The past week has been utter hell. I didn't realize it would hurt so much to the point where I felt confined to my bed. I expected to feel the same way when Willa and I broke up. Granted she broke up with me, but the feelings were more intensified with this breakup. I had ended things, yet I felt lost and defeated. It didn't help my self confidence that Alicia acted as if nothing happened. I realized that if she started acting differently around school then she'd raise suspicions, but I was hoping for something that might indicate she was saddened. She also wanted nothing to do with me because I'd try and reach out to her, but she'd just ignore me. I think I'm beginning to fall into a depression.

"That's it!" Rosé assaulted me with a pillow. "It's time to go to class and you aren't missing another day. That's what Tamsin wants and we won't give in to her. So up!"I hissed after she ripped the covers off me. "Let's go!" She started smacking my butt.

"Ahhh! Fine!" I jumped off and did my routine. Rosé gave me a pep talk while straightening my tie.

"You got this! Don't let anyone be the reason you back out of something! Screw Tamsin!" She patted my shoulders and teared up as we made eye contact. "My baby's all grown up." She pretended to wipe a tear.

"Oh my God!" I chuckled as I pulled her into a hug. "Thanks. Ready to take on the day?" I sighed out. Instead of responding, Rosé yanked me out the room. Walking to class was the most awkward thing ever. I was used to being stared at whenever Alicia would speak to me, but this experience was entirely different. I felt like I was on display to be mocked at. The whispers, pointing, and laughter was enough to make me nauseous. I felt bad for Rosé since she would probably be mocked later for holding my hand.

"Leon!" He turned around to see us. He broke out into a smile and engulfed me in a hug. "Take care of my girl." She gave me a hug before leaving to attend her class.

"Just do what I do. Ignore and keep walking." He whispered. Leon then took my hand and we walked through the crowd of homophobic teens. Some of our peers pelted the words fag, dyke, ass lover, and other offensive terms. Leon and I ignored them and kept our heads high as we entered English class. We sat and absorbed everything the professor was lecturing about. I glanced at Leon out of the corner of my eye and smiled. Because of him, I have the strength to be out and proud here. Ya, I may face homophobic slurs here, but I don't care. I'm me and no one can take that away. I also have to thank Rosé for pushing me to attend class.

Class ended and Leon, as usual, insisted on accompanying me to class. This time, I think he wanted to be with me in case anyone tried to assault me. Good thing he was with me today because that almost happened. Since we were chatting, we initially didn't notice the group of boys who obstructed our path. Before Leon could ask them to move, one of them shoved him onto the ground. The gang of boys laughed as they kicked Leon's books away and dumped his bag in the trash. One of the guys pinned me to the locker and started whispering dirty things that he'd like to do to me. I saw Alicia observing the scene. She just stood and did nothing. It was at that moment I recognized the group of guys were her friends. I glanced back at the spot she occupied and realized she had moved. Shortly after, Shawn and Justin appeared and flung the guy off me. The guy was ready to fight them, but the leader called him back. Shawn then went and helped Leon to his feet while Justin checked on me. The bell rang signaling that we would be late.

I thanked Justin for walking me to class and then awkwardly interrupted the history class. The professor and students stared as I sat next to Hyde and Cher. Once the professor decided to keep lecturing, Hyde whispered to me.

"Why you late?"

"Leon and I got assaulted in the hallway."

"What?!" Cher shouted. The entire class ceased and stared at her in confusion and annoyance. "Professor! She was assaulted on school property! Those people need to be brought to justice!" I tried to quiet Cher, but she refused to back down. "This is unacceptable and not the reputation Xavier Academy needs! This is absolutely repulsive!"

"Okay, Cher. I'll write up a report after class. Please sit down." Our history teacher sharply spoke. That seemed to appease Cher since she sat down with a smirk.

"Thanks." I whispered.

"Because it'll just keep happening. Better to stop it right away. I got your back, girlie." She winked.

"If anything like that happens again, tell us." I nodded at Hyde's demand. The rest of the class continued without a hitch until 5 minutes before it ended.

"Alright, students." The professor got our attention. "It is the last couple of weeks before the end of the semester which means that I'll announce your second semester project." Collective groans resounded throughout the room. "The theme will be challenging the status quo. Pick a time in history when this was observed and relate it to today. You will be in groups of three." Hyde, Cher, and I looked at each other and smiled. "That I'll be assigning." Our smiles dropped. Our frowns deepened as she read off the group list and we realized none of us would be together. "Tonkin, Vanheister, and McAllister." McAllister? Alicia wasn't in my class. I regretted my decision of glancing behind me because I saw a fuming Zara staring daggers at me. Why me? The bell rang and we were dismissed. " Start mapping out your projects because it will be time consuming." She called out while students were leaving. Before I could stand up, Zara plopped down in the seat next to me and flung the project instructions at me.

