not edited

I applied a layer of clear gloss and see my reflection in the black mirror. It has been five days since the rain incident. It has gotten considerably colder and colder everyday.My room was ready by Wednesday night, so I shifted. 

It was a beautiful room. The people Octavian hired had done an impeccable job. I did not even realize that the rooms from the picture could be this amazing in real life. My room was bigger than the twins, which I didn't like as a kid. All of our rooms were supposed to be of the same size but Zion's turned out to be smaller than all of ours. I had offered him room when I was about four, he blatantly refused saying he liked to be in the centre. 

My room was divided into two unequal parts by glass doors. As soon as you enter, you will see the smaller part first. The smaller part had a grey couch with pink cushions lining it. There was a small centre table just in front of it and an ottoman. The couch was L-shaped and pushed against the glass doors and the door/windows which led to the balcony. The television was on the wall in the middle so that I could open the partition doors and just watch it from my bed. Underneath it was a counter that held everything about the television aka the stuff I didn't understand.

On the other side of the room we're small cabinets and everything Sky needed. It was like a small room for here with her bed, bowls and crate and everything he will ever need. There is also a door that leads straight to the walk-in closet. 

After that in the bigger part. As soon as you enter the first thing is humongous bed pushed against the wall opposite to the partition. On it's right are ceiling to floor length windows/door that lead to the balcony. Right beside my bed is my study table. It's nothing too crazy but is amazing. On the opposite wall to the windows is a bookshelf for my school books and other stuff. It also has a section for novels and stuff if I felt like keeping a book from the third floor library. 

Beside the bookshelf is the the bathroom. There is a door which connects the bathroom and the closet which I'm sure will come in handy. There is also a lamp beside my bed with a grey armchair. There are paintings on on wall just above my beds headboard. The whole room, all in all, looks like it is out of a magazine. 

(A/N: This is the bigger part of the room. If you like it, you have impeccable taste. If you don't, keep your thoughts to yourself. This si the only room I could find that matched Astria's personality. Also, more images at the end of the chapter.)

When I showed Octavian the pictures, I told the same night that I would rather not do the sitting area. My reasoning to him that if someone wanted to do something else with the room it will be difficult. I also told him to leave the bookshelf, lamp, armchair and stuff like that out. I didn't need paintings, neither did Sky need all these cabinets. He agreed with me but when the room was complete, he had done everything I didn't want him to do. It was as if he knew that I was saying no just because it would cost more money.

And I was but he never understands that you can't just waste money. It was useless explaining to him. 

Right now, I was getting ready for school. Lydel was supposed to meet me at the front gate. I brushed my hair for one last time before giving myself a quick scan. Everything looked alright. My long curly hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. My uniform consisted of a white button with a dark blue blazer with the school's logo. I had dark blue and black checkered shorts and a matching tie.

I had put on skin colored stockings to hide the scars. The uniform also included shiny black shoes. I look just normal with concealer and foundation to cover the features of my body that I hate.

(A/N: Her uniform :))

I heard a knock on the door as I walked out of the bathroom. Opening the door, I see Gwen waiting for me outside my room, "Your brothers are ready for you. They are waiting for you to be downstairs and they express their concerns about you being late," She said in a soft voice. 

I gave her a small smile as I picked up my bag, which Octavian got me, and followed her downstairs. My eyes immediately landed on the fours giant figures, dressed in fine suits, as they waited for me as I descended the stairs. Each of them gave Gwen a short nod as a thank you to which she gave the same nod like bow before disappearing.

All of their eyes landed on me as I stood in front of them. "Let's go," Octavian was the first one to break the silence. Everyone nodded at his command and started walking. I followed their suit and followed them.out of the living room and the house. Zane stepped into the garage, taking one of the keys as did his twin. 

Octavian and Dorian did the same as Octavian asked me to come with him. I looked at him in confusion and he cleared it for me, "I'm dropping you today as it's your first day," He said.

"Don't you have work?" I asked, my voice soft as my hands fiddled with the end of my hoodie.

"Dorian can handle it in the early hours so it should be no problem," He said, nodding towards Dorian who was rolling his eyes.

"You need to stop skipping because of random bullshit," He muttered, taking a jab at him. But he didn't know that I agreed with him. He had many more important things to attend to than me.

"Shut up and get to the office, I will deal with you later," Octavian said, his voice hard as he ordered Dorian. He just sent a last glare before getting in his car and zipping out of the garage. 

"Are you sure?" I asked Octavian as he just sighed and opened the door of the passenger seat for me. "Shouldn't you be at work. I know you busy," I started but stopped as soon as Octavian gave me a look. I quickly shut up and settled down in the black car. He closed the door behind me, walking over to the other side.

