Chapter 2: Enter the Vortex
Anyone could tell you that standing toe to toe with a dude who was twice you size is a bad idea. Aaron was usually the smartass telling you that fact himself and yet here he was, squaring up to Zachary Riggins on his first day.
The scene had gathered a small number of eyes from around the cafeteria and they were all looking on with keen interest to see what would happen next.
Rachel just stood behind Zach, confused as to what was unfolding in front of her. Victoria on the other hand had no interest in the shitty bravado show in front of her and just scrolled along her phone, paying no interest to the people in front of her.
Aaron had to think of a way to not just get smashed in the face. He had no idea what to make of this situation and was worried his first day at Blackwell would also be his last.
"Why are you being such a dick?" Was all he could muster. "Picking on a girl in front of her friends, shit you must be desperate for some attention" Aaron was trying to avoid physical confrontation but didn't realise he was only poking the bear…or Gorilla.
"I suggest you back the fuck up before you get a load of fist" Zach called back as he prodded Aaron in the chest. Things had gotten really heated.
Luckily, Aaron was able to avoid a knuckle sandwich thanks to the intervention of Dr Scott of all people.
She had overheard the commotion from her table and realised a fight was brewing. Seeing as she had a duty of care to the students at the school, she realised she was going to have to intervene.
The sound of her heels clinking along the floor was overshadowed by her voice calling for the two boys to back up.
"I don't know what's going on here but I'm pretty sure two students wouldn't be stupid enough to fight in the middle of all these witnesses as well as a member of the teaching staff?" Her rhetorical question was dripping with both fury and sarcasm.
Zach just sighed and rolled his eyes before walking backwards towards the door of the cafeteria, his gaze fixed on Aaron as he exited.
Aaron just let out a silent sigh of relive as the onlooking crowd dispersed. It was over and he was lucky not to have had his ass kicked. He turned to Dr Scott to offer some form of explanation but found himself unable to get a word in.
"Save it!" she bellowed. You can tell me all about it after class tomorrow" she said with a stern scowl before turning and walking away, the tell-tale sound of her heels hitting the floor as she walked.
Aaron was left standing at the Vortex girls lunch table and found he was being looked up and down by the President herself. Aaron just felt his face turn red as he was yet again, embarrassed.
"So, you nearly got your ass kicked by my boyfriend on your first day, interesting"
"Well, I didn't think he was your boyfriend" Aaron felt incredibly stupid as he took in the words Rachel just said. "I figured a guy like that was more into dudes rather than attractive women" Why the fuck did I just say that? He thought as he felt his face get even redder.
The comment earned him a raised eye from Rachel. Even Victoria was now paying attention.
"Right, so brave, not stupid then" Rachel replied. Well it was nice to meet you Mr Brave-not-Stupid" Rachel said as she sat back down in her seat. "I think your friends are waiting for you?" She called with a nod to Justin, Chloe and Max who were standing by their table, ready to leave with Aaron.
As he walked back to them, he couldn't feel Victoria's eyes burning a hole through him. All he could think about was getting out of the cafeteria as quickly as possible.
The group followed Aaron out the doors and made their exit. Aaron was almost instantly hounded by Justin's questions.
"Dude that was awesome"
Failing to see how nearly getting his ass kicked was awesome, Aaron just ignored the comment and carried on walking.
"You're actually crazy" Chloe called from her position to the right of Aaron. "That dude was freaking huge and you actually wanted to fight him"
"I didn't want to fight him" Aaron protested. "I just, uh, was ready, to uh, fight him?" He stumbled over his words, realising he went into that confrontation with no actual plan other than help the pretty girl.
"Well I think it was rad, dude!" Justin interjected again. "Wait 'til I tell Trevor bro, the DOG's will love this"
Aaron just rolled his eyes and leant up against the wall, sighing as he looked at the roof.
"Why would your friends in a fraternity care about Aaron nearly getting his ass kicked?" Max called out as she held her books close to her chest.
"That's the thing bro" Max's face scrunched up at Justin calling her such a masculine adjective. "The Delta Omega Gamma frat hate the Alpha Tau Zeta frat. It's like such bad blood" Justin evaluated, causing Chloe to shake her head in disbelief. She had heard enough about childish fraternity drama for one day.
"Look, can we stop going on about it now?" Aaron asked as he looked back at the group. "It was dumb and stupid but it's over now so can we move on?"
The silent mumbles from everyone was enough agreement Aaron needed to hear.
It wasn't a big deal, he only squared up to Zach and a teacher broke it up. It's not like they actually laid blows into each other.
