – so loud. Isn't it like still 5, probably 6 in the morning? 

The lights flicker on, one by one. People groggily open their windows. We're going to get caught. Again. I slap a hand over her mouth and we run. We run. We run and stumble and giggle. For once I don't hold back –I let myself get lost in the moment. I was taught to be formal and not let emotion take over me but I think I might like it here. I turn towards her and feel her contagious smile - just as bright as the sunrise. One of her braids have come out and her green and black hair is flying everywhere and she's indecent but she looks so happy, it's hard not to feel the same way. 

Ria leads us, hand in hand. We run until we can't breathe and slump against a wall, panting and laughing. I feel like a mess but I feel happy too. Though i shouldn't. Mom would've been so disappointed if she saw me now. We need to still hurry to our dorm so we struggle to get our shaky legs up the marbled stairs. 

As I entered their room, the first thing that hit me was the way the room was bathed in with otherworldly light, let in through the huge pink tinted windows, (now covered in papers filled with sketches?). I looked around, naturally, it was now my room too. 1 bunk bed placed opposite the veranda, already taken and one single bed next to an open window. The top bunk was full of food, clothes, loud music blaring from devices, jewelry spread out everywhere. No owner. 

The bottom wasn't any better with netted curtains drawn back: paint, wrappers, nail polish leaking, teddies,books and shredded paper. Also no owner – but I couldn't guess whether Ria had the top or the bottom bunk. I could also see green hair dye sticking out from under the Claude Monet painting styled rug. There was also a dog bed and litter at an unusually big size. The room itself was full of life, the walls painted with detailed artworks, plants and flowers in every corner, posters of celebrities and singers and comics adding pops of personalisation. 

If its just introduction day then when did she have time to do all this? Reading my expression she briefly explained, "I moved in a month early with a couple of other students." But amongst all lively mess, I could tell something was wrong. Ria felt it too, I saw her body straighten and tenseout behind me. But then she sighed – "I'm too lazy for this" and went to slouch in a polka dotted beanbag and pulled out a cocktail from goodness knows where. SHE CAN'T DRINK SHE'S ONLY FIFTEEN?! 

But before I could say anything, the uneasiness wrapped down my spine. I turn away from her, I haven't got my finger glow but I was trained in the handmanship of using a weapon. As every princess should be. I pull out my turquoise carved dagger and hold it out in a stance in front of me, "who of  which seems to be there?" 

A quiet, squeaky cough arose from behind the empty bed, "it's just me! Put the weapon away" An intruder, how fun just like in the simulations. A never (from the school of evil a student is called never and a school student for good is called ever) in a black potato sack rose very slowly and when she was in full height – man was she ugly. Hunch back, thin hair, face full of crumbs, she looked like a homeless person. 

Ria rolled her eyes, feigning surprise, "Faye, what a shock to see you here," Not an intruder, an acquaintance. 

I feel disappointed that I don't get to show off my skills, "Introduce me to this stranger." 

Before Ria could reply, the never squeaked very quietly, "I was just looking for my nail polish." 

"For the third time this week? In OUR room?" 

"Well... to be honest my pet raven always is so cheeky and carrying it over here-" 

Ria interrupts her, "you don't have a raven?" 

"Fine, I just want to hang out with you guys, we shouldn't let the past separate us, I know I did some wrong but forgive me!" she fiddles with her fingers (I couldn't tell if she was nervous or just doing it for the sake of it). She probably watches anime. I roll my eyes. 

My moments of joy from earlier this morning, now replaced with exhaustion. Thus, I was too tired think - it's been a long morning for me, I just want to go sleep. In a fit of exhaustion, I walk forward, "look I don't seem to know who your identity is. Nor do I know your relationship with Ria so I'll be straightforward with you. Go away. Or I won't hesitate." She eyes widen and she looks at Ria who had the biggest grin on her face and fled. I can't remember what happens next because it went so fast, I do vaguely make out, Ria handing me spare pyjamas, mumbling something about the start of a great friendship and the softness of the mattress. 

  ~~~ 

I was dreaming about a penguin playing a kazoo. I am then awoken by a squeak, 'I need to go pee!' and a thud. Grumbling in annoyance, I sit up, adjusting my eyes to the brightness. I then proceed to fall out of bed and land next to another girl on the floor. The next split second later, Ria slams open the bathroom door and rushes in with a power ranger towel hastily wrapped around and orange bubbles in her hair, "what happened? I heard loud noises so I rushed- woaaah"

 Sliding on her bare, wet feet, she too then slipped, landing in a pile next to me face first. She and the other girl burst out laughing. I'm still groggy from sleep. Amongst this mess of girls, out of the blue, a classical Beethoven song (ah, finally my taste) suddenly started overhead – the start of breakfast. 

Ria grumbles and gets of the floor and after sliding about like a cartoon finally manages to get herself back into the shower. I turn to look at the other girl – really dark, smooth skin, curly hair in a mess and cute eyes. She was lopsided and must've fallen off her air mattress. Oh, so that's the thud I heard. She looks right at me, "nice to meet you, newbie. I'm Harley. Let me give you a quick introduction, this used to be my room but I got kicked out so I stay with a friend. I just came this morning to see you but I fell asleep and- I NEED TO PEE!" 

She suddenly shot off the floor in her robe and dashed to the bathroom, she picked the lock with a nearby penny and burst in. There was a scream. And yelling. And more screaming. I laugh. I need to thank mom for sending me here – so much has happened and my first class hasn't started yet.