"Get started. I want an update right before break and then every other week starting next semester. I also want the project done a week prior and-"

"Hell, no. You are doing the project as well." I cut her off.

"Are you demanding me?" She was pissed.

"Read my lips." I slowly spoke.

"I'm not into that."

"I'm. Not. Negotiating." I said through gritted teeth before shoving the papers into her hands. She was fuming at this point. I don't know what came over me that allowed me to have the balls to take her on. I was aware that we were getting stares, but I refused to back down. I could do this all day.

"Fine. Meet at my house later." She suddenly stood up.

"Why not at my dorm? Your house is off campus."

"Because a McAllister wouldn't be caught dead entering a dormitory. The most we'd ever enter is a Greek house. Find your own ride to my place and figure out the address while you're at it." She left the room. What a bitch!

X

I stared at the keypad outside of the metal gates. During lunch, I ranted to everyone about Zara. They just chuckled and said that was Zara on a good day. Once I finished my tirade, fear began to seep in. They questioned why I had suddenly gone quiet so I told them that I had to go to the McAllisters place. They stared at me with wide eyes since they couldn't believe Zara had invited me over. Well, it was more of a demand than a simple invitation. I was scared because I'd be going to Alicia's house and didn't want to run into her. Taylor and Hailey eased my fears whereas Rosé and the boys looked up their address. I got KJ to give me a ride over since Zara refused to offer me one. He was hesitant to leave, but reluctantly did when I told him I'd text him if anything happened.

"Hello." A staticy voice was heard.

"Uh hi. I'm Nicola. Zara invited-" A click was heard and the gates opened. I sauntered through the gates and finally had the chance to admire the mansion. I've only been here once with Alicia, but that was at night. And then in the morning, we had to quickly sneak out. It was absolutely massive. I saw a golf cart race towards me and abruptly stop.

"Miss Nicola, I would be honored to offer you a ride." The butler exited and retrieved my bags. He led me to the cart and drove towards the entrance. "Lady Zara is in the living room. I shall lead the way for you." I nodded and followed how he expertly navigated the maze that was this house. My eyes would scan the different decorations adorning the house and how the shades of color beautifully contrasted against the furniture. "Lady Zara, your guest is here." He bowed after placing my bag down.

"Thank you." He smiled at my gratitude before leaving us. Zara did a once over before demanding I head to her room. I grabbed my bag and flowed her twists and turns around the house. She ascended the staircase and led me through more hallways until we arrived at her room. She opened the door and went to her desk. Her room was... interesting. There were two different themes in this room and it was diagonally divided. On one side, I got a boho chic vibe while the other side was girlier with pinks and purple decor. Zara sat on the boho chic side.

"It's around the time Tamsin comes home and I'm not in the mood to deal with her disgust concerning your presence." She noticed my eyes were observing her room in a curious manner. "I share my room with Gemma. She's the one with the girly decorum."

"I'm surprised you don't have your own room."

"That's because we like to share everything. Now, you can sit on her side and do your work. Do not talk to me." She swiveled around in her chair and began working on the outline. How are we supposed to work on a group project if she didn't want to work with me? Actually, wasn't there someone else in our group? I just shrugged my shoulders and sat at Gemma's desk. I pulled out my supplies and began to outline how I thought the project should be. It was incredibly awkward because of the tension.

"Lady Zara." We turned around to see a maid entering with a machine. She placed a platter of cheeses and crackers on both our desks before operating the machine. She placed an oxygen mask over Zara's face before playing soothing music over the speakers. Zara continued to do her work while the machine provided her with fresh oxygen. After a few minutes, the maid removed the mask from her face.

"Thank you." Zara excused her. She then glanced at me causing me to quickly avert my gaze. "I have a chronic lung condition. Well, many conditions. First off, I was born with an abnormally small lung. Then it collapsed and had to be removed so I only have one lung. And then, I have asthma to top it all off. Normally, we'd have you sign an NDA before disclosing any of our health issues, but no one would believe you anyways." She turned around.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's amazing because you can manage being a top ice skater even though you have a lung disease and only one lung." I smiled.

"I mean... it's not that special in my family. I'm not the only one with health issues. Gemzi, my twin, has kidney issues where she had to be on dialysis when she was young. Now he has a transplant that works, so she's pretty stable. And then Alicia has a heart condition which is why she's like always in New York. Only Tamsin escaped without any issues. That's why she's my mother's favorite... because she isn't deformed." Alicia has a chronic disease? I shook my head because I had to focus on Zara and not Alicia right now.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with being 'deformed'."

"She told us." Zara bitterly spoke. "Anyways, why am I talking to you?" She spun back around in her chair. We were silently working for a while when Zara interrupted the relaxing music. "Did she write them up?" I glanced up, but she wasn't looking at me. Her attention was focused on the sheet of paper in front of her.

"What?"