Understandably, Aaron could see how utterly stupid the whole thing was and how it could have been avoided completely.
He was, however, interested in the reason behind the two frats didn't seem to get on. No matter how he wanted to ignore all the stupid cliché tropes that came with college, he found himself being drawn in more and more.
The Tau Epsilon Chi house was located close to the open field in front of the dorms. If you were to look at the Indigenous totem pole and to your right, you'd be able to see it. Blackwell wasn't as large as most universities so there wasn't as much privacy and space to go around.
It was a modest house with enough rooms to house the sisters of the Sorority and allow for what few luxurious items and facilities they would like.
It was painted a dark grey with white trimmings and accents before being capped off by a black slated roof.
The living room held a large L shaped couch in front of a highly placed wide window. The couch was white leather but covered by an ugly, furry lime green throw.
Rachel sat cross-legged in the middle of said couch as she typed away on her laptop. She was in her final year and work on her dissertation had already began. She planned to work and party in moderation, ensuring there was the right balance.
Victoria on the other hand was in no rush to study. She was far more interested on scrolling through her social feed.
The entire cafeteria drama had been enough for Rachel for one day so she figured the quiet silence would do her some good.
The silence was broken when Courtney and Taylor entered the living room and filled the gap in the couch.
"Hey sisters" Taylor began as she threw a red sucker over to Victoria. "Courtney was just telling me about the drama that went down with Zach and some freshman earlier.
"Uh, this again?" Rachel called out in a frustrated tone, not even looking up from her laptop.
All she could hear was Victoria's laughter from her right side.
"Oh that shit was so lame" Victoria began before placing the red spherical candy in her mouth. "This kid just waltzes up to Zach and it ready to go twelve rounds with him. The whole thing was so gauche"
"So Zach is still mad about the party?" Taylor asked looking at Rachel for an answer.
"I mean, I guess so but it's honestly none of his business" Rachel called back, still focused on her dissertation. "I get where he's coming from but we party with the Alpha's all the time, it's gotten boring"
"I for one am glad you and Tommy had the idea for us to party together" Victoria interjected. He may be a humungous asshole but this was one of his better judgment calls"
The issue in question was that of parties. The one thing many students chose to attend higher education in the first place. Tommy, Taylor's boyfriend had suggested the idea that the Vortex Sorority party with his Fraternity. In doing so, it pissed the Jocks off immeasurably.
This was of course, all pre meditated. The DOG's and ATZ had been in a state of cold war for a while and this was just another move on their part. Stop the hot girls from partying with them.
Of course, when news that the Vortex girls were continuing to party with the DOG's found its way back to Zach, he was less than pleased.
"I take it things still aren't great between you two?" Courtney asked as she crossed her legs in her seated position.
"Yes, Courtney, me and Zach are still not talking!" Rachel yelled back, finally looking up from her laptop.
Taylor and Victoria just looked at each other from across the couch as tension filled the room.
"I don't see why you haven't dropped his loser ass yet?" Victoria said as she leaned forward. She new this was a sore subject for Rachel but if there was one thing Victoria wasn't, it was compassionate.
"It's…just better for everyone if we stay together" Rachel replied as she started down at the floor. Two presidents united is a good image" her tone wasn't exactly filled with enthusiasm.
"Oh come on, Rach, he cheated on you" Victoria called, knowing what button she was pushing.
Taylor and Courtney just held each other instinctively as they waited for Rachel to blow a fuse.
"Uh, fuck, Vickie!" Rachel shouted, holding her fingers up, showing off her frustration. "He just…kissed her, that's all" Rachel quietened down, trying to compose herself and justify Zach's actions.
Victoria almost allowed the smile she was hiding to creep onto her face as she twirled the red sucker around in her mouth.
"That's all you saw him do, how do you know what—" Victoria was cut off when Rachel stood up.
"Look, I don't wanna talk about this right now. I need to make more progress on this if I wanna go tonight and listening to you guys isn't helping" Rachel said in an attempt to move past the conversation.
She tried to mask her blatant sadness behind an excuse of needing to study. But she wasn't fooling anyone. Those who knew Rachel would understand that she wasn't sad about what Zach may or may not have done but more upset with how it made her look.
Her image was everything and she had a load of responsibility as the president of the only Sorority at Blackwell. She knew that the party the DOG's were hosting tonight was a must attend event. It was the official start of term party and in order to maintain her image, she would have to attend. It would show that the TEX's were united despite the rumours circulating about her boyfriend's, if you could call him that, loyalty.
Rachel did have to make headway on her work, that wasn't a lie. Her personal discipline couldn't suffer because of social events. Gossip and a party were nothing compared to her future.
