Chapter 3

Isobel

Isobel

“I am so sorry, Isobel, but I cannot accompany you to your new school today. I have so many things to do.”

I nodded quietly, expressing understanding. I felt sympathy for my mother as she apologized for her inability to join me. It was evident that Aunt Lydia was the reason behind it. She knew how much my mother looked forward to this day, which was why she did everything to prevent her from going. 

And yet, complaining wouldn't help our situation, a reality both my mother and I were compelled to accept. Defying her might only make things worse for us. It pained my heart to see my mother mistreated by my evil aunt, but I was determined to reach my goal to take her out of this miserable life.

"Wait until the summer break. Time will pass quickly. I'll be home and help you. I'll be a good student, no, I will be a great student you'll be proud of. I loved you, Mom," I reassured her. Mom got teary-eyed and hugged me tightly. It was the first time we were apart, and I could sense her sadness. I hugged her back, whispering, "This will be the first step for the future we want. Hang on a little longer, Mom."

Just then, Aunt Lydia's annoying scream echoed behind me. "Where's my teapot?! I TOLD YOU TO BRING THAT TO ME!"

My mother pushed me gently and kissed my forehead. "Time to go, sweetheart. Have a nice time at school. I love you too."

With that, I left the Alpha mansion. I was forced to walk my way to Silverwolf, as the money I carried was just enough to cater my basic needs. With just a few steps away from the border, a car stopped in front of me.

"Don't tell me you're planning to walk going to Silver-U? Hop in. We are going there too."

I smiled, but my cousin Thea's presence erased it. She scrunched her face in disgust as if I was a virus. I knew what I needed to do at that point.

“I appreciated the offer, but I am good, Uncle.”

“You heard her, Dad. Let’s leave her be.”

“Shut up, Thea,” Uncle Jerry retorted, making Thea roll her eyes and pout in deep disgust. He then turned to me and smiled widely.

"Come on, Isobel. We can do this all day if you want. There's enough space inside. If Thea is not comfortable sharing the back seat with you, you can take the seat beside me. I am warning you, I would not take no for an answer.”

Realizing that Uncle Jerry wouldn’t back down, I was forced to nod in agreement. I hopped into the car hesitantly, not minding the murmurs Thea was expressing at the back. Uncle Jerry was pleased, and we continued our way to the university.

A few minutes into the journey, Uncle Jerry asked, "Are you excited to attend college?”

I smiled. Uncle Jerry was the only one treating us nicely in the Sunflower Pack. Lydia, Thea, and the other pack members didn't mistreat us when he was around. During those times, my mother and I had peaceful days, and I was grateful for the short break from abuse.

His genuine care warmed my heart.

"Make as many good memories as possible. Time flies. It’s not forever that you’re in college. Enjoy your youth, sweetheart. Make it twinkle!" Uncle Jerry advised with a smile. I laughed and nodded. When I looked in the rearview mirror, Thea raised her eyebrows and glared at me. I quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.

"And as for you, dear Thea, don’t let your youthful days shine too much. You barely made it in college. Don’t mess up, honey. College is different from high school. Excuses won’t work. Be more responsible like Isobel."

Thea awkwardly smiled. When Uncle Jerry wasn't looking, she crossed her arms and threw another death glare at me, but I ignored it.

Finally, we reached the school's border, and I was amazed by its size.

"Pull over, Uncle. I’m good here," I said.

"But we’re not even at the school entrance," protested Uncle Jerry.

"I’m gonna wait for my friends before entering the school. This is our meeting spot.” I knew my excuse was lame, considering I had no friends back in high school, yet I silently prayed that he would buy it.

Finally, Uncle Jerry sighed and agreed. “Alright, then,” he said as he pulled over the car to the side.

"Thank you, Uncle Jerry. I appreciate the ride. Drive home safely," I uttered before hopping out. 

“Don’t mention it, sweetheart. Take care and enjoy!” 

I didn’t realize that Thea followed, surprising me with a hug. She then leaned to my ears discreetly.

