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?"

I was taken aback by her sudden intensity. "I don't know, I wasn't really close to my mother. But if you want, I can connect you to her doctor."

Jennifer's eyes welled up with tears. "No thanks, not that desperate. I'm just waiting for the grim reaper to take me along. My given time to live is already over."

I tried to offer some hope. "How many years? My mom was given 5 years but lasted up to 15."

Jennifer's expression turned bitter. "That's because your dad has connections to buy expensive medicine. My dad hates me, and I don't even know my mom. So, get to class."

She pointed at the door, and I entered the Quantum Physics class, surprised to find only a handful of girls among a sea of boys. Jennifer entered the class beside mine, and I couldn't help but wonder about her story.

I slipped into the crowded classroom and found a seat next to a guy who caught my attention. He had chiseled features and a gym-honed physique, but it was his approachable demeanor that really drew me in. As the lecture began, I was relieved to find that I understood the material. When the professor stepped out for a break, I pulled out my phone. That's when the guy turned to me and said, "This isn't your place, Amelia."

I was taken aback. "How did you know my name?" I asked.

He smirked. "You're Senator Addie's daughter. It's in the news. The popular crowd will be looking for you, ready to recruit you because of your dad's money."

For a moment, I forgot that I was somewhat of a public figure. "I'm not like them, I'm different," I protested.

He raised an eyebrow. "I can tell. You don't dress like they do, and you have a great body, but that dress...makes you look ugly. Next time, do your makeup and stuff. This isn't a class for babes like you."

His words struck a nerve, and my insecurities began to surface. I thought about my oversized curves and my breasts, which I sometimes wished were smaller.

"Are you busy tonight?" he asked, his tone flirtatious.

I hesitated. "Not really, why? You want to insult me more?"

He chuckled. "Chill, babe. I'm having a party tonight, and I want you to come."

I declined, but he persisted. "Please, please, please."

I relented, asking if I could bring my friends along. When I mentioned Jennifer, Rohini, and Emily, he laughed. "What the heck, you're friends with that bald-headed cancer bitch?"

His words stung, and I reconsidered. "Well, then, I'm sorry, I can't come."

He apologized profusely, asking me to reconsider, and I agreed to think about it. As we exchanged numbers, he texted me the address and instructed me to bring expensive alcohol.

The lecture finally ended after an hour, and as he was about to leave, I surprised myself by holding his hand. "You haven't told me your name," I said.

Ryder grinned, winked, and said, "I'm Ryder." Then, he left.

I packed my books, still feeling confused, and headed back to the hostel. My only class for the day was over, and I had a free schedule for the rest of the day, except for some unnecessary activities.

When I arrived at the dorm, I met the girls there. "You guys are back early?" I asked.

"Mondays are our free day, and we only have one class, which is always the hardest," Emily replied.

I sat down, sighed, and asked, "Do you guys know who Ryder is?"

They immediately gave him their full attention. "That bitch," Jennifer said.

"The hottest guy in school who hosts the biggest parties," Rohini added.

Just then, I received a text message with the address to Ryder's party. "He asked me to come to his party," I said.

"You should go, girl, you might get him," Emily smiled.

"He's a player," Jennifer warned.

"I begged him if you guys could come along, and he said yes," I said, smiling.

This was my first party ever; in high school, no one had ever invited me. "Shiitrrrr," Rohini exclaimed, hugging me tight. "We need a break; we've been too goodie-goodie. We need to get drunk tonight."

"You guys are losing yourselves, going to a party, getting drunk? This isn't like you; you're meant to be stuck up reading," Jennifer said, disapprovingly.

"Come on, Jenny—"Rohini said

"Don't call me Jenny," Jennifer interrupted.

"Fine, you guys can go, but guess what? We aren't like them. They'll take you guys to a corner and ignore y'all  because we're some ugly bitches. You guys can go; I'm not interested," Jennifer said, storming outside.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked, concerned about Jennifer's sudden outburst.

Rohini leaned in, a sympathetic look on her face. "Rumors are going around that Ryder was the one who took Jennifer's virginity just last week that she came. But then, he dumped her and started spreading rumors that...well, that her private area smells like fish."

Emily nodded in agreement, her expression somber. "Yeah, it's been really tough on her. She's been trying to keep her head up, but it's hard when everyone's talking about it."

"We don't have to go then," I said, considering skipping the party.

But Emily was insistent. "Girl, no! It's my first party, and I need a break!"

Rohini agreed. "Yeah, come on, it'll be fun!"

I hesitated, feeling unprepared. "But I don't have any party clothes or makeup."

They laughed. "Don't worry, we've got this!"

With their help, I transformed into a party-ready version of myself. Rohini lent me a stunning outfit that accentuated my curves, and Emily worked her magic on my hair and makeup. We were ready to go, but Jennifer was still nowhere to be found.

As we arrived at the party, we saw Jennifer on the road, but she ignored us and walked away. Rohini led me to the address, and when we arrived, the party was in full swing. Ryder opened the door, hugged me, and welcomed me inside. But when Rohini and Emily tried to enter, he locked the door on them and pocketed the key.

"Let them in or let me go!" I demanded, but Ryder just laughed and told me I was going to enjoy myself.

As I tried to leave, three girls who looked like they belonged in a magazine grabbed me and hugged me. "Amelia!" they exclaimed. I realized that my dad's fame had preceded me.

"Come dance with us!" one of them said, dragging me to the dance floor. I watched through the glass door as Rohini and Emily left, feeling a pang of regret. I had messed up.