It wasn’t just that the bottom floors were quiet, the lighting in comparison was dim and the air felt cold.
“Unlike the upper floors, the villages of the lower floors are built further apart. Well except for these four, since their built so closely together, they ineract with each other and hardly have any reason to come out. You’re more likely to run into the others on a trip to the bathroom, the breakfast cart or the vending machine during the morning or late afternoon. Down here everyone else also… prefers to keep to themselves.” She eyed Amy Claire. “Don’t be too surprised.”
Amy Claire didn’t utter a word and puff girl quietly surveyed the surroundings.
“Your neighbors will teach you everything you need to know. And if you still need help I’ll be checking in from time to time as I’ve been assigned counselor of block fourteen.”
“Block fourteen?”
“Ah, I mean… Rusty Penny Village.”
Both girls fell a step behind at the name.
“Who comes up with the names for these villages?”
“The girls do. It’s a complete and total democracy here.”
“Why would they name it that?! That’s horrible!”
“The girls of Penny Village are very simple and laid-back, they don’t place much importance on things like titles.”
The girls began to understand why she saved Amy Claire’s block for last, it was a lot farther. when one continued down the hall, they had to go down some stairs, there they noticed another door accompanied by a stained-glass window. Compared to all the blocks they saw; this design was drastically distinct.
“That’s Black Rose Village. They’re the biggest dorm of the lower floors.”
“Why is each dorm so different? And how does everyone know about us?”
“Those are two questions that have very long answers.” Ms. Applace sighed. “A few years back the alumni pitched in to help renovate the dorms… things got a little out of hand, and so some of the dorms ended up smaller in comparison, there was one village in particular that was even forgotten. And since no one is hardly ever assigned to the village, nothing was done about it. But this year is different. There’s so many new applicants…” It seems like she had more she wanted to say but she cut herself short. “In regards as to how everyone knows about you, they’re notified in advance.”
“How do you get that kind of information?”
“Your orphanage submits it when enrolling you.”
“Seriously? so this whole time they’ve been watching us? I mean… that’s a given but…”
“What about me?” Amy Claire asked.
Ms. Applace nearly forgot about her; she was so quiet.
“Well, aside from my personal acquaintance with your parents, we don’t know anything about you.”
Amy Claire stopped walking. “You know my parents?”
Ms. Applace smiled.
“It’s a given you don’t remember me. I was your nanny when you were very, very young.”
Amy Claire’s jaw dropped as she studied the stranger with new eyes. “…Cher?”
Puff girl looked from Amy to the Ms. Applace. “I thought only orphans roomed here?”
“It’s a sensitive situation.” Was all Ms. Applace said in response.
Amy Claire didn’t comment on it, her head lowering.
A nanny… Puff girl eyed Amy Claire… at first glance she seemed dressed down but her sunglasses, to even her stockings- they were all designer brands. What’s a rich girl doing here? Puff girl began to lag behind.
“Be careful not to fall behind, there’s an urban legend in these parts. Nothing good will come from seeing it, much less being left alone.”
A question sign hung over puff girl’s head.
“An urban legend? Like what?”
Ms. Apple only smiled. “You won’t have to worry about it.”
“Huh?”
“We’ve arrived.”
Down a long hallway they arrived at the door.
Instead of knocking, Ms. Apple unlocked the door and entered. As soon as they did a red-haired girl cried out.
“Oh, it’s just you.”
She was wearing a bathrobe.
Ms. Applace knitted her brows upon seeing her. “Heavens! Did you get in a fight? What happened to your hair?!”
The redhead’s eyes bulged a little.
“No. Why? Does it look bad? I cut it.”
Ms. Applace’s mouth hung open for a second. “Is that… a style these days?”
“Not sure… I was just bored. Felt like going for something new.”
“Well, clearly your beauty can survive anything Zoeira, it suits you.”
Zoeira stiffened and guffawed at the compliment.
Ms. Applace gestured to Amy Claire.
“Your new neighbor is here, Amy Claire, this is Zoeira.”
Zoeira’s eyes widened not in excitement but panic.
“You did clear your schedule as I asked didn’t you?”
“Of course. I just… forgot. Like… that was today? shiiii- she hummed the latter as she climbed the metal steps. “Does she HAVE to room with me?”
“You know the attic still has yet to be completed and Dove’s room only has one bed.”
“Right…Just checking.”
There was only metal, wood and brick in this room, barely any color or trace of green. The village’s name finally began to make sense.
Amy Claire hugged herself, her brows and nose wrinkling at the grime and powdery finish coating the bricks, the sinks and tables looked like belonged in the 60s. Were they going for the medieval times? “This place is disgusting! I don’t want to live HERE!”
But when she turned around both Ms. Applace and puff girl had left. She was left in silence; she craned her neck to see movement inside.
She cautiously entered.
“…Hi.” She tried, hoping the girl didn’t hear her outburst just now.
“Hey. You’re side’s to the right.” She didn’t even turn around to look at her.
She couldn’t tell if she heard her or not, but the girl’s tone did feel stiff.
“. . .” She took note of Zoeira’s side as she walked over to her own.
Her shelves were full of skin care and hair items, which was normal for a teenage girl, at least that was one thing they had in common right? The only thing eye-catching was the personal bottle of sriracha and jar of cookies.
Above her bed was a single picture of two girls.
“Um, do you mind? MY space is sacred to me, that means no eyeballing it or me when I’m in the room. If you need anything ask, don’t even think of stealing.”
She was unexpectedly frank.
Amy Claire’s mouth opened but no sound came out at first. It was the first time anyone had ever spoken to her like that.
“I don’t need anything from you!”
“Well, I’m just making sure. The rich steal from the poor all the time.”
“Isn’t it the other way around? I should be worried about you!”
Zoeira smirked. “So you know. Once you learn everything you need to know you better keep your shit together and not give me any trouble. I don’t have the time to babysit some spoiled rich brat that’s had everything handed to her from infancy. You drag me down and I will fucking END you.”
PB CONVENIENCE 