The Academy

Chapter 1

I've been working in the library cafe for 3 years: ever since my freshman year here, and never has it ever been this fucking busy. Usually there's a lunch rush, but only those who have barricaded themselves here to study tend to participate. Today it seems like the whole school wants cold sandwiches and not coffee from here.

Mac and I have no idea why its like this, but if the crowd doesn't thin out soon, we're going to run out of everything. The whipped cream ran out 20 minutes ago and the bread is running dangerously low. So I'm going to take 2 second and check my phone to see if someone texted me news that might indicate what is going on. And sure enough, I got a rave message an hour ago; there was a fire in the cafeteria with an unknown cause, so its closed for the rest of the day while authorities investigate the scene. Why would they need to investigate? Kitchens are very capable of catching fire.

After the rush finally slows down, Mac decides to close and who am I to disagree? I am beat and there's not much we can sell unless we want to auction off the equipment.

"Hey, Athena, do you want me to give you a ride back to your dorm? Its on my way off campus and its freezing rain outside."

"Thanks Mac, I'd appreciate that. I definitely did not dress for this cold ass weather."

Mac and I have worked together since I started here. At the beginning of the fall semester, he was promoted to manager of the cafe. Only grad students are given that position... they need the extra pay more and typically have more experience. We were instant work friends and have shared many interesting shifts in the last three years.

"Did you see the rave text about what happened?"

"No! I haven't checked my phone. What happened?"

"There was a fire in the cafeteria and they closed it to investigate."

"Really!? That's weird. You'd think that a kitchen fire would have an obvious cause. There must be more to it."

"That's what I thought. Kitchens have ovens and stoves and sometimes things are lit on fire on purpose. I assumed a culinary student made a mistake or something common."

"It's probably just routine to investigate a fire on campus. At least it explains why it was so fucking busy. I'm going to have to order extra ingredients to make up for what we used today. Good thing we have a delivery tomorrow, even if I have to be there at 7 am to sign for it. Being in charge isn't all fun and games, you know."

As he finishes, we pull up to my dorm and I get out of his Jeep. "Thanks for the ride Mac. Good luck with the delivery tomorrow! Haha!"

As I'm shutting the door, he flips me off with a smile. Mac pulls off and I scan my ID to unlock the doors to my building.

——————-

I wake up Saturday morning to the sound of my phone vibrating half to death with an incoming call. I had set an alarm for 9 with the intention of having a "productive" day. The only person I know that would call me before then is my mother, so I reluctantly answer. "Hey mom."

"Hey I know you were probably still sleeping but I took Monday off so James and I could come up there and see you. We know you have a long weekend and wanted to visit."

"Okay. That sounds good. Are you sure you want to make the drive though? Nine hours is a long time to drive just to see me for a day or two."

"Are you trying to get out of seeing your own mother? Well, too bad. James and I got into town last night. Surprise! We want to take you out for lunch."

"Oh! Okay. I'll be ready at noon. I'll text you my dorm address."

"We'll see you at 11:30. Love you! Bye!"

"Love you too!"

I guess I might as well get up, its practically 9 now anyways. Its weird that she would drive up her with James like that. It's a very very long drive and I know she hates crossing the bridge. Maybe they got engaged and she wants to tell me in person. But what about Olive? She goes to school much farther away than me. I mean I'm still in the same state. But she'd be upset if I found out first and in person and she only got a phone call. Although, I am the oldest, so I should have extra privileges in adulthood. Mom's probably not engaged though... she would have posted about it on Instagram and Facebook.

Still, I wonder if there is some reason for her driving up here like this. Her and James could have instead gone on a shorter trip for a romantic weekend getaway or some nasty shit.

I finally roll out of bed to find my roommate nowhere to be found. She's usually still knocked the fuck out right now. Come to think of it, I didn't hear her come home last night either and she's not one to make a quiet entrance. I text her: "Are you alright? Didn't hear you come back last night. Text me ASAP so I know you're alive"

She responds quickly, "Bro, I'm so fucking hungover. I got so drunk last night that I took an Uber home on accident. Scared the shit out of my parents at 3 am. So I'm not alright, but I'm alive and moderately safe... they're pissed that I was so pissed."

Leda is fucking crazy when she's drunk, so even though she is of age, I'm not surprised her parents are ticked off. Especially if she scared them at 3 in the morning.

A/N: I don't know if anyone is going to read this, but if you do, please comment what you think, I have a lot more written but I want to know how people are feeling, so lmk please. Thanks