Chapter Four
The morning sunlight filtered into the room, casting a soft glow on the remnants of our overnight efforts. The evidence of last night's wild party had been effectively subdued, replaced by a sense of accomplishment that came with a clean space.
The night prior, Stella's enthusiasm had led us down the path of doing shots, a moment of reprieve amidst the whirlwind of transitioning to this new environment. We spent the subsequent hours engaged in an impromptu game, meticulously tossing red cups into trash bags. Laughter had punctuated the night, a cathartic release of tension that ultimately led to the restoration of our room.
With the dawn of a new day, I embarked on my morning routine, selecting my attire for Tuesday. The Oxford navy blue blazer, paired with a pleated plaid skirt and black tights, embodied the classic elegance that seemed to resonate throughout this institution. Loafers adorned my feet, and pearl earrings graced my ears, creating a polished ensemble.
Emerging from my room, I joined my roommates in our shared space. Stella's energetic presence beckoned me, and she playfully dragged me into her own room. There, she insisted on applying mascara to my lashes, her enthusiasm contagious.
"You're all the boys can talk about right now," she declared with a mischievous grin, her words injecting a sense of intrigue into the morning.
"What do you mean?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"Theo was quite insistent on asking about you last night. I believe he might have developed a crush," Stella's candid revelation painted my cheeks with a delicate flush of embarrassment.
"Oh yeah, absolutely," Natalie chimed in, joining our impromptu gathering within Stella's room. She took the initiative to gently brush my hair, her actions conveying a sense of camaraderie.
"At my previous school, we never had boys around," I confessed awkwardly, a hint of unfamiliarity lingering in my words.
"You went to an all-girls high school?!" Stella's incredulous response hung in the air.
"How did you manage to survive?" she continued, evoking a burst of laughter from Natalie.
"I suppose she focused on her studies?" Nora chimed in matter-of-factly, her voice carrying a note of amusement.
In the midst of our shared laughter, an unexpected admission tumbled from my lips. "I actually think Colton is rather attractive."
The exchange of glances between Natalie and Stella carried a peculiar weight, an unspoken conversation playing out in their expressions.
"What's going on?" I queried, the exchange not going unnoticed by me.
"It's nothing, really. It's just... Colton can be quite intense. He's older, more experienced," Natalie's words carried an air of caution, as if gently steering me away from a path fraught with uncertainty.
"What do you mean?" I pressed for more information, intrigued by the hints of complexity surrounding Colton.
"It's just that Colton has a reputation. He's often considered one of the most sought-after bachelors at Oxford," Natalie explained, her tone tinged with a mix of candor and concern.
"Some of my friends have tried to date him, and well, it never ends well. His allure can be quite potent, but it often comes with heartache. I just want to make sure you don't end up getting hurt," Stella's genuine concern shone through her words, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted persona that Colton embodied.
As the morning sunlight filtered into the dining hall, we gathered around a table, savoring cups of coffee and bowls of oatmeal. My gaze brushed against Colton and Spencer at another table, only for them to swiftly avert their eyes from my direction. The remnants of last night's party seemed to have left a more lasting impression than I had initially thought.
"Hello, ladies," Josh greeted, sliding into a seat next to Stella. His casual charm was met with an eye-roll and a blush from Stella, a mixture that spoke of her exasperated affection for him.
"Hi, Isabella," Theo's voice, softer and tinged with shyness, reached my ears as he settled beside me. Meanwhile, Nate and Tim took their places next to Natalie and Nora, their conversation swiftly turning to the events of the previous night. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, accentuating the sense of community that was slowly beginning to take root.
A group of their friends approached, bantering and playfully slapping shoulders as they passed by Theo and Josh. It was clear that the pair held a certain popularity, woven through their interactions with the others.
"We've been plotting something to repay your gracious hosting last night," Josh declared, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Stella's blush deepened, her reaction mirroring his playful demeanor.
"On Friday night, meet us at the dorms," Tim chimed in, his words laden with a secretive undertone that elicited a knowing giggle from Natalie.
"We may just have some secret intel to share," Theo added with a teasing grin directed my way. The camaraderie of the group was infectious, and I laughed in response, my coffee cup lifting to my lips for a sip.
Navigating conversations with boys had never been my strong suit, and the fact that Colton was continuously staring at me did little to alleviate the nervous tension building within me. Suddenly, his approach was both surprising and perplexing.
"Isabella, come to class," his voice cut through the ambient noise, capturing everyone's attention. A hush fell over our table as we gazed up at him, his presence commanding the respect and awe of those around us.
"Colton, how've you been? Haven't seen you since my dad's Christmas party last year," Josh's attempt at conversation came out sounding more like an attempt to dispel tension. There was a palpable apprehension radiating from Josh, Theo, and their friends in Colton's presence.
"I'm good. Catch up with you two later at practice. Now, off to class," Colton's dismissive yet cordial tone signaled the end of their interaction. As Josh and Theo retreated, I chimed in with a farewell and followed Colton out of the hall, seeking an explanation for his abrupt intervention.