"The professor. She said she'd write up a report about those boys who assaulted you. Did she?" This time, she looked up.

"Uh ya."

"Good." We continued to silently work for another hour before I decided it was time to leave. I told her I was leaving, but she paid me no attention. I exited her room and made my way to leave. Well, I thought I was leaving, but I got lost in the house. I legit had no idea where to go.

"Nicola?" I turned around to see Gemma. "Yay! I got your name right! I have a terrible memory sometimes. Did you get lost?" She cocked her head to the side and gave me an adorable look. I nodded causing her to laugh. "It can be pretty confusing if you're not used to it. Here's the thing... I'd walk you out, but... it's dinner time and I'd like to invite you for dinner. Then, you can leave. How does that sound?" She didn't wait for my reply since she grabbed my hand and dragged me downstairs. Oh, so that's where you turn. "I'm gonna tell Z that she has to be a proper hostess and actually walk you out next time." She giggled.

Gemma guided me to the living room where Tamsin and Alicia were sitting. Zara had ran into us and gave Gemma a questioning look. Zara just shrugged and sat next to Alicia. Gemma took the seat next to Tamsin which left me directly across from... you guessed it. Alicia. Her eyes nearly popped out of their socket when she noticed it was me.

"Why is SHE here?" Tamsin spoke with distaste. The butlers placed the meals in front of us before leaving.

"Because she's a guest and we need to be hospitable." Gemma spoke with a smile.

"You invited her here?!"

"I did." All eyes were on Zara who couldn't give a shit.

"Why would you invite this atrocity into our house?! She's a dy-"

"I wouldn't finish that word if I were you." Alicia spoke threateningly.

"We have a project and she's my partner. I have no interest in working with Lucas since he'd drag down our grade. We had to work on it and I wasn't going to be in her dorm so I invited her here. Deal with it." Zara sliced her chicken.

"I don't want sinners in my house." Tamsin condescendingly spoke.

"Since when are you religious?" Zara questioned. "Especially considering your morally corrupt business practices as well as your lack of celibacy." I had to stifle a laugh. Alicia noticed and gave me a small smirk. I'm still mad at her, so I averted my gaze.

"I don't want to be associated with gays!"

"Then how would we do our hair and makeup and our outfits?" Gemma adorably questioned. Based on the way she acts, it's hard to believe that she's older than Alicia.

"Tamsin, we are at the dinner table. I think you've exhausted enough hostility. Like Gemzi said, we are hosts and we need to be hospitable." Alicia spoke.

"Fine. Casual conversation then." Zara and Alicia rolled their eyes at Tamsin. "Who was the girl in the photo with you?" Alicia nearly choked on her chicken. I made eye contact with Alicia who was pleading with her eyes not to say anything. I could totally just out her here.

"What makes you think she goes to the school?" Tamsin's eyes widened. "Looks like you can't ruin another innocent person's life."

"I'm done." Tamsin announced as she stood up and left in a haste. There was a pregnant pause until Gemma decided to break it.

"How'd you like our room?" Gemma excitingly asked.

X

After that awkward dinner, Gemma led me outside and I waved her off. I kinda lied about having a ride, but I didn't want to stay in that house any longer than I had to. I tried calling KJ, but he wouldn't answer. I then noticed the time and realized that he was probably still fencing. I guess I could call an Uber, but I know that's gonna be hella expensive. Well, I have no other option. I downloaded the app and started putting in my info. I jumped when the gate opened to reveal a sleek Bugatti. I'm not even surprised they own a car like that. I ignored it and put in my credit card information.

"Hey!" I recognized that angelic voice. Curses! Why?! I glanced up to see Alicia had rolled down the passenger window. "I know you don't have a ride, so let me drop you off." I defiantly ignored her and began walking. She sighed before following me in the car. She kept trying to persuade me to get in the car while I kept walking. "Please." She begged. "It'll be a long walk and it's getting dark outside." I looked at my phone and nearly passed out when I saw how much the Uber cost. Yep. I can't afford that. "I'm not going to have you walk in the dark. Maybe if you were an ugly troll up,but you're not and could get snatched." I still walked. "NICOLA!" I stopped and turned to see her angry expression.

"WHAT?! Why would I want to get in a car with you?! After everything-" My rant was interrupted by droplets. Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. I heard Alicia snicker as lightning flashed through the sky and thunder rumbled.

"Still don't want the ride?" She smirked. I rolled my eyes as I opened the passenger door. I plopped in with a huff and crossed my arms. The moment I closed the door, rain began to pelt against the car. "Hmm..." Alicia hummed while staring at her phone.

"What?"

"It seems like school will be cancelled tomorrow due to flash flood warnings. Which means... I can't drive you back because it isn't safe enough." I gave her a confused look before it dawned on me.

"No."

"Looks like you'll be spending the night here." She smirked while turning the car around. You've got to be shittting me!