CHAPTER 70
**WINTER**
Sophie strutted away, her heels clicking sharply against the tile floor. She tossed one last disdainful look over her shoulder, her nose wrinkling as if she’d smelled something foul. I watched her go, struggling to find the right words.
"Hmm… she seemed…" I hesitated, not sure how to put it into words.
"Like a total bitch," Claire finished for me without missing a beat.
I couldn't help but smile at her bluntness.
“Sophie and her group, are nothing more than rich sluts who think they’re God’s gift to the planet,” she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “I mean, seriously, they act like walking around in designer shoes makes them royalty or something.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at Claire’s deadpan delivery. The way she mimicked Sophie’s exaggerated strut was spot on, and the tension Sophie had stirred up melted away in an instant.
“Honestly, they’re just bored and insecure,” Claire added, grinning. “So, whenever she tries to pull that 'I’m better than you' act, just imagine her tripping over those ridiculous heels. Works every time.”
I laughed even harder, the image Claire painted pushing away the last of my unease.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I could get used to having Claire by my side.
I glance at the time and notice the girl's bathroom just up ahead. "We've still got a few minutes, right? I just need to..." I trail off, gesturing toward the bathroom.
Claire laughs, shaking her head. "Jesus Christ. Go ahead, but make it quick. I'll grab something from my locker and meet you back here in five."
I nod and hurry into the bathroom, rushing toward the first stall without thinking. The door isn't locked, so I push it open, only to be met with a sight that stops me dead in my tracks.
A couple is inside, completely absorbed in each other, the girl on her knees while the boy leans against the wall, his head tipped back, eyes shut in pleasure.
The sound of his soft moan fills the small space, making my stomach lurch.
"What the hell?" I gasp, stumbling back, my face flushing with a mix of shock and embarrassment.
The girl jerks her head around, glaring at me with wild eyes.
"Get out of here, you freak!" she snaps, hastily wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Before I can say anything, she slams the stall door shut, the lock clicking into place.
I stand frozen, staring at the door in disbelief. My heart races as I try to wrap my head around what I’ve just stumbled upon. Sure, I’ve witnessed strange things before, but this... this is on a completely different level. But then again, it’s college—maybe I need to start bracing myself for the unexpected.
Still shaken, I quickly retreat to another stall, my mind racing. How the hell am I supposed to unsee that?
I rush through peeing, trying to make it as quick as possible. The last thing I want is another awkward encounter with that couple or anyone else doing something inappropriate in here. Just as I'm about to flush, I hear a familiar sound coming from the stall next to a soft, rhythmic noise followed by a stifled moan. I glance down and see a pair of men's shoes planted firmly on the floor.
My stomach twists as I realize a girl is kneeling in front of him. Holy shit, she's also giving him a blow job in the girls' bathroom.
What is wrong with these people? The idea of kneeling on a grimy bathroom floor is nauseating, let alone doing it in a public toilet.
I try not to let the disgust show on my face as I quickly finish up, flush, and head to the sink. As I wash my hands, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes are wide, reflecting a mix of shock and apprehension. How am I supposed to survive in a place like this, where public bathrooms turn into hookup spots? The whole college experience is starting to feel less exciting and more like a nightmare.
Practically flying out of the bathroom, I spot Zion down the hall, leaning casually against a locker. He's talking to a girl who's practically draped over him, her giggles filling the air. Inshe g,zes up at him with adoring eyes. He leans in close, murmuring something that makes her laugh even harder, then casually runs his hand over her ass. She doesn't seem to mind. Her grin only gets wider.
Our eyes meet, and a slow, smug smile spreads across his face. It's as if he's daring me to react, challenging me to show some sort of jealousy or anger. But I won't give him the satisfaction. I force myself to look away, pretending I couldn't care less about what the manwhore does or who he flirts with.
"Ready to go?" Claire's voice breaks through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. She appears by my side, her presence a welcome distraction. I glance back at the locker, but Zion is already gone, disappearing like a shadow.
"Yeah, let's go," I reply, forcing a smile as we head off to class.
"I noticed one of the football guys heading in there before you went in. You didn't see him?" Claire asks, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Must've been a shock, but just so you know, that kind of thing happens all the time here. The guys and girls are so damn horny, it's practically a sport."
I force a laugh, trying to play it cool. "Nope, didn't see a thing," I lie, shrugging as if it's no big deal.
Claire looks at me, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really? You didn't see him? I mean..."
"Maybe he just prefers peeing in the girls' bathroom," I say, trying to brush it off. "It's probably cleaner." My voice sounds more casual than I feel, but I hope she doesn't notice.
Claire just chuckles, clearly amused. "Yeah, right." She grabs my arm, tugging me along. "Whatever, let's get moving before we're late."
As we walk, I can't help but glance back at the bathroom door, still reeling from what I saw. But with Claire's steady chatter filling the air, I do my best to shake it off and focus on what's ahead.
"I know damn well that guy wasn't in there just to take a piss," Claire scoffs, shaking her head. "I saw who he went in with. That girl's got a reputation if you know what I mean. She's practically made her rounds with every guy in this school."
I force myself to stay casual, shrugging nonchalantly. "Fibe, but it's none of my business, but just so you know, he wasn't the only guy in the girls' bathroom."
Claire's eyes widen, surprise flickering across her face. "Wait, what? There was another guy in there too?" Her jaw drops as the realization hits. "Seriously? That's disgusting! Are any of the stalls in the girls' bathroom even sperm-free?" She shudders dramatically, clearly grossed out by the thought.
I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm starting to doubt it."
She grimaces, but then she grins, grabbing my arm and pulling me along as we make our way down the hallway. "Come on, let's get out of here before I throw up. We've got a class to get to, and I'll be damned if I'm late on the first day."
We pick up the pace, Claire still chuckling under her breath as we weave through the crowded hallways. Despite the chaos of the morning, I find myself relaxing a little. Claire's easygoing attitude is infectious, and as we approach our first class together, I'm starting to feel like I might survive this place after all.