The Merciless (h.s.)

Chapter Five

Arabella

The walk across campus wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was throughout this walk that I had to log into my school account and scavenge a campus map through the website, since I scoured every corner of the dorm room, both my side and Elle's, and even every crevice of the bathroom, before I realized the map I had specifically printed out and outlined every route I needed had magically disappeared. I could have sworn I laid the crumpled map somewhere on my bed, or near it maybe, but it was nowhere to be seen for the entire morning, and I never realized it was missing during the day yesterday. I had to conclude that it must have been in the garbage bag that Elle threw up in this past Saturday morning, and it had to have been thrown out.

I don't know who or what to thank that I woke up earlier than my eight a.m. alarm, but I am glad I did. Never mind the constant tossing and turning during the night, my pillow mystically growing hotter than burning coals, the back of my neck and the temples of my forehead dripping with sweat every other hour I opened my eyes. If I had not gotten up the minute there was a break of sunlight through those thick purple curtains Elle screwed on, than I wouldn't have had enough time to recoup my route to my classes.

I also am glad I didn't let Elle look me up and down too long either, running out the door the minute she rose out of her bed. The look of uncertainty at my plain jeans and sweater hiding beneath my even plainer jacket was painted all over her face. If I would have stayed another minute, she would have probably demanded I change into something of hers that is more outgoing. I'm not looking to stand out today, though.

The city wind is brisk in the morning, remaining almost solid all around me. There isn't the sound of song thrushes or morning doves calling for the turn of morning, but rather the tattering sound of construction and the beeping horns of endless traffic. There is a fog lingering on the concrete paths leading to the numerous buildings on campus; I'm not sure if it's from the chilly air or the pollution. Nevertheless, the Psychology building is soon in front of me, the wide glass entrance revealing the scattering students already inside, with ten minutes to spare until my first class begins. The inside of the building is much warmer than the outside; I am able to take a deep breath without seeing the exhale of chilly smoke from my lips. I pay no mind to the modern lobby, and triple check that my schedule says my first class is in room 204 before filing into the elevator with a few other students and press the number two.

The minute I enter the classroom, I realize I might have been a little too early. There are six rows of counter-like desk spaces filed together, with a walk space in the middle separating the rows. There are only two other people within the pale gray walls, sitting in the very back left corner of the classroom. They seem to have noticed me too , their lively conversation coming to a halt the minute my presence is sensed. The boy with an icy blonde buzz cut, dark skin, and lavender shirt looks up at me first, before quickly turning away and locking eyes with the girl in pink next to him.

As I am walking down the aisle, the girl with pink bubblegum hair and a matching frilly shirt over her pale skin looks at me next, but her eyes linger a little longer as I make my way to the very far right corner of the room, right next to the wall. I only had the balls to stare for a few seconds, but she was able to last longer, as I could feel her eyes on me even as I sat down and started ripping out all of my supplies for my backpack. When they begin to talk again, it is in a whisper, barring me from hearing the gossip.

After I take out my expensive textbook, my virgin notebook and my two pens, and triple checking that I am in the right classroom, I decide not to look up at anyone again. I try my hardest to cast that stare aside, but I can't help but wonder if I was receiving those the entire way here. I didn't realize how underdressed I am for a day of psychology classes. I should've known Elle's stink face wasn't coming from nowhere. All I can do t is sink further into my seat, hoping nobody else can tell that I am clearly not from here.