The three remaining Vortex sisters just sat in an air of awkwardness for a few seconds as Rachel retreated to her room.
"Yikes Vickie" Courtney said, breaking the silence. "Was that really needed?"
"Yes, she needs to cut this wound out before it festers" Victoria replied as she deposited the plastic stick from her now eaten sucker into a crystal ashtray on the table in front of her. "Zach ad her aren't gonna last but if she wants to keep him around a bit longer, fine. Just don't jeopardise the Vortex sisters because of it"
"So we're going to the party?" Taylor called over.
"Yes Taylor, that much was never up for doubt" Victoria began. "It's not about choosing sides, it's just the DOG parties are better than those bro fests the Jocks throw. If they wanna get pissed off, fine, screw them but their feelings won't impact on us. Rachel knows this, she just needs to get past this silly little obstacle and she'll be right as rain"
"You think that freshman will be there?" Taylor began. "Courtney said he was hot"
"I did not!" Courtney yelled in protest as she hit Taylor with a pillow.
"Uh, that piece of meat bores me. He better not be another white knight who thinks girls will throw themselves at him just because he's nice" Victoria commented as she pulled out a cigarette and placed it behind her left ear.
"Yeah, I can see why that pissed Zach off, it was like he was making a move on Rachel" Taylor giggled as she threw the pillow back to Courtney.
It was then the cogs in Victoria's head started to turn. She could see an opportunity to play the game that she so loves to play.
"I doubt there'll be that many freshmen at this party anyway" Victoria stated as she stood up off the couch. "But if there were the right amount, I bet things could be…interesting" and with that she headed outside to smoke, leaving the other two girls alone.
Victoria saw life as a giant chess board; always staying several moves ahead. She liked to be in control of every situation, it meant there was less surprises for her to encounter.
The silly joke Taylor had made now gave way to an idea that had taken root inside her devious brain. It would only work if Aaron decided he would attend this party. Victoria wasn't going to outright ask him. She didn't care that much but still, if the opportunity arises, she would make damn sure she capitalised on it.
She would have her answer at the party later tonight.
Max had found solace in reading a book on chiaroscuro in preparation for her photography classes that would be starting tomorrow. The library of Blackwell wasn't very big but it offered nice solace to those who chose to indulge.
While classes didn't start until tomorrow, there were several 'Introduction to' classes that were optional to attend. After the chaos that nearly erupted in the cafeteria, Max figured class would be a good way to get back into normality.
Mark Jefferson, the photography teacher was someone who knew his field very well. He had the experience and credibility that saw him being the perfect choice to be a lecturer at Blackwell.
Max had followed his work for a while and couldn't help but feel like it would be an insult to not only herself, but those in the world of photography if she didn't attend his class.
Chloe was more interested in doing literally anything else. Studying had never been her forte. It was due to this reason that she had decided to at least consider taking a class that is more practical. Chloe had no idea on what her Major was going to be so she figured that maybe some of the easier introductory classes would help her decide.
Aaron on the other hand was torn between English and Photography. He needed to attend both classes to see which would be right for him. English was more viable as he would benefit from a better, more available job. Photography was more of a passion and he would love to turn it into a career. He decided to go into both courses with an open mind.
Justin just figured photography would be easy credits. He wasn't the most academically inclined individual but the three people he was talking to were taking the course so he figured he may as well see what it's all about. This way he'd be in another class with people he knew.
The class had only been in session for about 40 minutes when Aaron decided to send Kate a message on Chatback. She was sitting across the room from him and figured it would be a great way to start a conversation. He really was out here doing stupid shit because he found girls hot.
So how come a Junior is in an introductory class?
His message read. He just had to hope she would open it. Kate seemed like someone who was against texting during class. This was the second stupid thing he'd done today in an attempt to impress a girl. This was characteristically unlike him but Aaron figured it was the affect being in college had on him.
It seemed like Aaron's initial though was the correct one. Kate made no effort to look at her phone.
Shaking off his failed attempt at flirting, Aaron turned his attention back to the class. He figured he should pay more attention on the first day and stop getting distracted by women.
The remaining 20 minutes past and Aaron figured he should go and talk to her in person. At least that way he could actually find out the answer to his question.
With the ringing of the bell, he packed up his bag and turned to Justin.
"I'll catch you in a minute" before heading over to Kate.
She greeted him with a smile before saying:
"Aaron, it's nice to see you again"
"Likewise, I'm surprised to see a Junior in an introductory class so I figured I just had to ask"
"Ah, I see" Kate began as she picked up her books and walked with Aaron to the door of the class. "This question was so important that you had to message me during the middle of class?"