We left the estate as soon as he was seated. The school wasn't far from where we lived. The radio was on for the while ride, it was on low volume but there was music throughout the ride. 

We finally reached the humongous buildings that were the school that I would be going to for the next six to seven months.As soon as Octavian had parked, he spoke up, "I forgot to inform you earlier but there's a tracker in your phone so that I know where you are at all times. Now before you protest, it is just for your safety, our field of work is not bad as such but sometimes rivals do tend to get crass. So, if anything happens, I'll be relieved if I know where you are," He said.

I sighed and nodded. How could I not? I was living under their roof, eating their food, basically living off them. Seemingly satisfied with my response, he turned of the engine of the car and I stepped out. As soon as I did, the chilly winds hit me like a truck. I tried to act unbothered as Octavian stepped out as well. The weather today was cloudy and a little cold. Not too much, you can tell that by everyone's choice of clothing. I looked over at Octavian who had a full-sleeved shirt underneath the thick blazer. With that, I don't think he'll ever be needing a jacket. 

I just sighed and walked over to him, ignoring the students that were starting to stare. "Let's go inside, yeah?" He asked but it was more of a command. He started walking and I followed quietly behind him, my head down. The students parted like the red sea for us. As soon as we were inside the building, I let out a sigh of relief. 

I looked around in awe at the beautiful interior of the school. The walls I the starting had bulletin boards which held different notices and information about random stuff. After a few meters, the lockers started. But we didn't reach till that point as Octavian took a sharp left, walking down a quieter hallway. Students lined this hallway just like the other ones but they were much quieter here. We came to a stop in front an office. the doors were of glass, you could see what was happening inside. And by the desk and chairs inside, I could tell that it was the administration office. It would have been easier to tell if I was not dumb and had just read the plaque that said 'administration office'.

Octavian opened the door and I walked inside. The inside was heated, which I was grateful for. Everything was white and looked like it was kept clean. There was a glass partition. In the front were seats and towards the back was a desk a a lady typed away on an iMac. Suddenly someone stood up from one of the chair. I swiftly turned around to see Lydel with a smile on her face.

Octavian gave her a nod of acknowledgement as she started speaking, "I did not expect you to be this early," She said, standing beside me. She offered me a smile which I returned.

Octavian just scoffed at her comment before turning to me, "Lydel will take it from here. She'll help you throughout the day, go to her if you need any help. Also, if you need anything call the twins or even Dorian. After that, call me only if they don't reply," He said, peering right into my eyes. I quickly nodded in response. 

"Have fun," He said, before slipping out of the room. I looked around again and finally, my eyes landed on a female figure who was typing away on an iMac without a care in the world. 

We walked over to the desk and I cleared my throat. Finally she looked up in question. She looked young, probably in her mid-twenties. She had light makeup on as her hair was tied up I a sleek ponytail. 

"I'm Astria Crawford. I'm new here and I um need my schedule," I muttered, looking at Lydel after completing my sentence and she nodded, encouraging me. 

I turned back to the lady who was now smiling at me. I smiled back as she nodded, "Welcome to Vista High, I hope you have a great time here. I'll have your schedule ready in a few minutes. Have a seat while work on that," She said softly, pointing to the chairs behind us. We both nod at her and retreat to the sitting area as she goes back to typing on the iMac.

After a few minutes of waiting, the lady comes out with a file in her hand. I stood up as she handed it over me. I opened it and the first page was my schedule. She quickly flipped through the pages and and ended on one with a map. She pointed to the main building, "That is the main hall, you'll be able to find your way around once to reach there," She muttered and I nodded in reply. I was grateful for the help I was getting. Just in case, Lydel's classes were not with me, I would need the help, "We are here right now," She said pointing to the smaller building beside the main one, "From here if you take left you'll be in the main building. This building is for the primary section. The building on the other side of the main one is for different indoor sports, so Mr. White, the p.e. teacher might ask you guys to go meet him there for the class. The Main building is the actual high school. There are signs pointing to laboratorys and with this maps and Miss Abernathy here, you should have no problem. The cafeteria is on right, beside the main hall and the nurse's office on the left," She said.

Fishing through the front pockets of the file, sho produces a card with my information on it. "Keep this card with you at all times," She said, handing it to me, "If any teacher asks or the security asks, just show them this card. It doesn't happen often but since you are a new student, there are possibilities and we don't want to take any chances," Sh finished off with a small smile on her face.

"Thank you," I replied, thanking her for all the guidance and the information she provided. She smiled bigger in response.

