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Chapter 10
My eyes are wide as I take everything in. “This is my bedroom?”
It’s a lot different from what I remember.
Back when I was eight, stuffed animals and dolls filled the large space.
Now it’s…books, hair tools, nail polish, makeup, shoes, and what looks like a gigantic walk-in closet.
Darting my gaze around, I can’t help but notice the pink three-mirrored vanity in the far corner.
Everything in my room is a various shade of purple. Except that.
“It was Mom’s,” Cole says as if answering my unspoken question.
That makes sense. Pink was her favorite color.
It used to be mine, too.
As if remembering the happy times, Jace’s face lights up. “She loved that thing. I remember the excitement on her face when Dad gifted it to her one year for Christmas. It was an ant—”
“Antique from France,” I finish for him as the memory floats through my head. “I used to love watching her apply her lipstick in the morning.”
She was always so careful. So precise.
So perfect.
And I wanted nothing more than to be just like her.
Hobbling over to my queen-size bed, I touch the silky purple bedspread.
Ten years ago, I had a comforter with unicorns on it.
Now everything’s different.
Even the walls which are now painted purple.
Adjusting my crutches, I stagger over to my closet.
I try to open it, but it’s stuck.
“Here,” Jace says, handing me a remote.
A remote-controlled door for a closet? “Why in the world would I need this?”
Cole barks out a laugh. “You didn’t want anyone stealing your clothes.”
I can see why the moment it slides open.
Holy shit.
Even to the untrained eye, there’s no hiding the fact that everything in here is very expensive and very designer.
It’s also very skimpy and attention-grabbing.
Well, everything except for the five crisp white button-down shirts and plaid skirts.
“Is that my school uniform?”
I’m really hoping they say yes because they’re the only normal outfits in here.
“Yeah,” Jace answers. “You ready for your big day tomorrow?”
Not even close.
Evidently, I’m a senior at Royal Hearts Academy.
I was worried I’d have to repeat the year given I missed the first two months of school, but my dad assured me he talked to the principal and as long as I maintain my excellent grades, I’ll be allowed to finish the year and graduate with the rest of my class.
Jace and Cole let it slip that talked to the principal was code for writing the school a check.
Either way, I’m glad my absence and accident won’t impact me graduating on time.
Although I am nervous about having to explain to everyone that I have amnesia.
Surprise roots me to the spot as I take in a blue and white cheerleading skirt, matching top, and a set of pom-poms.
“I’m a cheerleader?”
Just like Mom wanted.
“Nah, little sis. You’re the cheerleading captain,” Cole muses.
I gesture to my crutches. “That might be an issue.”
Sadness flickers in Cole’s eyes. “Yeah.”
“But hey,” Jace says. “You were close to the girls on the squad so I’m sure whoever the new captain is will let you hang out with them.”
Cole snorts. “Not likely.”
“Would you shut up?” Jace mutters. “I’m not trying to scare her.”
And here they go talking about me like I’m not even in the room again.
“Why would I be scared?”
“Because Royal Hearts Academy isn’t a regular high school,” Dylan says from the doorway.
“It’s hell on earth,” Sawyer adds with a shudder. “The whole place is filled with rich evil spawns whose only talent consists of swiping their parents’ credit cards and tossing rude insults to the less fortunate.”
Damn. That doesn’t sound like someplace I’d want to be at all.
I swallow thickly. “Really?”
Jace blows out a breath. “So much for that.”
“Sorry,” Sawyer says. “But I’d want to know what I was getting into if I was her.” Glancing my way again, Sawyer adds, “I’m sorry for freaking you out.” She gestures to my cheerleading uniform. “On the bright side, you’re really pretty and popular, so I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“She was popular,” Dylan mutters.
When we all look at her, she shrugs and says, “Bianca has amnesia which means she’s at a disadvantage and officially fresh meat to them.” She points to herself. “And as someone who was also the newbie during her senior year, I feel it’s only fair to give you some advice.”
I’m all ears. “What’s that?”
“Get some thick skin and don’t take any crap from anyone because those vultures are going to hop on you like flies on shit tomorrow.”
My stomach churns. “Oh.”
“She’s a Covington, babe,” Jace argues. “No one will mess with her.”
Despite his reassuring words, I see apprehension etching his features.
Cole plops down on my bed and sighs. “No one would mess with her if we still went there…but we don’t.” He looks at Jace. “Which means we can’t protect her anymore.”
Jesus. They’re making this place sound like a damn warzone instead of an educational institution.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure everyone.
Besides, how bad could it possibly be?