Faking It With The Campus King

Sienna Jordan stood outside the iron gates of Westbridge Academy with one hand wrapped around the handle of her suitcase and the other pressed against the scholarship letter in her bag. The paper had softened at the folds from how many times she had checked it. Her name was printed clearly at the top, followed by the words that had changed everything: FULL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP. She had earned her place through months of late-night studying and sacrifices. Westbridge was known for excellent results and students from wealthy families. She knew she would stand out; she only hoped it would work in her favour. A security guard checked her admission letter before opening the smaller gate. “New student?” “Yes, sir. Sienna Jordan.” “Administration building is straight ahead. Someone will help you there.” Sienna thanked him and wheeled her suitcase inside. Inside the administration building, a woman at the reception desk checked her documents and handed her a room key, a timetable, and a campus map. “Room 214, East Residence,” she said. “Your roommate has already checked in. Her name is Andrea Norman. Orientation begins at ten, so you have time to settle in.” “Thank you.” “And, Sienna?” The woman paused before returning to her paperwork. “Your scholarship is an opportunity. Keep your grades up, follow the academy rules, and you should do well here.” Sienna nodded. “I intend to.” She followed the signs to East Residence, climbed to the second floor, and knocked on Room 214. A girl with curly hair and bright eyes looked up from arranging books on the desk nearest the window. “You must be Sienna!” she said. “I’m Andrea. I wondered if they’d made a mistake with the room assignments.” Sienna laughed softly. “The guard looked ready to send me back.” “Don’t worry. The guards look suspiciously at everyone before breakfast.” Andrea reached for the smaller suitcase. “Here, let me help.” “I can manage.” “I’m offering, not questioning your strength.” Sienna liked her immediately. She let Andrea take the suitcase while she carried her backpack to the empty bed. The room had two beds, two desks, a shared wardrobe, and a window overlooking the courtyard. Andrea’s side was already decorated. “You’ve made yourself at home,” Sienna said. “I believe in unpacking before life gets chaotic.” Andrea pointed to the empty desk. “That’s yours. The wardrobe has equal space, and I promise not to steal your food unless you label it with something dramatic.” “Like ‘poison’?” “Exactly. I might still ask what kind.” Sienna began unpacking, her shoulders finally loosening. Andrea explained where to find the dining hall, library, laboratories, and laundry room. “Westbridge is like a small town,” Andrea said. “Everyone knows everyone—or thinks they do. People have their groups and opinions about things that aren’t their business.” “That sounds exhausting.” “It can be.” “Then why does everyone want to come here?” “Good grades, good connections, and a name that looks impressive on an application. You know, the usual.” Sienna shook her head with a smile. “You make it sound wonderful.” “I’m trying to prepare you for reality.” “Very comforting.” Andrea laughed and checked the time. “Come on. I’ll show you the courtyard before orientation.” They left the room and crossed the courtyard. Students filled the benches and walkways. A few glanced at Sienna, and she wondered whether they already knew she was a scholarship student. She refused to shrink herself to make anyone comfortable. Andrea pointed out the library, dining hall, and sports field. A sudden cheer rose from the far side of the courtyard. Several students turned toward the entrance, where a dark car had pulled up beside the curb. A boy stepped out, handed his keys to another student, and slung a bag over one shoulder. He wore the academy uniform as if the rules had been designed around him: tie loose, sleeves casually folded, expression entirely unbothered by the attention gathering in his direction. Two girls called his name. One of the boys slapped him on the shoulder. The newcomer answered with a grin and a remark that sent the group laughing. “Who’s that?” Sienna asked. Andrea followed her gaze. “My cousin, Jace Norman.” Sienna looked at her. “Your cousin?” “Unfortunately for my peace of mind, yes.” “He seems popular.” “That’s one word for it.” Andrea looked amused. “He’s charming, good-looking, and knows how to use both. He can also be annoyingly pleased with himself.” “Life must be difficult when someone doesn’t care.” Andrea gave her a look. “That sounds like a challenge.” “It’s an observation.” Across the courtyard, Jace glanced over. His eyes passed over Andrea, then settled on Sienna. When she didn't smile or whisper, his expression shifted into curious amusement. Andrea raised a hand. Jace lifted his hand, still watching Sienna. Then a girl in a perfectly fitted uniform stepped beside him and said something that drew his gaze away. She had glossy dark hair, an elegant bag, and the confident posture of someone accustomed to being noticed. When she followed Jace’s line of sight and saw Sienna, her smile faded almost imperceptibly. “Who’s she?” Sienna asked. “Zoe Miles. One of the best students here. Very competitive, and she and Jace have known each other for years.” Zoe leaned closer to Jace, speaking as if she expected his attention. He smiled while the others gathered around them. Sienna looked away. “Well, I hope they’re happy.” Andrea gave her a sidelong look. “You really aren’t interested?” “In a boy who thinks the courtyard is his personal stage?” Andrea laughed. “You’re going to make this year interesting.” “I’m planning to make it successful.” The bell rang, sending students toward the main hall. Andrea guided Sienna through the crowd, but Sienna glanced back once. Jace was still watching her. This time, when their eyes met, he smiled as though he had just found a new puzzle to solve. Sienna followed Andrea inside. She had come to Westbridge to earn the education her family could never have afforded. She would not be distracted by popularity, wealth, or a charming smile. But as she entered the hall, she heard someone behind her ask, “Who’s the new girl with Andrea Norman?” And another voice answered, “I don’t know. But Jace was looking at her.” Sienna kept walking, unaware that across the courtyard, Zoe Miles had heard the same words and had already begun to wonder why Jace had noticed the new scholarship student at all.