"If you dare try to say we’re cousins, I’ll make you regret studying here. This school would turn into your living hell."

I gulped and nodded. I just wanted a peaceful college life without any trouble or fights. I aimed to be a normal, invisible student that no one notices. With that, Thea smiled fakely and went back inside the car. I waved faintly, watching them drive away from where I was standing.

I walked into the campus, clutching an admission paper for a sorority. Reading it carefully, I mumbled, “Epsilon… Ely-sium…”

Unsure of where to find it, I asked someone for directions and headed its way. Upon reaching there, I noticed the beautiful ladies dressed up elegantly, adorned with lots of unnecessary accessories and thick makeup on their faces. 

I wanted to curse Uncle Jerry for signing me up here. Clearly, this place didn’t fit my profile and personality.

One of the girls noticed and approached me. "Excuse me, no trespassers here.” She eyed me from head to toe, clearly disgusted by the way I dressed. I looked down at my old shirt and pants. My face bore no makeup and had my hair tied in a messy bun. 

“What’s going on here?” Another girl asked. The way she carried herself, she looked like the sorority leader.

The first girl mumbled, “Nothing, Lucy. I just saw this ugly trespasser walking suspiciously.”

“Hmmm, let me guess,” she then turned to me with arms crossed on her chest. “You clearly have no clue about this place, aren’t you?”

“N-No,” I whispered faintly.

“Well, Epsilon Elysium is the most popular sorority in Silverwolf University. We only admit the best she-wolves of the best, priding our sorority with the most beautiful students from influential families throughout the continent. We have strict admission guidelines and clearly, you aren’t fit to be one of us. So, do yourself a favor and leave. Shoo!”

The other members were ready to drag me out, but someone stopped them. "Wait! Aren’t you gonna check her papers?”

“Come on, Crisha. Do we need to?” The girl named Lucy exclaimed. “I mean, look at herself. She looks like an omega. How could she afford our sorority?’

But the black-haired girl named Crisha was persistent. She asked for my papers and checked them herself. “Would you look at that. The papers say she's a member," she declared.

Just in, I saw Thea walking towards the commotion, with disappointment evident on her face.

“Oh, give me that!” Lucy exclaimed as she grabbed the papers from Crisha’s hands. After reading them, she gave the papers back to Crisha. She and the other ladies shook in disbelief.

“Fine. Bring her to dorm 10,” Lucy said before walking away. The rest of her minions followed, and I was left with Crisha outside.

"Hi! My name is Crisha. And you’re…” Crisha scanned my papers to check for my name. “Isobel…Isobel Reeve.”

“Uhmm, yeah. Nice to meet you,” I uttered shyly.

Crisha nodded excitedly. “Come, I'll show you around and will take you to your room."

I nodded and followed her lead. Finally, we reached the designated dorm for me. She knocked, and a nerdy-looking girl with glasses opened the door.

“Hey, Lorrie. This is Isobel, your new roommate. She’s your problem now,” Crisha winked mischievously, and we both waved her goodbye as she left.

"Hi, I’m Lorrie," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

I accepted it with warmth. “Isobel Reeve.”

I felt comfortable around her, unlike the girls outside. She helped me fix my things until I noticed one of the albums sitting on top of her tableside drawer.

"It's the Midnight Wolf’s second album!" I exclaimed. Lorrie gasped and held her hands up.

"Uhmm, yeah. Are you into his music too?"

“Are you kidding me? I am his number one fan!” I yelled, making us both laugh and giggle.

“Oh, great! Now, I have someone to share my addiction with.” She then took her speaker from under her bed and began to play one of his albums. We were both serenaded as we listened to his voice.

"Let me remind you that I'll be the president of his fan club here," Lorrie declared.

“And I will be the vice president,” I mumbled afterward.

We continued to listen to a few songs and shared our common love for the Midnight Wolf. Remembering my mother, I pulled out my phone and sent her a message about how my day went. This day wasn’t bad after all, and I look forward to surviving more.