QUEEN
The next day we got a call from the university and said that we passed and our schedules will be given once we visit the university. King said we need to celebrate after we informed our parents and Uncle Jordan that we do pass the entrance exam.
Later that day, we decided to head to the mall to buy some groceries. After finishing our errands, we decided to explore a bit. Ravendale was new to us, and we wanted to familiarize ourselves with the area. However, our casual stroll turned into a bit of a misadventure as we got lost. After wandering through unfamiliar streets, we finally found our way back, much to my relief.
The next day marked our official start at Cornelle University. That morning, I walked into the dining hall and froze. King was already seated, dressed in a crisp white polo shirt and slacks, looking far too polished. I blinked at him in surprise.
“Woah, are you a student? Or a young professor?” I teased.
King arched a brow. “What kind of question is that? Of course, I’m a student. And I’ll remind you, I’m your brother. Unlike Ace, who’s probably still in bed.”
"So harsh," I rolled my eyes, smirking, when Ace finally got up from his bed. After breakfast, King took the wheel, and soon, we arrived at the university. My heart pounded as we stepped out of the car. 
But as we walked across the campus, I noticed the students turning their heads—towards me.
At first I thought that the stares are for my brothers but I was wrong. It was really for me.
“What’s wrong? Why are they staring?” I whispered to Ace.
“No idea,” he replied with a shrug, seemingly unbothered.
We headed to the admin office to complete some formalities. After taking our measurements for uniforms, which would take a week to be ready, we were free to wear casual. King pointed to a grand building nearby. We were finally done King tap my shoulders and pointed to one of the buildings there.
"Queen, that’s our building, do you want us to take you to your class?" I shake my head and he handed me my book.
I shook my head, not wanting to make them late. “No, it’s fine. I’ll manage.”
He handed me a book. “Call us when your class is done.”
“Okay, see you later” I replied, offering a small smile before heading off on my own.
As I made my way to class, I felt the weight of countless stares. The whispers and glances filled me with unease, their contempt eyes. It was as if my presence offended them, though I couldn’t understand why.
I clutched my chest and breath hard.
Don’t laugh!
I was walking with my head down and as I walk fast, I almost bumped into something. Luckily someone held my arm and when I look up. We were both shocked.
He was a tall and handsome man. Thank goodness he help me.
"Thank you, and sorry." I bite my lip and suddenly his grip tightens “Ouch! The hell is your problem?!”
He immediately let go of my arm and I massage it.
“So many happenings as I step here.” They just stared at me and I avert my eyes and cough. "Is there anything you want from me?"
"Why did you come back again, for what? Huh?" He said it in a cold voice but you can feel that he was angry. But why angry at me when I didn’t know him?
"Huh?"
"Tsk, playing innocent now? Just disappear again and don’t ruin our lives anymore."
Why is he talking to me like he know me?
"Sorry, I don’t know all of you." My face crumpled and sighed. “If you’re done, I will take my leave now, I don’t want to be late for my first class.” I walked past to them and I heard their faint groan.
"Astrid." He said and I stop. I look at him again and shake my head.
"Sorry, but Astrid is not my name." when I finally got inside the class everyone looked at me and they started to scatter and leave the seat in front.
Damn, what’s their problem?
What is so shocking about seeing my face and looking at me with such hatred. They carefully watching me, it’s just like If I do just a small mistake, they will probably bombard me with curses.
"You'reDiamond, right?" the prof asked me after she look at her list.
"Yes, Ma’am." I smiled.
"I've seen your grades and I saw that you are having a hard time in this subject."
"Uhh, yes."
"Hmm, you should not worry about it this course subject is not major but I think you want to aim for the Dean’s Lister. Anyways are you sure your name is Diamond Imperial?" She check my name once again and look at me.
"Yes, is there a problem with that Ma’am?"
"Nothing, let’s now start the discussion." I have two classes this morning and after that Is lunch.
I was having a hard time on focusing on the discussion because I feel it, they are staring at me. Whispering bad things…
“Queen, you okay?” he asked gently. Wiping my forehead.
I nodded weakly. “Y-yeah. Where’s King?”
“Waiting in the parking lot. Let’s go eat.”
“I don’t have an appetite.”
“You need to eat. And take your meds.”
"Everyone is staring at you," I said even though they were really looking at me.
"Don’t mind the stares. You’ll stress yourself."
"Hmm, I’m craving for chips at chocolate."
"I knew it there is a problem."
"I told you… it was nothing. I’m fine."
"Chips and chocolate are the foods you ate when you feel stressed." He said with a straight face and I just nod.
"Just tired," I said and bite my nails. I tried to ignore it but the stares…
"Don’t push yourself too much."
Is too much.
“Yeah.”
"Let's go now."
I hesitate but still, followed him. But as we reached the car, I froze. A group of students stood nearby, including the man I had bumped into earlier.
“Ace!” one of them called out, grinning.
“Hey,” Ace replied casually.
"Where are you going?"
"Lunch outside, want to come with us?" he asked and I look at him with a shocked face.
"Ace?" it looks like he didn’t notice that I don’t want to be with them. I do feel uncomfortable with them.
"We are in the same class." Ace said and I nod. "This is Jason and Vermont."
"Ahh h-hello." They nod and watch me with a blank faces.
"Queen!" Ace shouted when I suddenly run and leave them there, then King watch me as I go inside the car and slam it.
