One

This book is dedicated to those who like them cold, with a side of sarcasm and flirty comments.

Chapter One

Arilyn

I didn't want to go back to campus after last night but I did not want to stay home either. Not after last night. My back was sore and I could barely stand. I knew I had to suck it up. Everywhere else was better than staying at home.

I didn't get much sleep last night. It was hard to fall asleep in an abusive household. My father was an abusive drunk, and my mother was dead. To be honest, part of me was glad she died. She was suffering at the hands of my father. Every single day. But the other part of me was heartbroken because well, she was my mother and she was the only parent who had ever been here for me whenever I needed her. Despite our fucked-up household, she had always been here for me and somehow made me feel loved.

I lifted up my shirt, wincing slightly as it brushed against my back. I tied my hair up in a bun and stepped under the boiling hot water, mentally cursing myself for forgetting to fix the temperature.

But I rather liked it when it burned my skin.

Burned my scars.

Once I was done showering, I threw on my sweater and a pair of jeans, slipped my boots on and grabbed my bag-pack. Then, I rushed out of the house before my father could realize I had woken up.

Thankfully, campus wasn't far from where I stayed. It was around fifteen minutes of walking away and I enjoyed those fifteen minutes to clear to my mind. I somehow managed to keep my private life hidden from prying eyes and ears. It was a hard thing to do considering I was dating one of the players on Green-Hill's hockey team, Logan. The girls loved gossiping and I wouldn't be surprised if they had been asking about me. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were curious about me but I knew them. They were jealous that Logan was dating me instead of them. They had been wanting to ruin our relationship ever since but somehow, that did not bother Logan. Our relationship wasn't perfect but it was a relationship. Granted we never had sex yet but I was being the understanding girlfriend and gave him all the time he needed. We had been dating for two years and I was starting to think something was wrong with me because I'd learn that Logan was a playboy before we started dating. But since I wasn't in a hurry either for the next step- sex, I didn't mind waiting. Olivia was the only person whom I ever told about my home situation. She found out on her own— she'd guessed. I supposed, one could only hide her bruises from her best friend for so long. I was glad she found out, to be honest. She helped me a lot. She'd been a support and the best-friend one could ever ask for.

-

"Hey," Liv greeted the second I opened my locker, stuffing my books inside.

I smiled, "Hey."

"The dean requested- more like demanded our presence in the gym," she stated, making me frown.

"That's odd."

"That's what I said," she chuckled. "He never holds an assembly unless it's absolutely important."

"When is it taking place?"

She glanced at her watch, "Like ten minutes ago?"

I rolled my eyes, "What are we still doing here then?"

"You know how he starts those things," she groaned, tucking a strand of her red hair behind her ear. "With the longest ass speech ever and his own anthem."

I chuckled, shaking my head before checking the time. "We better get going now. Ten minutes are more than enough."

She laughed, agreeing with me then we headed to the gym.

As I pushed open the heavy doors of the gym, the cacophony of voices and clattering chairs hit me like a wave. The assembly was already in full swing. My eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the sea of faces that turned to stare as I stepped inside, a flush creeping up my neck.

The gym was packed- rows of students filled the bleachers, their murmurs echoing off the high ceilings. I could see the dean standing on the makeshift stage. I hated the attention, the way their gazes bore into me like hot needles. It felt as if every pair of eyes was judging my tardiness, dissecting my every move.

I settled into my seat next to Olivia, the hum of whispers gradually fading as the dean began to speak. His voice echoed throughout the packed gym, outlining the university's recent achievements and upcoming events. I tried to focus on his words, but my mind wandered, searching for Logan in the sea of students. He was nowhere to be found. I felt a pang of disappointment. Maybe he had practice early or was running late—after all, he was on the hockey team, and they had a grueling schedule.

Just as I was about to dismiss my thoughts and pay attention, the dean's next words jolted me back to reality. "I'm excited to announce that we have selected a group of students for a special opportunity to transfer to Riverside. These students will be provided with dorms and will have the chance to experience the way things work at Riverside."

Olivia's eyes widened, and she nudged me with her elbow. "Oh. My. God."

My heart raced as I processed what the dean had just said. I had applied to transfer to Riverside months ago and I couldn't believe it. "Holy... Do you think we might be chosen?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"God, I hope so. This could be our chance," she replied, her enthusiasm infectious.

She was right.

This could be our chance- my chance to get away from my father. I'd be free, I wouldn't have to keep watching my back every second and I'd be safe. Far from him and his problems.

The gym buzzed with excitement as students murmured among themselves, some glancing at each other with wide eyes. I could see a few people already texting on their phones, likely sharing the news. Olivia and I exchanged glances, our expressions mirroring the thrill we both felt. The thought of dorm life, late-night study sessions, and the chance to make new friends sent a flutter through my stomach.

As the dean continued to speak about the benefits of the program, I could feel the excitement building within me. I leaned closer to Olivia, a smile spreading across my face. "I hope we're in."

"Same. It would be incredible." she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with energy. "We have to keep our fingers crossed that we're picked. This could change everything for us."

Damn right.

We sat together, the noise of the assembly fading as we dreamed about what the future might hold, hoping Riverside would soon be our new school.

