PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER

Bryson's POV

I should have stayed home.

The thought hits me as I stand in front of Blackridge University's main gate, staring up at buildings that look like they belong in some fancy movie about rich people problems. Everything here screams money. The stone walls are so clean they practically shine, and the grass is cut so perfect it looks fake. Even the trees look expensive.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Another text from Mom.

"Have a great first day, honey! Remember to smile and talk to people. Maybe join a club or something fun!"

I shove the phone back without answering. Mom means well, but she doesn't get it. She's so happy about marrying Richard Hayes that she thinks everything will be perfect now. She keeps talking about how this is our chance for a better life, how I'll love Blackridge, how I'll make amazing friends.

What she doesn't understand is that I don't belong here.

I look down at my jeans. They're clean and they fit okay, but they're from the thrift store back home. The kind of place where everything smells like old fabric softener and costs five dollars. Around me, other students walk by in clothes that probably cost more than Mom makes in a week. Designer bags, perfect shoes, watches that catch the sunlight.

I feel like a fraud.

"You can do this," I mutter to myself. "Just find your classes and survive the day."

The campus map in my hands is already getting wrinkled from my sweaty palms. I've been lost twice already, and I'm starting to panic. Economics class starts in ten minutes, and I still have no idea where Hamilton Hall is supposed to be.

A group of girls walks past me, their designer heels clicking on the stone path. They're laughing about something, and I catch bits of their conversation.

"Did you see what Jessica wore to the party last weekend? So embarrassing."

"I know, right? Like, where did she even get that dress?"

They glance at me as they pass, and I see their eyes take in my clothes. One of them whispers something to her friend, and they both giggle. My face gets hot.

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

I check my phone for the time. Seven minutes now. I need to move.

The coffee shop on the corner looks busy, with a line of students waiting for their morning fix. I should skip it, but I barely slept last night and I need the caffeine if I'm going to survive my first day. Plus, maybe if I'm holding a coffee cup, I'll look more like I belong here.

The line moves fast, and soon I'm walking away with a large coffee that's way too hot and cost way too much. But at least it smells good, and the warmth feels nice in my hands.

"Hamilton Hall, Hamilton Hall," I repeat to myself, checking the map again while walking. It should be around this corner