SET STRAIGHT
Warnings: Rated T for language and some adult content. Trigger warnings given at necessary chapters.
Part One: Ivy Hills
Chapter 1
Muffy looked around the classic grounds of Ivy Hills with a sigh hung in her throat. After spending years in the school system of Elwood City, she was finally free from their wicked ways. She'd been through true tragedies of epic proportions, but here in this private retreat, she hoped to find solace. She hoped to find herself, most of all, but she also wanted peace from all of the enemies she made during her grade school years.
Bailey grumbled as Muffy's luggage was caught up on another cobblestone. Muffy wanted to turn around and scold him, but the grounds were so quiet. She could hear a bird chirp, and from some unknown location, she heard the low academic discussion of two young men.
Ivy Hills was a co-ed private university located forty-five minutes outside of Elwood City. It was nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with spring water said to come from its greatest peaks, though states throughout the range tried to boast such a feat. Muffy knew this place was worthy of such a title, however. Her mother had attended the school when she was Muffy's age, back when it was just a girl's school. Budget reform and scandals had brought the university to its knees, but now it stood, accredited and co-ed, just waiting for great young minds like Muffy's.
Her dormitory was located next to the paved path that led around the schools, the Ivy Hills Trails. They were a new addition that Muffy hoped to utilize during her time at the school, when she'd need a nice walk to clear her head and get her body back to its toned state. Today it was crowded with other children like her. Unlike them, Muffy had a butler to do her dirty work. She led the way, then Bailey, but her parents weren't far behind. They wouldn't miss this moment for the world.
The dormitory was a modern addition for when the school began accepting young men. The old, drafty dorm went to them, but the girls got to claim the newer ones for themselves, though the other was co-ed for the few married couples on campus. It was also home to the school's few international students and honored scholars. Muffy could just picture the famous faces of those who had stayed there. She hoped to be one of them one day.
A modern elevator took Muffy and her small group to the top floor, where she found her room in the corner furthest from the elevator. She put her key into the lock, turned the knob, and entered to find three girls helping a forth put together a table that was taking up most of the tiny dorm.
"We're in the wrong building," Muffy murmured, turning around to her parents, "There must be some Mistake!" she hissed loudly, getting even more attention from the girls inside.
"Muffy, I told you you'd be sharing a dorm," Millicent said calmly, pointing inside, "It looks just like the pictures I sent you. I told you to pay more attention," she added.
"This won't work! I need SPACE and peace and QUIET! How am I supposed to get that with ten other people in here?!" Muffy shrieked.
"You're the last person, and you're the only one making noise," a dark-haired girl called back with a dark tone.
"How dare you!" Muffy hissed, turning around to her, "Just who do you think you are?"
"I could say the same of you, pledge," the girl replied coolly, pointing to her, "Just another weak freshman having a tantrum over something she has zero control over. We eat girls like you for breakfast. Deal with it or leave," the girl said.
"Where should I put Miss Muffy's things?" Bailey asked weakly, sweat pouring from his brow as he tried to carry Muffy's things. He was struggling greatly.
"I'll decide what goes in," Millicent said, turning to Ed, "She's staying whether she likes it or not. Her tuition is non-refundable."
"What?! Just eat the money! I'm NOT staying here!" Muffy bellowed.
"Oh, please, don't make her," another girl said sarcastically, causing a fit of laughter from the others.
"Be nice, girls," the dark-haired girl said calmly, nodding to the butler, "We shouldn't be rude in front of the help."
But Muffy thought she was talking about her. Her tantrum began anew, but Millicent was firm. A bag containing Muffy's clothes and makeup was deposited on her bed, a top bunk shoved into the back corner of the room. Her furniture would have to go back with them, as would any luxury items. She could keep her backpack with her laptop in it and that was it.
Her screams filled the dormitory until security approached to ask about the problem. When they found out, they gave Muffy an ultimatum—stay in the dormitory or spend the night in the campus's lock-up. Muffy quickly quieted herself, throwing herself on her bunk as loudly as she could. The girls only snickered.
Her dream was already broken and it was only the first day.