Aaron felt his face redan as he realised Kate did read his message after all.
"Oh uh, yeah" Were all the words he could mutter as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
Kate smiled playfully back at him before saying:
"While I appreciate the effort, you should pay more attention. But, in answer to your question, I just need credits and I was running out of options. I figured it would be better to take this class sooner rather than later"
Aaron smiled sheepishly back as the two stopped to talk a little outside of the photography classroom.
"Well it's nice to see that if I'm ever drastically stuck, I can count on you"
Kate just rolled her eyes playfully before smiling back at Aaron. "So what do you plan to do with the remainder of your first day?"
"I actually have no idea. I don't really know what there is to do here. Aaron responded.
"Well, Dr Scott is holding a session on extra-curricular activities in a few minutes. I would definitely recommend checking it out, it will help you find ways you can make course credits early on"
"That does sound helpful, I just don't think I'm in her good books at the minute" Aaron confessed.
"It's only been 6 hours since term started, surely whatever you've done isn't that bad" Kate retorted as she shook her head with a smile.
"Ok fine, I'll go. You've only given me good advice so far" Aaron responded in playful defeat. "One other thing though, I heard there's some drama going on between Rachel and Zach. I was wondering if you knew what that would be?"
Aaron carefully left out his involvement in the altercation with Zach in the cafeteria in hopes that Kate wouldn't concern herself with trivial confrontations.
"Oh, I don't like to gossip" She began, sounding quite reserved. "I guess if I tell you, it saves you saying the wrong things to the wrong people" Kate meant well and figured this was a nice thing to do. Aaron on the other hand was just being nosey. "I heard it was to do with the Vortex Sorority partying with the Delta Omega Gamma's" Kate said in a hushed tone, hoping not to attract unwanted attention.
"Really, all that fuss over a party?" Aaron retorted as he ran his fingers back up through his black hair.
"Well that's the main reason" Kate replied before looking around and stepping closer to Aaron when she realised there was no one paying attention. "There's also been talk that Zach has cheated on Rachel but I don't know for sure"
Aaron was quite shocked. At least this sort of answered why Zach was hostile to Rachel earlier. Aaron couldn't believe that he was actually gossiping. He had no interest in this sort of thing yet here he was.
"I didn't figure you for a party person" Aaron jested, changing the conversation to something would bring Kate less distress.
"Oh I'm most certainly not. It's just, you know how it is, people talk" She seemed to relax a bit now that she wasn't gossiping. "I mean, you won't catch me at the DOG party tonight, no matter how uncool that makes me"
"And why would a frat party make you cool?" Aaron questioned. He really couldn't avoid this drama no matter how little interest he actually had in it.
"The DOG's host a start of term party every semester and it's kind of exclusive, for lack of a better word"
"OK, what makes it so cool if not a lot of people will be there" Aaron asked as the two headed outside and onto the grass.
"That's just it. From what I've heard, they through the best parties and everyone wants to go to them but they're very selective about who they let in"
Aaron never figured this party frat would have so many copious rules. He though it would be just turn up and get wasted. Still, he found himself asking questions on things he thought he didn't care about. Did he now care?
"Huh, well good luck to everyone going then" Aaron said as he checked the time. "Right, I need to go if I'm gonna make it to Dr Scott's in time" Aaron waved Kate goodbye as he headed back inside.
Aaron figured he could at least see what opportunities were out there. He was, in his mind, still serious about College and wanted to make sure he had the option to get as many course credits as possible.
He was adamant that he wouldn't take an interest in the cliches of college but here he was, inquiring about things he wouldn't care about. At least by going to Dr Scott's, he could prove to himself he actually did care about his academic future.
He turned into Dr Scott's class and saw a handful of students looking over the various leaflets on the tables. Aaron actually had no idea where to start so he just idly looked over them all until something caught his eye.
There was nothing on the first table for him. Chess club, football, swimming. It was all clubs and things that he didn't want to commit to as he didn't know who would be in them.
As Aaron turned to head closer to the front, he bumped into one of the dudes placing flyers on the tables.
"Ah, sorry man, my bad" the skinny guy called out as he extended his hand out to Aaron.
Aaron shook it and patted the guy on the shoulder before saying:
"No sweat man, it was my fault, I wasn't looking"
"Say, you wouldn't be interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons would you? I'm tryna get people to join a party.
"Nah man, that's not my kinda thing. Why would you need people to sign up for that? Surely you could just play with anyone?" Aaron asked. He wasn't too clued in on the goings on of the tabletop RPG.
