Page 4 of Girl Like Me

“You have a boyfriend, he has given you space because of the situation.”

“I don’t want a boyfriend.” I declare with conviction. I have five perfectly fine ones waiting for me or at least I hope they are waiting.

“You don’t have much of a choice – Sebastian William Michael the third, is about as douchey as his name sounds. Our families have this arranged, you just go with it. We are top of the food chain at Westview Heights Academy. You will see the buildings are ancient just like our house, the kids are as rich as we are, well almost,” he says with a grin. “We are in the same group of friends, pushed together by wealth and connections over actual friendships.”

Westview Heights as I have figured out is a relatively small town, those who live here are extremely wealthy. I would hazard a guess that they all fall into the top ten percent of the entire country. If you live in Westview Heights, you also go to school at the academy. There isn’t even a public school here like there was back in Canary Bay. Even though the guys all went to a private school in Green lakes where Rory lives.

“Sounds like hard work.” I mutter as I rest my head against the seat.

“It is and don’t forget you were in rehab, no one knows you went crazy.”

“I’m not crazy. Do they know about my memory loss?” I ask as he pulls into the most lavish looking parking lot I have seen. A valet steps out in a red coat, opening my door for me, then rushing around to the other side to open Carter’s door.

“Sebastian does and some close friends, I’m sure it has gotten around by now.”

“Great.” I huff stepping out of his stupid car.

“Do you have your iPad? I will show you how to bring up your class list, beyond your bitchy exterior you were actually really smart. You used to say it was your ticket out of an arranged marriage.”

We walk side by side as I take in all the trees, or more so shrubs sculptured into shapes. The lawns are massive but impressive, not a blade out of place in lines of dark and light green. The school looks like an old castle, very similar to what our house looks like but just on a bigger scale.

“Let’s stop past our lockers, they’re assigned by last name so ours are next to each other.”

Stepping into the building, I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. The floor is marble, a grand staircase adorned with an arch that has carvings directly in front of us.

“Quick rundown. To our right through those doors is administration, to the left is access to the sporting facilities, swimming pool, sauna. Up these stairs leads to lots of hallways that connect to more hallways that go in a loop to more hallways. So finding your way around is going to be super fun. I emailed you a map, it should help. I have labelled all your classes, the dining hall, since meals are provided, and other areas you might need to know how to find.”

“We can’t even bring our own lunch?” I raise a brow, that seems crazy.

“I think the poor kids do, unless their scholarships pay for it. We are not poor, do not bring your own food. Our mother will know within a few minutes and rain down hell on you for letting others think we are poor. They have eyes and ears throughout the entire school. It’s a way for them to keep us in line.”

“Damn.”

He leads us down a hallway, one that leads out to a massive balcony with tables, and a small staircase that leads down to a grassy area built in by shrubs.

A group of maybe ten kids is seated, their chatter can be heard from the door, but when they see us coming they all go quiet and stare. A preppy looking guy with blonde hair parted off centre gelled down so not one strand is out of place, stands, smiling widely at the sight of us. “Babe, you’re back.” He says, causing me to freeze in my tracks. His smile drops. Damn it I need to play along. The tight feeling in my chest rears its ugly head, but I imagine Mercer's voice telling me to just breathe.

“Sebastian. I’m sorry my memory still isn’t the best.” As I step forward, he takes my hand interlacing our fingers together. I want to let it go so badly, but Carter gives me a pointed look as if to saydon’t even think about it.I smile at him feigning innocence and let Sebastian drag me to the table,pulling me into his lap as soon as he sits down.

“So bitch how was rehab?” A carbon copy of myself asks. Same blonde hair and fake nails. I give her a pointed look, trying to remember what Carter told me about the people we associate with.

“Clarissa.” Sebastian whispers in my ear.

“I don’t remember rehab, from what I was told though; I went on a bender, somehow escaped and got myself beaten up pretty badly. My memory is slowly coming back, but most things are still a little fuzzy.”

“Shit, trust you to get your hands on the good stuff in rehab.” She laughs and so do the others.

“Sounds about right.” Carter adds. “Everyone introduce yourself so we can refresh her memory. It comes back as I take her places we used to go.” The lie rolls off his tongue effortlessly. He filled me in on a few things yesterday and showing weakness isn’t advised, especially in a shark infested tank such as this school.

“Ambrosia.” A brunette says with a snarky smile.

“Baron.” A dark haired guy says.

“Quinn.” A pretty girl with red hair says, not bothering to look up at me.

“Linus.” A dark skinned boy says, he has a slight accent.

“Oliver.” He winks at me from across the table.

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