Opposite Attract

Chapter 6: An Unexpected Ally.

Zara's pov

I slammed the door behind me, my whole body shivering. That horrible athlete's scornful comments resonated through my swirling thoughts. Scholarship students like myself didn't belong here, right? We were merely diversity props, and this luxury institution used to seem progressive.

My eyes were burning with furious tears. I blinked them back, unwilling to spend another second angry at that bigoted i***t. But God, the encounter had tired me. I wanted nothing more than to snuggle up in my creaking dorm bed and sleep till I felt less emotionally bruised and out of place.

Of course, the cosmos had other intentions. Because who else would be seated daintily on her sleek new blanket, perusing casually through a textbook except my unpleasant roommate?

Lucy did not even look up as I rushed in. Her perfect golden waves sparkled in the light from our room's arched window. Everything about her seemed to glow—the metallic shine of her nail paint, the vivid white of her toothy grin, and the brand insignia on her cashmere sweater. She virtually emanated old money and comfort.

Meanwhile, I stood there looking like I'd just lost a battle with a storm, frizzy hair escaping my ponytail and thrift shop clothing thrown off. We couldn't have created a worse pairing.

I moved by her to my empty side of the room, ready for some snide remark about interrupting her study session. Even Little Miss Elite's normal scorn couldn't break through my bad mood. I slumped into the rough mattress, groaning and sinking my head into my hands.

For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then, unexpectedly, her cutting voice pierced through my spiraling anguish.

"Rough first day?"

I raised my head gently. She looked at me with one finely arched brow lifted, her textbook set to the side.

Was she attempting a conversation? Or are you just seeking for gossip material?

"You could say that," I eventually mumbled, wiping my eyes, which were still hurting. "Had a run-in with some entitled athlete who thought it'd be fun to knock my stuff everywhere, then call me a diversity hire."

Lucy's tiny lips drew apart in amazement. "Are you serious?" Her sophisticated voice echoed with real outrage. "Who would say something so blatantly classist and prejudiced?"

I shrugged, moodily. "There are several popular senior jock types. Black hair and an incredibly symmetrical face: "Total rich kid vibe with his vineyard vine polo and fancy watch."

"Ugh, that sounds like Noah Bennett." She rolled her eyes. "He comes from one of the oldest New England families on campus." He's a major legacy brat.

This unexpected display of support made me happy. "So you know him now?"

"Of course." She gave a graceful little tremble. "Every summer, his family tries to rub elbows with mine at the Martha's Vineyard club." He has always been sort of.

"A raging prejudiced pig?" I supplied drily.

She let out a harsh chuckle. To my surprise, a genuine grin illuminated her classically lovely face. It made her seem almost accessible.

"I was going to say self-entitled," she said cynically. "But yours definitely works too."

A nervous grin pulled on my own lips. "Maybe I should've led with that line when he was busy telling me I don't belong here."

Her grin faltered. "Well, you do," she said vehemently. "As much as everyone else." Who cares if you get a scholarship?"

I glanced at her, surprised. "Wow, uh...thanks," I said eventually. "Honestly, I figured you would agree with him. About not belonging."

She had the decency to seem somewhat guilty while picking at her fine bedding. "Yes, I may have been very judgmental when we first met. My parents raised me better than that. "I apologize."

"Me too," I said. And I intended it. "I totally prejudged you as a pampered snob."

"Understandable." A little smirk appeared on her lips. "I'm Lucy, by the way."

She offered her hand, adorned with a big diamond ring. After a beat, I reached out to shake it.

Her grin broadened. "We'll remain roommates for a year, whatever. Maybe we should attempt for politeness."

"I'd like that." I smiled back, tentatively. "And maybe with your insider society knowledge, you can help me plot the perfect revenge on that pompous athlete."

Lucy laughed more loudly this time. The boom flooded our little dorm room with light that had not been just minutes before. "Oh, I do love a good scheme," she said, reaching for her cellphone. "Let's order dinner and start planning, shall we?"

My smile widened into an eager grin. After all, maybe this pricey institution has some unexpected shining spots.