Ace’s invitation to join them us for lunch caught me off guard. I stiffened, trying to mask my discomfort. They seemed polite, but their presence only heightened my anxiety.
"What happened?" King asked me as soon as he get inside.
"I want to go home." I was now on the verge of crying
"Why?"
"I want to leave Ravendal right now..." I whispered and buried my face in my bag.
“But…”
“I don’t want here.” Ace knocked and I didn’t look at him then King get outside and talked to them.
"King this is Vermont and Jason."
"King Spade, Nice to meet you."
"I invited them to eat with us, is it okay?"
"Sure, hop in." I heard them get inside and King coughed. I didn't look. “Queen.”
"Thank you!"
"Yeah."
“How’s the first day here?”
“It's fine.”
“Queen, where do you want to eat?”
"I want to-" go home...
“She said she’s fine with anything, and don't forget the chips and chocolate.” Ace suddenly said and I just ignore them.
King asked them and they all agreed to Japanese food, when the car stop, King poke me and said that we are already at the mall. I was not in the mood as they ordered, they keep on glancing at me and ask if I want this or that but I didn’t utter a word.
They just talked about basketball and after we finish eating, I immediately stand up.
"Are you still hungry?"
“No, just want to go home.”
“You still have classes left.” I bite my lip and sigh.
“Let’s go we will buy you chips and Chocolate cake.” said Ace and King nodded.
“I…”
"You want those right, let’s buy some." I nod and finally gave up. Ace held my hand and we go to the store. After we do buy, we immediately go to the university. I won’t be able to focus on this if they keep on staring at me, I want them to leave me alone.
After class, I go to the library to read some topics and I was too focused while reading when King appeared. He sat beside me and whispered.
"Let’s go I’ll take you home, I still have class later."
"We will wait for you, I’ll just read my book and stay here," I whispered back and he nod and silently leave me. I go back to reading again and stretch my arms for a second then someone approached me. It’s them, Vermont’s friends.
"Hi?" They look at my book and asked.
"BSA?" It was the girl with a long hair, I nod.
"Yup."
"So Ast- I mean, what's your name?"
"I'm Diamond."
"I’m Akie and she's Shanon. I'll go straight to the point, sorry but, we just wanna ask something."
"When is your birthday?"
"September 10, 19XX, Hartville City." Then they laugh.
“Astrid please stop making stories, why did you come back huh? Are you back again so you could ruin Vermont's life again and again.” Shanon said and pointed to me, she was trembling with anger and I clasp my hands and sighed.
“Just fuck off!”
"First of all, I don’t know you all and I don't give a fuck, who cares about Vermont's life. I don’t know him so please stop pestering me!" I glared at them and we all stop when so Vermont appeared.
"Shannon, Akie what are you two doing here?" Vermont, Jason, and the other guy look at me and stare at me with sharp eyes. Like they do want to kill me.
"Why are you talking to her?"
"We are just asking her if-"
“As if I want to be in your presence,” I said and gather my things.
"Stop it, Akie," Vermont said and look at me. "Do you think she will admit everything? Haa, Don’t even bother talking to her again. She will not last here."
"Please, can you all leave me alone? I’m having a peaceful time here. Then you two suddenly approached me then started bitching around. Don’t you have manners?" They just stared at me and I laughed, students started to look at us and the librarian got mad at us. "Fuck, then I am the one who will leave."
I was irritated as I hugged my book and glared at them then suddenly someone touch my elbow.
"Queen, done studying?"
"Not now, Ace."
"Did they bother you?" I shake my head.
"No. I just wanted to go."
"Let me help you with your books." Still irritated, I slightly push him. “Something’s definitely wrong tell-”
"Shut the fuck up Ace, I want to be alone, okay?"
He looks shocked, I suddenly regret cursing my younger brother.
“I didn’t mean it, Ace, sorry I…” I shook my head and started running away.
I am not Astrid why are they being stubborn?
Just who the hell is she, the hell my name is Queen Diamond, and not fucking Astrid! Astrid starts with the letter A with six letters and mine was starting with the letter Q with five letters. Mine was a Consonant, while her is a Vowel. What’s wrong with those people?
They’re making me feel like, I am the stupidest person in the world.
I leave the university and take a cab. Then my phone started to ring but I was annoyed so I canceled it. I said to the driver to take me to Maplewood and I stayed there for hours.
Uncle was right, looks like everything was here. I spent my hours there looking for new shirts, dresses, and shorts. I even bought a new sneakers and I was amazed because I had just bought them for a low price.
It was already dark when they started to play music. I touch my necklace and take a deep breath.
Lend me your strength, I miss you…
I buy some street food when my stomach grumbles and when I look at the clock it was already 8, I opened my phone and there are too many texts and missed calls from King and Ace. When King’s name appeared on my screen, I answered it.
(Queen, where are you?)
"Ahh, just went shopping," I said like It was nothing, not minding his worried voice.
(Where is it? We are really worried here.)
"I can handle myself, don’t mind me. I can go home alone."
(Queen, please? I was scared huh?)
“I won’t leave King, I’m here in Maplewood, I’m sorry." I whispered and bite my nails.
(Just stay there, we will go there now.)
"Ok, I’ll wait."
I end the call and sighed, I sat on the bench there and wait for my brothers. I am now guilty for making them worried but it’s Vermont his friends’ fault. If they just leave me alone since they hated me.
Can’t they just ignore me, they were just stressing their selves. What a bunch of idiots.
—IAmRoseee