Chapter 28
All of the Billings Girls stood in the common room. They were all smiling, like they actually wanted me there. Everyone except for Ariana. She looked really pissed. I really didn't get why. It's not like I asked to be here. I was forced into this. Then I realized it, the luggage at the back of the room wasn't mine. It must've been Ariana's. They brought me in and kicked her out? Harsh, I don't even want to be here. I suddenly felt bad for Ariana. This was obviously where she wants to be and I'm being forced to take that away from her.
But Ariana doesn't know that, does she? She probably thinks I convinced Noelle to let me in and kick her out. I'm shocked Noelle kicked Ariana out. I figured she probably would've kicked out someone like Lily, the quiet, sweet girl, who is nothing like the rest of the Billings Girls. She`s not obnoxious like the rest of them. Maybe I`ll get to room with her. That wouldn`t be too bad. It wouldn`t be as good as rooming with Constance, but better than any of the other Billings Girls. Maybe that`s why Noelle didn`t kick her out. Oh, who am I kidding Like Noelle would be that nice, especially to me. If this is how she treats her best friend, how can I expect something nice from her?
I just hoped someone else would come along and I would be able to leave. I just hoped it would happen soon. I didn't know how long I would be able to last, in the same dorm as them.
All of a sudden something occurred to me. Where was Ariana going to live? I hoped it wouldn't be with Constance. That would suck, for both of them.
Finally someone stopped just staring at me and came to talk to me, Lily. "Hey, Reed. I'm so glad you're joining Billings." She said, "Between you and me, it'll be nice to have someone normal living here." She whispered low enough for only me to hear.
"Do I want to know who I'm rooming with, or am I going to regret it?" I asked quietly.
"I'm sorry Reed." Lily replied, I wasn't sure if that meant that she was sorry and she doesn't know, or if she knew and knew I wasn't going to like it. I was hoping for the former. I thought I'd better ask.
"Do you know? Am I going to hate it?"
"Maybe not hate it."
I just looked at her expectantly.
"Noelle. You're rooming with Noelle."
CRAP!
I had really hoped that wouldn't happen.
"Well thanks Lily. I guess I might as well go face the music now. If I don't go now, it will just be worse later."
"You're definitely brave." Lily told me, "I don't know what I would do if I'd had to face all of this alone."
Lily was a senior. This was her last year, but at least I could use her room as a place of refuge here. I was sure I would take advantage of that, a lot. As for next year, well I would just have to hope I was out of here by then.
AN: So sorry this is so short. I hope t update again before I leave on the 11th. The next chapter is Thomas' funeral.