Chapter 12 Rich roommate

*Aria*

It had only been one day at the Academy and someone had already discovered my secret. At least it was Atlas and he was willing to help me. I blushed at the idea of trading a kiss for help as I made my way to my next class. The hallways had large windows that let in the sunshine and I enjoyed the way it felt on my face. My next class was an herbology class. Most of the students were witches and warlocks but I chose it as an elective. You never know when herbology will come in handy.

I was paired with a nice witch who showed me some tips on distinguishing between different types of herbs as we put together a salve of sorts. The professor explained that it was a good way to heal burns. He wasn’t as young or handsome as Atlas, not even close. It was really odd to me that he was a professor in the first place - none of them had been as young as him so far.

I had a break after that class and decided to spend it unpacking instead of in the food hall, although my stomach protested. The walk to dorm block B was easier this time. I was already starting to get my bearings. I admired more of the gothic architecture as I made my way across campus. When I got to my hall I realized the dorm room door was already open. Men in uniforms were making their way in and out in a hurry, one of them almost hitting me in their rush.

“Excuse us.” One of them said, and I nodded, pressing against the doorway as they moved by. I had only been gone a few hours. What had happened here?

“Sorry to be in the way,” I mentioned to them as they left again, running down the stairs.

When I walked in, the whole dorm room looked different. All the fixtures in the kitchen were replaced with the newest and nicest models, shining stainless steel. The fridge had been replaced with a French-door one; it had a touch screen and everything.

The living room was full of extravagant and plush furniture, all velvet and all matching purple. It looked closer to a high-end hotel than a dorm room with fresh flowers on almost every glass topped table. It smelled like a mix of flowers and candles that were already burning.

The walls had been wallpapers, and expensive-looking oil paintings had been hung alongside more modern art. Purple drapes hung on the large window that was in the living room. I spun around as I took everything in. I had grown up in a nice house, but this was the next level for a dorm room. The men returned with the finishing touches as I took everything in.

These guys sure worked fast.

The floor in the living room was covered in luggage, multiple sets of it that all matched with a monogram. I recognized the brand as expensive but didn’t know exactly why it mattered to anyone. Whoever my roommate was must be very rich. Just when I was wondering who it could be, the blonde girl from battle earlier walked in. Judy… I don’t think she had told me her last name…

She was wearing a tennis skirt and a sweater with a pair of heels, jewelry shining on her as she applied some lip gloss.

“Be careful with that box,” she snapped authoritatively at the men who were still moving things in. They mumbled in affirmation. Judy turned to me and narrowed her eyes. “Why are you here?” she asked.

“Uh, I’m your dorm mate, actually.” I answered and tried not to stare at all the opulence. My family had money but I didn’t like flaunting it like Judy obviously did. Judy eyed me appraisingly and then sighed.

“I’m sorry the dorm is so small. You think my grandfather could have gotten me a nicer dorm,” Judy complained and went to the kitchen to grab herself a drink out of the fridge. It was already fully stocked.

“Your grandfather?” I asked and Judy nodded at me like I was an idiot.

“Uh, yeah, duh. Alpha Jackson. I’m Judy Jackson.” She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Alpha Jackson was one of the richest Alphas. Their pack had an oil field on their territory. I remembered that when I was pulling up that there was a helipad on the roof. That must be how she got here.

“What pack do you come from anyway?” Judy asked as she started filing her perfectly manicured nails.

“Nobody important…” I lied. It would be for the best if everyone just kept thinking I was a nobody.

She eyed me like she didn’t entirely believe me but dropped it. Unlike Rebecca and Arthur, who’s packs were rivals of my father’s, Judy’s family was not. That meant I didn’t need to be as careful, but word travels fast at a place like the Academy.

“I moved your, um, stuff from my room because I want the bigger one. I’m sure… you don’t mind.” Judy said and looked me up and down again. She sighed frustrated and went over to some of her luggage. Opening four bags and tearing through them with a precision. She pulled out designer outfits, makeup, heels, the works.

“These are so last season, you can have them.” Judy said and then gestured to my combat boots with a frown. “I can’t have my dorm mate looking like such a mess.”

I tried my best not to hide my surprise and amusement on my face and simply shook my head no.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m really okay. I brought plenty of clothes.” I said and Judy made a face before throwing all the designer stuff on the floor unceremoniously.

“Fine have it your way.” Judy said and then one of the moving men dropped a box. The rich girl was in a fury in a moment and went over to yell at him. I took the distraction as an opportunity to slip away into my room. It was much simpler, exactly like I wanted it. Judy was an interesting girl but she didn’t seem too evil.

I took out my phone and sent a message to my father’s beta. His brother and my Uncle Chris.

‘Chris, I need your help with getting a doctor’s note.’ I messaged and then waited a few moments. I began unpacking my bags. My phone dinged.

‘Anything for you, Aria. How’s your first day in school?’ He texted back.

‘Great, I met some old friends and my professor are really nice.’ That was not true of course, but I don’t want him to worry about me.

‘Joyce was talking about you just now, I guess she missed you a lot.’ Joyce was his daughter, she was also my best friend. We grew up together and her brother Jamie. I smiled when I thought about them.

‘Tell her I miss her too.’ I replied.

Suddenly my phone rang, it was a call from my best friend Joyce.