"Now, you two girls better get to class. I don't want to complain to Mr. Crawford on your first day. And I would rather keep in his good books," She said, teasing us as we checked along her. 

"Have a good day, girls," She said, bidding ys goodbye.

"You too Miss Rose," We replied as we walked out of the office. 

"She seems nice," I mused as we walked down the halls which were now heavily crowded by elementary school students. 

"One of the best people here. She isn't actually a teacher, just does the reception work," She said, stuffing her hands into her coat. Her uniform was little different from mine as she was in the student council. Her button down shirt was a plain white shirt but the blazer was black with the school logo. The skirt was dark blue with black checks and the tie was the same pattern. She had left her hair open, just held back by a bandana which matched her skirt. 

I nodded in reply as we walked out of the small building. After a walk across the stoned footpath that was lined with trees, we entered the main building. Again, the halls were filled with student chattering. Again, the bulletin boards lined the walls and after a few meters, light beige, freshly painted lockers lined the halls. Most boys had their coats in their hands and untied ties hung around their necks. They had the same uniform but except for skirts they had plain dark blue jeans to match their blazer.

The girls were lazing around, talking to friends, retouching their make-ups while making sure the uniforms were proper. Most girls looked friendly enough and so did the boys. 

Lydel stopped and so did I. She turned and asked for my file, which quickly handed over. After flipping through pages, she looked up, "This one is mine," She said pointing to the locker we stopped in front of, "And that is yours," She continued as she pointed towards the locker right opposite to hers, "I'm glad yours is near to me, I couldn't imagine us being in different sections," She muttered, rolling her eyes as she stuffed the books she need in her bag.

I scoffed as we walked over to the other side of the hall as she rambled on about how nice and kind her friend group is and how nice everyone is. I hope that is true. As soon as I'm done with putting the combination in, I put the books I didn't need in the locker and just got some necessary stuff I need and stuffed them in my backpack with my first period books.

"So, you'll get fifteen minutes to get to each class. Get your books, laze around if you want to but get to the classes on time. We have like three out of six classes together. So, I'll come get you for those. For the other ones. There's still twenty minutes for the first period so let me show you your other classes," She said as she headed towards the stairs.

***

The first three periods flew by and lunch arrived. All of the three teachers were quite sweet and accepting of the fact that I joined late into the semester and will need a little extra time to catch up with the rest of the class. As expected, I waited right outside my class for Lydel. I didn't have to wait for long as she arrived a couple of minutes later.

We soon arrived at the cafeteria. It was a humongous room, one of the four main walls were the same window-like doors that led to the gardens. The cafeteria was bustling with students as they fooled around and had lunch. I meekly followed Lydel as she made her way through the cafeteria. She stopped at a table right beside the glass doors where a couple of students sat scrolling through their phone as they waited for their food. 

Lydel greeted them and sat down in one of the chairs, pulling me with her. I sat down beside her, avoiding eye contact at all costs. Moments later, a huge group of students arrived at the table. One of the girls sat down beside Lydel. She too was a part of the student council. They started talking right away as they stood up to get their lunch.

"Ria, let's go," Lydel said. I did not want to go with her. I had no money on me.

"Uh, no, you can go ahead. I don't want anything," I replied, it was true, I didn't want anything but I needed to have something, my insides were twisting and turning making it very uncomfortable for me. I haven't had anything since last night's dinner and right now I felt like I wanted to throw up even though my stomach was empty. 

"Are you sure?" She asked again as the girl behind her looked at me in question as well. I nodded in reply and she reluctantly walked away to get her food. 

I was alone at the table so I decided to go through my phone. A couple of minutes later, I felt someone sit down beside me. I looked up to see a boy, roughly of my age, with his food. He had brown hair that fell over his head in a mop on his head. His green eyes twinkled as he smiled at me. His lips were full and his jawline was sharp. He has two small dimples on either side of his lips. All in all, he looked good. 

I returned his smile as he introduced himself, "Aaron," He said.

"Astria," I replied, the smile not leaving my face. 

"You're the-" He started but I cut him off.

"The new girl, yeah," I completed his sentence.

"Looks like you've mugged that up, yeah?" He asks as his smile turns into a smirk.

I break eye contact and look directly at the table, "I've heard that sentence a million times today and it hasn't even been half the day," I muttered, chuckling. 

"Well, then you're going to hear it a lot more," He said as everyone else arrived. Lydel sat down beside me as everyone started introducing themselves. 

Two of the girls, Lexy and Alex, looked sweet while Stacy, Anne and Lillith were a little colder. Then the girl beside Lydel, the one in the council introduced herself, "I'm Andra, best friend of Lydel here. We've been best friends since we were three so I'm sure you must have heard about me since you were with her the whole day," She said, with a huge smile on her face.

