Straight to the bottom

2

Amelia POV

I woke up around 5am to find my roommates already up and getting ready to shower. I was surprised to see them so energetic in the morning, but I decided to follow their lead. As we made our way to the bathroom, I wasn't prepared for what I saw. The girls were all naked, bathing and chatting like it was nothing. The bathroom was in a state of disarray, with menstrual pads clogging the toilet and a generally unpleasant odor filling the air.

I felt a surge of discomfort and almost turned back, but Jennifer caught my eye and smirked. "You should have just asked for a better dorm, gurl," she said, clearly enjoying my distress.

My other roommates seemed oblivious to my discomfort, stripping down and joining the others in the shower without hesitation. I stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to join them and try to fit in, but another part of me was screaming to get out of there as fast as I could.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off my inhibitions, but I couldn't bring myself to join them. Instead, I quickly used the toilet and washed my hands, trying to make a quick escape. As I left the bathroom, Jennifer called out, "Gurl, you're missing out on the fun!" But I just shook my head and kept moving.

I retreated back to our dorm and collapsed onto the old couch, my mind still reeling from the chaotic bathroom scene. I had no intention of taking my bath there, fearing I might contract some sort of infection and leave my father all alone.

I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a clutch, revealing an old vintage nerd outfit - a faded yellow shirt with a pocket protector, high-waisted plaid pants, and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. I added the final touch, wrapping my sandal around my neck like a makeshift scarf.

Just as I was getting comfortable, the girls burst into the dorm, giggling and playfully snacking each other's butts. Jennifer spotted me and burst out laughing. "You didn't take your bath and you're dressed like that?" she teased.

I shrugged, "I couldn't bring myself to use that bathroom. I'll look for a better place to shower during class today."

Jennifer chuckled, "Girl, you're something else." But I just smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction in my quirky outfit and my determination to find a cleaner bathroom.

We all rushed to the large cafeteria, where the girls  were served a questionable meal - a grayish-brown mush that resembled overcooked oatmeal, accompanied by a side of wilted vegetables and a few slices of stale bread. I, on the other hand, was given a hearty plate of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toasted whole-grain bread, likely due to my father's influential position.

As we ate, I asked, "So, how am I going to find my class?"

"Jennifer's class is beside it," Rohini replied, nodding towards Jennifer.

I turned to them and asked, "What are you guys studying, btw?"

"Biochemistry," Emily replied, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

I whistled, "Fuck, that's hard."

Rohini chimed in, "I'm studying Ancient History."

Jennifer rolled her eyes, "I'm doing Medicine."

Rohini asked for my number and added me to their group chat, a first for me since I was always too nerdy in high school. "Let's go," Jennifer said, dragging me along.

I couldn't help but smile at her wig, and she caught me. "Why are you smiling at me like that? Shit, do you like me? Sorry, I don't do girls," she said with a casual yet mean tone.

"Your wig is cute," I replied, trying to lighten the mood.

"Thanks," she said, her expression softening for a moment. "Btw, I watched the news about your mom's death from cancer. Tell me, what drugs did she use to last?"