"Colton!" I exclaimed, stopping him in the hallway.
"Isabella," he responded, a cocky smirk playing on his lips.
"What on earth was that about?" I demanded an explanation, my confusion evident.
"I have no idea what you're referring to," his nonchalant reply did little to ease my frustration.
"From now on, I'll walk to class myself, thank you," I retorted, anger creeping into my voice as I took a step ahead of him.
"I thought you might appreciate a walking buddy," he said with a hint of amusement in his tone, trailing behind me.
"I'm trying to make friends, as you suggested, but your presence seems to be scaring them off," I argued, my annoyance mounting. Colton, however, seemed unperturbed by my protest.
"Good," he stated simply, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, a self-satisfied aura about him that only further fueled my exasperation.
An exasperated groan escaped my lips as we entered the classroom, the tension between us almost tangible. Determined to establish some sense of autonomy, I chose a different seat than the previous day, with Colton inevitably taking the seat next to mine.
As he settled in beside me, my eyes involuntarily rolled at his presence.
His whispered voice reached my ears, "Little girl, I'd suggest dropping your attitude."
My response was swift, a quiet but incisive "Excuse me?"
"Isabella, please be quiet," the professor's reprimand rang through the room, every eye now fixated on me. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I sank in my seat, my face burning with embarrassment.
The remainder of the class passed in silence, my attention divided between the professor's words and the weight of Colton's earlier admonishment. The authority he had claimed over me was baffling, leaving me bewildered by his audacity. Who did he think he was, to speak to me in such a manner?
After my classes wrapped up for the day, I headed toward the designated room for the Oxford chess club meeting. As I approached, a hushed murmur of voices caught my attention. Eavesdropping, I realized they were whispering about me. It seemed that my presence had sparked some intrigue and discussions.
Listening intently, I caught fragments of their conversation.
"Who does she think she is, Spencer? Just some random girl, an orphan with no bloodline proof, and she's suddenly getting favored treatment?"
"She's a prodigy," Spencer's voice cut through the negativity.
"But Colton's hanging around her like she's royalty. She's being handed opportunities we've had to earn!"
"The headmaster seems to believe she's special. And she's kind and talented. You should give her a chance, Jen."
"Special or not, she's just a random human. I'm not interested," Jen's voice dripped with dismissive scorn.
As the door slammed shut, I took a deep breath and entered the room. The chess club's meeting room was impressive, radiating an old-world charm with its dark wood finish and towering shelves filled with an array of books. Oxford's academic prestige was palpable.
Ignoring the lingering stares and hushed whispers of the girls, I joined the others near the front. Spencer's announcements signaled the start of the games. I engaged in a series of matches, swiftly progressing through the rounds. My final opponent was none other than Colton.
Colton was a formidable chess player, and I found myself thoroughly engaged in our match. His intense gaze seemed to penetrate my thoughts, attempting to decipher my strategy. Trusting my instincts, I anticipated his moves, accurately predicting his next actions. A gut feeling guided my every decision, as it had in previous matches.
Determined to emerge victorious against this confident opponent, I focused on the board. My strategy played out, and I executed my moves with precision. Colton's piece fell, and I won the match. As I looked up, I was met with Colton's smirk, a mixture of admiration and challenge.
"Isabella," he acknowledged, raising his glass in an approving gesture. The impact of his gaze sent shivers down my spine.
"Colton," I replied, my voice tinged with equal parts amusement and intrigue.
As the chess games wrapped up, the room began to empty, leaving only a small group behind. Colton, Spencer, and I lingered, a sense of camaraderie apparent between us. As they organized the boards, Colton reached out and grasped my arm, his touch surprising me.
"Bella, there's something we'd like to talk to you about. Is it alright if we involve Spencer and Peter?" he asked. Uncertainty tinged my response, a wariness born from their propensity for surprises.
"Um, yes, of course," I agreed, my curiosity piqued.
We gathered by a crackling fire, Spencer's mischievous wink igniting a sense of anticipation within me.
"Shall I begin?" Spencer asked, Colton's nod signaling her to proceed.
"Alright, Bella," she began before dissolving into laughter, prompting Colton to encourage her to continue.
My curiosity spiked. "What is it? Another secret society within a secret society?" I jested, laughter woven into my words. However, their expressions shifted, revealing a level of seriousness that took me by surprise.
"Oh, come on, you can't be serious," I laughed nervously.
"Okay, I'll give it a shot," Colton began, but his playful demeanor quickly turned earnest.
"Bella, some students here... they engage in a certain type of relationship with fellow members," he stated matter-of-factly. My brow furrowed as I tried to decipher his words.
"Okay, I can't keep it together anymore. Let's just be straightforward," Spencer chimed in, a hint of amusement coloring her voice.
"Be straightforward about what?" I inquired, my curiosity growing as their expressions turned solemn.
"In college, Bella, we explore various aspects of relationships," Colton started to explain.
"It's a sex club," Spencer interjected, her gaze unwavering as she met my eyes.
"A BDSM sex club," Peter added, his words landing with a weight that left me utterly astonished.