The dean’s voice broke through the buzz in the gym, making everyone listen as he started calling the names of the chosen students. “We’ve picked a group of amazing students for this special opportunity. Each of you has shown great academic skills and a dedication to doing your best.”

As he spoke, a mix of excitement and nerves filled me. My heart pounded, and I exchanged a quick look with Olivia, who was almost jumping out of her seat. The dean read out names one by one, and every time he paused, I held my breath, wishing ours would be next.

"Jessica Taylor... Matthew Collins... and finally, Olivia Martinez and Arilyn Thorne."

My heart jumped when I heard our names called. I turned to Olivia, and we both burst out laughing, too excited to stay calm.

"I can't believe it," Olivia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. We hugged tightly, the thrill of the moment wrapping around us like a warm blanket. I could hardly process what was happening—this was a dream come true.

I was free.

The gym erupted into cheers, but it felt like we were in our own little bubble, completely unaware of the world around us. "Can you imagine what it will be like?" I asked, my voice a mix of excitement and disbelief. "New classes, new friends, and I wouldn't have to deal with my dad," I whispered the last part and she nodded, smiling.

"I know, I know. I'm so fucking happy right now I could scream!" Olivia replied, her enthusiasm contagious.

As the dean continued with the assembly, I found it hard to focus on anything else. My mind raced with all the possibilities that awaited us at Riverside. We exchanged a few more excited whispers, our hearts full of hope and anticipation for whatever awaited us.

"Oh shit," she muttered, nudging me and when I turned to look at her, she was pointing to a very furious looking Logan.

"He looks mad," she added. "Listen, screw him, alright? You're going. Whether he likes it or not."

Liv was right. I was going. This could be it for me and I was not going to miss such an opportunity. I had completely forgotten about Logan. This could change things between me and him, too. Riverside was one hour away and Logan barely had time for me here itself. How were we going to make it work?

No.

I'll find a way. We'll find a way.

I watched Logan and stood up when he motioned for me to come over. "Be right back."

Liv gave me a single nod, wishing my good-luck before I stood up and joined my boyfriend.

"Hi," I smiled, keeping my distance.

If he noticed, he didn't say anything. "Hi."

"You heard?"

He nodded. "I did."

"Aren't you happy for me?"

He tilted his head, "I am."

"You don't look happy, Logan," I said, crossing my arms as I leaned against the wall. A sharp pain shot through my back, but I ignored it, refusing to let it show.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he stepped closer. "I'm just... sad, I guess. I don't want you to leave." His voice softened, tinged with reluctance. "We'll be apart—different universities and all..."

I could see where this was heading. Logan's jaw tightened, and I knew it wasn't just about the distance. Riverside's hockey team and Green-Hill's had been fierce rivals for as long as anyone could remember, and the thought of me attending Riverside only added fuel to the fire.

"And the fact that Riverside is home to your rivals doesn't help," I finished for him, watching the flicker of frustration cross his face.

His jaw ticked. "That's not a problem."

"Then what is the problem?" I asked. "Why are you mad? Riverside is just a one hour from here."

"You're right," he took my hands. "There's no problem. I'm just... overwhelmed."

"You won't lose me," I assured him.

"I know," he smiled, stepping back. "I got practice. I'll see you later, alright?"

I was about to say 'sure' but I didn't even get the chance. He'd already taken off.

"Why are you still with him?" Someone whispered from behind me, making me jump.

I turned around, glaring at the culprit.

"You scared me," I said, placing my palm over my fast-beating heart.

Olivia grinned. "I try. So, back to my question. Why are you still with him? He's an asshole. He's always busy."

I shrugged. "He loves me."

"Do you love him?"

I remained silent.

Did I love him?

Logan never had time for me. Even when we started dating two years ago. Sure he'd taken me to the cinema a few times and we mostly see each other on campus but that was about it. He had never invited me to see him play, never gave me his jersey to wear, never took me to meet his parents, never came to my house although it was something I didn't have a problem with. Sometimes I wondered if he didn't like me for me. If he didn't like my body and other things. Though he'd never seen me naked, he sure acted like he didn't appreciate me.

But I did love him.

He was a nice guy, he never shouted at me and all. He was everything my father was not.

Maybe that was why I loved him. He'd been nothing but nice, patient and gentle with me.

"Yes, Liv," I stated. "You know that."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Girls?" We both snapped our heads to the dean who stood beside us with a smile. "I've been looking for the two of you."

"Oh," I stood straight. "What for?"

"I've spoken to your parents already about this whole transferring to Riverside thing and they're all fine with it. There's a bus outside which will leave in one hour or you can drive there yourselves but you should still leave in one hour. So, I suggest you girls get home and start packing."

I froze and so did Olivia.

My dad agreed?

How on earth had they managed to convince my father to let me go to another university and live in a dorm, far away from him?

On second thoughts, I did not want to know.

I was beyond happy right now.

"We- we leave today?" Liv practically screamed.

"Yes," the dean nodded. "Is that a problem?"

A slow grin started forming on my face. "No no. Not at all."

"I would totally hug you right now if it wasn't inappropriate," Liv's smile was so big that I feared it would split her face into half.

The dean chuckled at Olivia's statement and shook his head. "You girls are destined for great things. Do me proud at Riverside."

"We won't disappoint," I told him, earning a smile.