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  I’d learned the hard way that people weren’t to be trusted and that ninety percent of what they say is bullshit. I always keep that in the front of my mind when I’m talking to someone around here. If someone sees an opportunity to knock you down, they sure as fuck will take it. I cut through the crap. Some say I’m confrontational, the truth is I hate liars and all the pointless blabber that usually comes with one.

  “Hey, Ash!” Colby and Tate bang on the side of my truck before throwing my door open. “You ready for a new year? Already seen some prime freshmen pussy around campus.”

  Typical Colby. He can always make me laugh and get me to see the light side of anything. He’s the wide receiver on the football team and my oldest friend. We met in junior high and have been inseparable since. He always has my back and I have his. Tate, I met last year, he immediately clicked with us and we all have the football team in common. He and Colby are the only ones I feel I can be totally myself around, everyone else I keep at a distance. I don’t like anyone interfering in my life. The rest of the brothers know better than to try. I’ve got no problem laying someone out if they push me too far. My right hook is legendary, I’ve used it to knock more than one dickhead unconscious.

  I’m not a typical brother. Sure, I’m a jock but I want more out of my life than football. I had big dreams that got crushed two years ago. Now I don’t know what I want, I sure know I’m not going to find it sat at home keeping my Mom company. My arms are covered in tattoos and my black hair is styled into a mohawk. It’s who I am, it’s my thing and sets me apart from the others. I’ve never been one to follow the crowd. My Mom likes to say that if everyone started walking the way I wanted to go, I’d change direction just to be different. It’s true.

  Tate and Colby help me unload my stuff from my truck. I’m keeping the same room I had last year. It’s on the top floor of the frat house and is one of the few that is like a small apartment. I know I’m going to be spending the rest of the day setting it up before all the rush parties start tonight. Walking into the house, I see a lot of familiar faces. After a brief catch up and a beer, we get back to work. Colby and Tate arrived yesterday so there is just my stuff to move.

  ***

  It’s late into the frat rush party now. I’m stood at the front of the house watching the crowds of pledges and normal students wanting to register fill the street. Most are already wasted. I’ve been given twenty three cell numbers so far. It’s easy pickings. Being sober and getting hit on by a drunk girl is always funny. They’re trying to be seductive yet just come across as giggling, mumbling tramps most of the time. I can see Colby in the street chatting with a group of freshman girls, no doubt laying on that famous charm and Tate is doing a keg stand nearby. This is Greek life. Never a dull moment for an observer.

  Chapter three

  Bow

  I’ve spent a couple of hours wandering around the streets that house the fraternities and sororities. My first impression is that the movies have gotten it right. Drinking, dancing and shouting seem to be the thing to do. It might not be my thing but they do look like they are having a good time. I just have to throw myself into it, embrace it. I approach the biggest sorority thinking I’ll have more of a chance of getting in. They will have more free spaces than the others. I’m looking at their poster boards boasting of past and upcoming social events and philanthropic endeavours, when someone bumps into my back. I turn and am faced with three girls.

  They’re pretty but have no idea how to apply make up properly, there’s a serious orange tint to their faces. Their tits and asses are on show in ill-fitting clothes and the sickly sweet smell of vodka mixed with expensive perfume and hairspray wafts from them. I’d seen them earlier in the night, girls surrounded them, sucking up and running to do their bidding. These were the gatekeepers. I’m just about to introduce myself when the brunette in front starts to laugh and point at me.

  “You’re not thinking of joining this sorority are you?” She drags her eyes over my clothes and hair like I’ve turned up covered in shit. “I think its best you go back to student housing with all the other skanks. We’re looking for a certain class of girl and honey, you ain’t it.” The girls with her and those surrounding them add their taunts all the while laughing at my expense. Others just turn away. Going against these girls was obviously social suicide. No one would risk standing up to them.

