Jennifer POV

I stormed out of the room and headed to the nearest cafe, where I bought a coffee and drank it while collecting my thoughts. Then, I decided to head back, thinking they might have changed their minds. But as I was walking, I saw them too, going to the party. "Backstabbing betrayers," I muttered to myself. I had secretly wanted to go to the party, but I wasn't about to admit that now. Maybe next time. When they tried calling me, I ignored them, wanting to give them the impression that I was angrier than I actually was.

I flopped down on the couch in my dorm, mindlessly scrolling through TikTok. Just a few minutes later, Rohini and Emily burst in, looking frazzled. They plopped down beside me, exasperation etched on their faces. "You're back early," I said with a chuckle.

"They wouldn't let us in," Rohini replied, Emily nodding in agreement.

"No surprise there," I said with a shrug.

"Jenny, we're so sorry – we know what he did to you, and we shouldn't be hanging out with him, but honestly, we just wanted to have some fun," Rohini explained.

"It's okay, I would've done the same if I were you," I said, and they both hugged me tightly.

Amelia POV

The party was a total snooze-fest, and to make matters worse, the girls who dragged me there wouldn't stop talking about my dad and Ryder, who had invited me but proceeded to ignore me all night. I tried calling Rohini, but she didn't answer, so I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I snuck out of the party and made a beeline for the dorm, where I found the girls dancing to Billie Eilish's "One" - except for Jennifer, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else.

"Guys, I'm so sorry," I said, out of breath. "I had no idea they'd lock you out and not let you in."

Rohini raised an eyebrow. "You should have followed us right away."

I nodded sheepishly. "I know, but some girls pulled me in the other direction. I had to sneak out so no one would notice."

Emily suggested, "Let's make a pact - no more parties, okay?" I agreed, and Jennifer chimed in, "And take a bath, you stink!" I laughed. Just then, my phone rang - it was my dad.

"Hey, Dad," I answered, trying to sound cheerful. Rohini smiled and twirled around me.

"Yes, of course, I'm fine," I replied to his usual "Hope you're okay?" question. I filled him in on my dorm life, telling him I loved it and had met some great people. I also mentioned my plans to take on a part-time job, but he advised me against it and suggested joining the writing committee instead.

After my conversation with my dad, he offered to send me some money, which I didn't really need since I already had enough. However, Rohini convinced me to accept it so I could share it with the girls, so I agreed.

Feeling grimy from not bathing since the previous day, I decided to take a shower at 1 a.m., hoping to avoid a crowd. I wrapped a towel around myself and headed to the bathroom, relieved to find it empty. As I washed my body, starting with my face, then my arms, torso, and legs, I felt the soap sudsing up and rinsing away the dirt. Just as I was finishing up, a girl with a masculine build but striking features walked in. Her confident demeanor and sparkling eyes revealed her femininity. I felt a sudden surge of insecurity and quickly tied my towel around me.

She approached me, slowly undressing, and said, "No need to be ashamed."

I replied, "I'm not," trying to sound convincing. She pointed out the soap still on my back and asked why I'd tied my towel so quickly. I shrugged, feeling self-conscious.

She continued, "You know, you'd have more privacy at Michelle's dorm. That's where the rich girls are."

I asked her name, trying to appear comfortable despite my initial fear. She replied, "Salish." I started to introduce myself, but she cut in, "Amelia, I know. You're Senator Addie's daughter."

As we talked, I began to feel more at ease. Salish seemed kind and non-judgmental, so I removed my towel again, still a bit apprehensive. She didn't seem to notice my scars or react with pity, which put me at ease.

Before Salish left, I asked her what she was studying, and she replied, "Quantum Physics." I was surprised to learn we shared the same major. "We should sit together every day, especially during Quantum Mechanics classes," I said. She agreed.

I tied my towel and headed back to my dorm, where everyone was already asleep. I entered my room and found Jennifer awake. "Hey, stinky!" she said with a smile.

"What extra activity do you participate in?" I asked.

"Swimming," she replied. "But the coach is quite handsome." She laughed and started coughing. I handed her a water bottle, and she smiled. "Sorry," I said.

"I'm quite used to it," she replied. "It hasn't been easy, and I have no one to vent to. Rohini and Emily don't know I have cancer; they think it's my fashion sense. I don't know why I easily opened up to you."

"We're probably destined to be besties," I said, and we both laughed.

"Do you believe in religion?" she asked.

"My dad's a public figure; he talks about God all the time," I said. "So, yes, I do."

"I don't know if He's real," Jennifer said, tears rolling down her eyes. "Why does He have to inflict so much pain on me? Why do I have so many disasters in my life? Why does He favor some people and hate others? Why am I like this? Why?"

I hugged her tightly. "He's real, dear. He doesn't hate you. Everything happens for a reason. If you pray to God, He would answer you. Let's go to the chapel on Sunday and pray for divine healing. I know many people who battled cancer and survived. I know I recently just arrived, but I see potential in you. You're strong, and you slay."

"Of course, let's go to the chapel on Sunday," Jennifer said, climbed back to her bunk, put on some loud music, and slept off. I changed into my pajamas, lay on my bed, and wondered about the fun at Ryder's party. A part of me regretted leaving. Shit.