Outside Sterling Hall, the campus is alive with activity. Students everywhere, laughing, talking, existing in their comfortable social circles. I've been here three hours and I already feel like an outsider.
Berkeley was easy. I knew the system, played the game, excelled without really trying. Transferred here on a whim, no, not a whim. A calculated decision made after six months of research and one too many late nights thinking about Ivy Chen.
My phone buzzes. My mother.
Mom:Did you settle in? Met with your assigned mentor?
I stare at the text. She knows exactly who my assigned mentor is. Did her research, found out Ivy was here, and decided this would be good for me, even though she wants me to stay away from Ivy, she made sure I came to the same university she was at, to punish me. For what, who knows with that woman anymore.
My mother doesn't do anything without an agenda.
Me:Yes. Everything's fine.
Mom:And Miss Chen? She was pleasant?
She knows Ivy wasn't pleasant. Knows exactly what I did three years ago because she orchestrated it.
Me:She was professional.
Mom:Good. Remember why you're there. Education. Networking. Not getting distracted by the past.
I don't respond. Just pocket my phone and head toward my dorm.
The truth is, I don't know why I'm here. Or I do, but I can't admit it. Can't face the fact that I upended my entire life because I couldn't stop thinking about a girl I destroyed.
A girl who looked at me today with pure hatred.
I deserve that hatred. I earned it. Cultivated it, even, with every cruel word I said to protect her from my family's threats.
But seeing it directed at me, seeing her eyes go cold and dismissive hurts worse than I expected.
My roommate is already moved in when I arrive. Marcus something, business major, seems friendly enough. He's unpacking boxes while listening to music.
"Hey! You must be Ethan." He offers a hand. "Marcus Rivera. Looks like we're stuck together this year."
"Looks like it." I shake his hand. "Already moved in?"
"Yeah, got here yesterday. Wanted to beat the rush." He gestures to the empty side of the room. "That's all you. Let me know if you need help with anything."
"Thanks."
I start unpacking my bags, I traveled light, most of my stuff is getting shipped separately. Marcus makes small talk about classes, campus life, the best places to eat. He's easy to be around, undemanding.
"So what made you transfer from Berkeley?" he asks eventually. "That's a hell of a school to leave."
"Family reasons. My parents wanted me closer to the East Coast. Business connections."
It's not entirely a lie. My father has been pushing for Thornhill connections for years. It just has nothing to do with why I'm actually here.
"Makes sense. Thornhill's got a serious business program. You'll like it." Marcus pauses. "Oh, and fair warning, Greek life is huge here. If you're into that, rush starts next week."
"Not really my thing."
"Mine either. But there are other ways to meet people. Clubs, sports, parties." He grins. "Lots of parties. Are you seeing anyone?"
"No."
"Then you're in luck. Thornhill's full of attractive people with questionable judgment. You'll fit right in."