I hesitantly smiled back as Lydel awkwardly looked away. I internally chuckled at Lydel's antics. All of us knew that what Andra told was a lie. Lydel and my family go way back. Our mom's were best friends and so were our dads and as a result, we grew up together. 

In those six years with Lydel, I had never seen her with anyone that wasn't in our little group. 

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Astria," I replied nodding at her statements. Soon the boys introduced themselves, Nico and Luke, they were also polite. Aaron watched this whole ordeal quietly as I introduced myself.

Soon, Lydel slipped me her sandwich and I looked at her in question. "I'm not going to let you starve yourself," She said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm not, I just don't want to eat," I replied.

"Shut up and eat this. I don't care if you want to eat or not, you need to have this," She replied, slightly glaring at me. I quickly listened to her and grabbed the cheese and ham sandwich. Unwrapping it, I took a bite out of it, sending a grateful smile to Lydel who rolled her eyes.

The rest of the break period was smooth. I had Maths after that. From this group, I had no one there but Nico.

I sat down in one of the chairs as an old lady walked in before the bell. She eyed me as the students started piling in. Nico sat down right behind me and the bells rang. Everyone took out their books and I copied their lead. 

The grumpy looking teacher stood up and tauntingly walked up to my desk. "I.D?" She asked and I quickly bent down the other side. After rummaging through my bag I procured the eek black card and handed it to her wordlessly. 

"Another Crawford," She muttered, "I can't seem to catch a break, can I?" She asked, her calculating gaze on me. 

I don't reply as she continues, "Huh, looks like you're quiet like Octavian. Good for you, and I hope for your sake that you're extraordinarily smart like him," She said in a hard voice as she slammed the card on my desk, making me flinch. 

As she walks. away without any comment, I feel my chest tightening. I can't ever compare to how good Octavian was. He was the best student that graduated from this institution, his name is literally on the laurels board. I'm no match for him. If this teacher continues to hold me at his level, not only am I going to disappoint my brothers but I'm also going to disappoint my teacher.  

This was the worst that could ever happen.

"Now, class," Miss Wipple, the teacher, started, "As you know, we've almost completed with quadratic and cubic equations and the word problems, I will be giving you revision today. And you will have a test on the same topic on Thursday. So you have two days to prepare. You can practice from the pamphlets given to you but I assure no questions are going to be asked from there," She said as she looked at the entire class. The entire class was groaning while I was frozen.

I take that back, that was not the worst that could happen.

This is the worst.

I have general knowledge of quadratic and cubic equations but the information for this grade, in this school is the advanced level. I have never done that. I don't know how I'm going to do that.

Maybe she'll let me off the hook since I'm new. Every other teacher has done that, maybe she will too.

"And there will be no exceptions," She said, her eyes landing on me, "Not even for you, Miss Crawford."

I’m fucked.

***

A/N:

Another filler. I'm so sorry 😭😭😭 but I do need to set up conflicts and characters for future scenes. Like no filler chapters, I need some thing.

Also, the teacher, I can't tell you how much I despise that. Like if you have an older sibling you this has happened at least one. Lemme tell you a story.

So, I was in about 6 or 7 grade and we were rehearsing for a ceremony. We recieved certificates for the subject we topped in. So, I was getting one for Computer Studies (pathetic, I know) and there was this teacher who was practicing with us. Mind you, she knows that my sister is a great student, like straight a's, smart af. Now when it's. y turn to recieve, in the rehearsals, she goes, "Look at your sister. Be like her." and shoots me a disapproving look. And let me tell you we were on stage with students and teachers watching the rehearsals so I couldn't do anything. But I had such a string want for just shovi g my middle fingers in her face and yelling 'fuck you,' but I didn't. Because I am a good student, also because I was a part of the student council.

Now, if you're a younger sibling, or if you have a sibling in general, you know how annoying this is and how much it hurts. Like every step of your life you're being compared to someone. It just so annoying.

Like ik it's not my sister's fault and I know. Trust me, I know and I love her but it's so fucking annoying to hear people say that she that her cgp is 9, of course yours will be higher than that. And not only are they putting pressure on me, but how easily they are disregarding her feeling and her hard work.

So, people stop doing this. Stop trying to compare yourself to people and stop comparing other. They are two different people with different abilities.

Alright, enough of my ranting. If you liked this chapter, don't forget to vote and share and comment and tell me about the favourite part of this chapter!!

QOTD: Favorite book on Wattpad?
AOTD: I have too many to name one. Sorry lmao.

Toodles

~Ash

More pics :)

The bathroom

the closet