  If this is what I’m trying to get into then maybe I will be better off in student housing. I walk away, refusing to hang my head. I’ve spent a lot of time around vain, mean spirited women and they never change. Once a bitch, always a bitch. I still want to belong somewhere though, not become a nameless face in the dorms. I’m just looking in the wrong places. I walk further away from all the Greek hoopla and decide to walk the streets of the privately owned houses before going back to my car. Tonight has been a bust and I have nothing to look forward to back in student housing, other than unpacking.

  I’m about to head back when a handmade sign propped up on the front yard of a house set back on its own catches my eye. It reads ‘student room available, apply within.’ The house is sat on a large piece of land, a good distance from the others and looks like it could do with a bit of maintenance. It needs a fresh coat of paint and the crumbling facades need to be replaced. It’s nice though and has a certain charm that I find endearing. The front porch steps creak as I walk up. The front door is partially open. I pop my head in to find a group of six people sitting around in a family room. They are an eclectic bunch at first sight.

  “Hi. I’m here for the student room, is it still available?”

  A lanky guy with scruffy blonde hair wearing a Star Wars t-shirt stands up. “Sure is. Come on in and introduce yourself, then it’ll be put to a vote.”

  Wow, right to it. “Okay, thanks.” I sit on the edge of the couch and quickly take in my audience. The guy sitting furthest away from me is wearing chinos and has a very serious expression on his face, he’s got quite an intimidating presence and is clearly who people defer to in the group. Next to him is a Hispanic guy in college sweats who doesn’t seem to be paying attention and the last guy, sat in a recliner, is the biggest black guy I’ve ever seen. His shoulders are that broad that he’s wider than the recliner he’s sat in. He flashes me a dazzling smile and seems really friendly. Two girls are huddled together on a rug in front of the TV. One, a geeky looking girl wearing thick framed glasses and the other has so much red curly hair that it nearly covers her entire frame. She reminds me of the main character out of Brave.

  “Well, my name is Bow Stratton. I’m a sophomore studying design. I was born in California and I love fashion and Dr Who. I’m relatively tidy and in the interest of full disclosure, I like long showers and can take a while getting ready in the bathroom.”

  No one speaks for a minute and I can’t decide whether I’m supposed to carry on. In truth, it wasn’t a great introduction but I’m working off the cuff here.

  The guy who I first met starts, “Great, well, I’m Radley and I’m studying engineering.”

  The redhead girl has a tiny voice. She reminds me of the shy nun in Sister Act now. “My names Pepper and this is Janie.” She points to the brunette in the glasses next to her. “We’re both second year design students too.”

  “Really? That’s awesome.” A sense of relief blankets me. It will be great to know someone in my classes.

  The black guy stands up and reaches out to shake my hand. It looks tiny wrapped in his giant palms. “I’m Michael and I study English.”

  “I’m Anthony and I study English as well.” The guy is still not really paying attention.

  The last guy hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I’ve come in. He’s making me a little uneasy. “I’m Glen and I’m a Computer Engineering student. What you said was great and all but what I really want to know is who you are.”

  “Excuse me?” Everyone’s heads are switching between me and Glen, like at a tennis match. He’s coming across as a mean bastard and
I don’t understand it. Does he expect me to pour out every little detail of my life when I know nothing about them? I don’t think that’s going to happen. I really want to live here and I get a good vibe from these people so I play it cool. “I don’t know what you mean. I already told you, I’m….”

  “Take off the wig and the contacts and then we’ll talk.”

  What the fuck! How does he know? I want to reach up and check my wig hasn’t slipped but I’m so shocked I can’t move. They’re all scrutinising me now. Well, that cover didn’t last long. I can feel my hopes of having a dream college experience slipping through my fingers. Fuck it.

  “I’d rather not. It takes a while to get right and I’m not going outside without it on.” There is a collective gasp from the group having Glen’s accusation confirmed.