"It's a pledge thing, I was told I need a competent D&D party if I wanna pledge to Beta Omicron Pi"
Ah, a Nerd Aaron though as he realised why there was importance on playing the game.
"You figured finding them here was your best bet?" Aaron asked.
"Yeah, there are loads of clubs people can sign up for here. I didn't pledge in my first year but I decided I'm ready to join this year"
"Ok, well good luck with that man" Aaron called back, realising that he would have nothing more to contribute to the conversation.
"Hey man, I have a favour?" the Nerd asked Aaron before he could leave. "Can you ask your friends if they'd wanna play"
Aaron decided to humour him; he figured it wouldn't hurt to have a Nerd on side, especially if he found some of his work to be too hard.
"Sure, what's your Chatback, I'll add you"
"Sweet, you're a lifesaver! It's WarrenPeace"
Aaron added him, realising his name was Warren Graham. The whole name moniker was a play o the words War and Peace to which Aaron had to feel admiration for how well the double entendre was executed.
With the new contact added Aaron smiled and finally walked away. This time when he turned around. He didn't bump into anyone and for his sake, he was glad.
Dr Erin Scott stood in front of him with a stern look on her face and her arms crossed. Aaron sheepishly placed his hands into the pockets of his grey jacket before smiling awkwardly at the teacher. Aaron decided to walk past her, closer to her desk. He figured she was going to scold him and he wanted to keep the conversation away from other people's ears.
Dr Scott followed him and began to talk. Luckily, it wasn't the souls splitting shun Aaron was expecting.
"It seems you can be nice, Mr Heartfield. So far you're two for one in your positive and negative points, and on your first day no less"
The irony was not lost on Aaron that this was the same teacher that he had made an idiot of himself on two occasions. He figured now would be his chance to redeem himself.
"Dr Scott, I mean it when I say that I'm not like that, honestly"
"Ah, so we have resorted to pleading. I'm almost disappointed"
Aaron realised that he wasn't in any sort of trouble but he'd have to play it smart.
"On the contrary Dr Scott, I am merely stating something. I aim to prove it to you" Aaron began. He had her attention as he noticed Dr Scott's right eyebrow raise slightly. "You even said so yourself, I did something positive and that was a natural reaction, that is who I am"
Dr Scott just narrowed her eyes at Aaron, studying him almost. Aaron could feel his face starting to blush again but luckily, Dr Scott was able to dissuade any tension he thought there was.
"That is the answer I was hoping for. It seems like you are actually a capable student and not just another disappointment" Her words were always so sharp.
"Hey now Dr Scott, I thought young teachers were supposed to be cool" Luckily for Aaron she could tell he was bantering with her.
"Aaron, when you teach the types of students that I do, you can't afford to be courteous all the time"
It was nice for Aaron to see the woman under the teacher, even if it was very briefly.
"I'll leave you be Dr Scott, I'm glad you can see I'm not a total asshole" Aaron said with a smile as he backed away. Dr Scott just smiled as she shook her head before returning to her seat behind her desk. The coffee in her hand needed drinking.
Aaron headed back to look at the other flyers when his phone started ringing. It was Justin and Aaron sighed before answering, this could only end one way.
"Dude, you'll never guess what?" Justin began "I just spoke with my boy Trevor about what went down with you and Zach"
"Bro why? You know I wanna move past that" Aaron responded as he headed out of the class as not to disturb anyone.
"You'll thank me for this man because guess what?"
"I'm all ears" Aaron said dryly. There was nothing that Justin could say that he would actually care about when it came to frats…or so he thought
"They want you to come to the party at their place tonight bro, it's gonna be so awesome!"
And with that phone call Aaron realised that his College experience was going in a different direction that he initially wanted. It seems fate had different plans for his education.
He was going to the Delta Omega Gamma Fraternity party.
A/N:-So, chapter two is done. I'd like some feedback from you guys on how you're finding the dialogue. Is it too much or is it not really a big deal? While I like to show rather than tell, I don't want there to be a wall of dialogue throughout the story. If it works, however, then that's great and I won't change it.
Secondly, how is the pace going? Is it easy to read or should I slow down and flesh out scenes more? I am taking liberties, assuming most of you have played the game and I don't want to insult your intelligence detailing things you'll obviously know about.
Thirdly, College parties aren't exactly the most PG environment and I can't say more without potential spoilers. As the story stands, it's a T rating but if there's a call for it, I'll switch to and M, depending on what you guys as readers want!
Thank you for checking out my story, please Review and let me know what you think so I can hopefully make it better! Until next time!