  He smiles at me now. Strange, that’s a complete turn around from a second ago. Maybe he’s got some kind of mood disorder. “It’s alright, don’t look so worried. My Dad is in the CIA. I know what to look for, my Dad basically made it a game for me growing up. I’m a bit of a safety fanatic and I want to know that I can trust you around my friends.” At least he is being friendly now. I guess he was waiting to see if I’d lie.

  “Wow, you should follow in your Dad’s footsteps. No one else has noticed at all. I sent a photo to my agent, she replied wanting to know who I was and how I got her personal email address and she’s paid to know exactly what I look like.”

  “Thanks. So….” He gestures for me to answer his original query. Time to bite the bullet.

  “Okay, before I say anymore can you promise to all keep my secret whether I end up living here or not. If you can’t, I might as well get a flight and go home right now.” It’ll be a hollow promise if I get it but it’s better than nothing.

  “Sure. We promise.” They all nod. I’ve got no choice; either trust them or give up.

  “I didn’t lie. My full name is Bow Bells Stratton and…”

  “You’re Bells Stratton? The Victoria’s Secret supermodel?” I nod. “I would never have guessed. That’s some disguise you’ve got.” Pepper is up on her knees now, excited by the reveal and studying every inch of me, no doubt picking out my features and mentally comparing them to pictures she’s seen of me.

  “Thanks. Listen, I’m more than happy to fill you in on whatever you want to know about me. Before I do though, let me explain something. I really want a normal college experience. I want to make real friends, live a typical student life and that is never going to happen as Bells Stratton.”

  “I read an article recently on your Father. I’m very sorry for your loss.” Glen adds. I can’t respond. My Dad turning up in this conversation isn’t what I want or expected. Enough time hasn’t passed yet to let me talk about him without crying. “I say we take a vote. All those in favour of Bow moving in and joining our Oddball House community, raise your hands.” They all do. Even Glen. I cannot contain my smile or relief. “We’re gonna do everything we can to help you keep your secret, Bow. You have any problems or questions you can come to any of us. That’s how we work.”

  “Thank you all so much!” I can’t help bouncing on the spot. I’ve found my place at college and it is with some awesome people. Janie and Pepper show me the two rooms on the top floor that are not occupied and the bathroom I will share with whoever else moves into the second room. They are large identical rooms. I ask everyone if they’d mind if I take both, obviously paying my share for them. I could use one as storage which would be a big help and having my own bathroom would be a great, plus, this disguise was a twenty minute job to put on properly. This way no one has to wait for me to finish. They agree.

  “Now will you take off your wig?” Pepper asks. I laugh so loud, I’ve been waiting for her to say something. She’s been eyeing it since she found out it was a wig.

  “I promise I will when I’m back from picking up my stuff.” I’m moving in now. I’m not giving them the opportunity to change their minds.

  Everyone offers to help so we all climb into various cars and manage to get me moved in one trip. We carry it all up to my storage room. I tell them to dump my stuff in there and I’ll sort it tomorrow. Then agree that we’ll sit down to watch a movie together as my welcome party. It’s exactly what I am in the mood for. I quickly make up the double bed in my room and strip my disguise off.

  Putting on my Dr Who pyjamas, I go downstairs and unveil the real Bow Bells Stratton, much to Pepper and Janie’s absolute delight. The guys appear a little taken aback by my appearance and I can tell they’re trying not to stare. I appreciate the effort and know they’ll get used to me soon enough. Curling up next to Michael on the couch, we watch the first Indiana Jones and stuff our faces with microwave popcorn that in my opinion tastes a lot like cardboard. If this is how college is going to go, I know I’ll love it.

  Chapter four

  Bow

  Classes start tomorrow and I’ve finally finished unpacking. I’ve spent the last week bonding with everyone in Oddball House and they are already the best friends I’ve ever had. Michael and Anthony spent an entire day building the wardrobes and cupboards I’d bought from our girls’ trip to Ikea. Radley had ‘supervised’. Glen set up all my electronics and marvelled over my top of the line equipment. He looked at me, shocked, when I told him I barely knew how to work any of it and I’d just be using it for email and any papers I have to write. Ralph had ordered me everything, saying I needed it. Glen promised to tutor me.

  When everything was done Pepper and Janie explained to me about the Underdog Society. It is a group made up of all the clubs and groups that aren’t considered college mainstream. They range from knitting clubs to the graphic novel appreciation society. Every year, when the Greeks have their spring parties, everyone who is a member of the Underdog Society gathers here at Oddball House to have their own style of party. They even have membership cards, a code of conduct and guiding principles. Glen, who is president of the society, (no surprise there) issued me my card this morning. I treasure it already.

  Every day I get closer to everyone. I love how inclusive they are, always asking if I want to join in on what they’re doing. It turns out I am truly inept at video games. Michael partnered up with me in Call of Duty and I killed him more than anyone else. I’ve grown really close to him. We clicked right off the bat. They all know my secret and don’t treat me any differently than they do each other. The only one who does slightly is Glen who has taken it upon himself to make sure my secret stays just that – a secret. I think it’s fair to say that I’m a bit of a safety pet project for him.

  I went downstairs earlier and treated everyone to Chinese takeout for all their help this week. After dinner I decide to get an early night. Today has been draining. Between worrying about classes and panicking that someone like Glen will see through my disguise, I’ve exhausted myself.

  I usually have more energy but I’ve let my amount of time exercising slip lately for more pleasurable pursuits of watching movies and eating junk food. I will have to start my gym routine up again this week. I don’t relish the idea of getting up early to travel to a gym. It would be handy to use the college’s fitness zone, I’ve heard it’s immense. However, I know I would be too worried about being noticed to get into my flow state and I don’t want regular contact with those sorority bitches who are bound to frequent it.

  The basement at Oddball is empty and desperately in need of a refurb. It’s not even used for storage. Again, no one minds when I ask if I could put some gym equipment down there. Michael said he would add some weight machines too. No doubt he can lift a serious amount of weight. His arms and thighs are as thick as tree trunks. What they don’t know is that in the next couple of weeks I’m arranging for it to be split into two rooms. One, a fully equipped movie theatre and the other, a state of the art gym. It’s my way to thank them for accepting me so wholeheartedly. Until then though I’ll be hitting a regular gym.

  I look over my schedule one more time and check my bag
to make sure I’ve got everything I need. Pepper and Janie were laughing at me this morning because I was stressing about what to put into my first school bag, not what I was going to wear like them. I have three different kinds of notebooks and a bunch of different pens. I’ve completely over purchased what I need but I’d never been shopping for stationary before and I just couldn’t choose.

  I picked their outfits for them in the end, for which they were grateful. We promised ourselves another girls day clothes shopping in Central Houston in the near future. My nerves about being new were getting to me a bit. I had to keep reminding myself that I would be with the two of them for my first two classes. It’s only the last, marketing, that I’d be on my own. We’d be taking separate cars in the morning as I planned to go to join a local gym straight after my classes finished, instead of coming home. I also like the idea that I can easily escape if I need to.

  I love my car but was starting to wish Ralph had picked something a little less conspicuous than a sporty, cherry red, brand new Mustang with every optional extra attached. When I pointed this out to him, he said “if anyone asks just say your favourite Uncle got it for you as a starting college gift.” There is enough money floating around this campus for that to be a viable excuse. I settle myself into my oh-so-comfy bed and send a quick prayer up to my Mom and Dad, like I do every night.

  Asher

  The first day of classes is always a bit of a nightmare. There are lots of people scrambling about, trying to find their way to new classes and all the while trying not to be late. I always like the first day back. No real work is ever done. Each class consists of a teacher giving an outline of what would be covered in their class for the rest of the semester and little else. A few papers might be handed out but that was all.