As the week progressed on, Charlotte decides it was time to go explore the area she would be in most this year, the art studio.Since no one would be in there yet, she knew now was the right time to go so that she could be on her own.Even though she enjoyed her roommates, going out without them was fine by her since they had mostly been inseparable since Monday.

Charlotte entered the art studio and quickly inhaled its scent. Nothing she loved more than the smell of art supplies, it just set her creative juices flowing.She looked around the room and noticed that there was artwork all over the walls.She stepped closer to one that caught her eye and then moved slowly down the wall taking in all that she saw before her.As she turned around to look at the other walls, she noticed an easel with an unfinished painting sitting on it.She moved closer to it to see what it was.

She was amazed by what she saw.Clearly Winthrope had quite the artist on their hands, well outside of herself.The painting was very well detailed of the pathway from Winter House to the main building.The trees were painted in such a way that they almost appeared real.Charlotte was so convinced by their appearance that she reached out to touch it.

“I wouldn’t do that.Paint hasn’t dried yet.”She heard a male voice behind her say.

Charlotte turned around to see a very handsome looking boy with brown eyes staring at her. “I’m sorry.It’s just that it looks so real. I really like it.”

“I’ll let the artist know.” He said.

“Do you know him?”

“Yep.His name is Zayn Malik.” He replied with a cheeky grin.

“Oh.Then give the artist my regards.” Said Charlotte.

“I will.”

There was an awkward silence between them.Charlotte cleared her throat, “I guess I’ll be heading back to my room now,” she informed the boy.

“Winter House, right?...I mean I hear that’s where the girls are housed.” He said shyly.

“Yes. That’s where we are.” She said staring down at her feet.
“Well I’ll see you around.” The boy told her.

“Bye.” Charlotte said as she opened the door to leave.

“Bye.”

---

It was Saturday.The day that the rest of the boys would be arriving to Winthrope Abbey.Throughout the week a few had trickled in, but a majority of them were arriving today.That included Sophia’s brother, Maddox. At any moment she would be receiving a text from him letting her know he hadarrived, and then would go over to Kendrick House and help her baby brother settle in.

I’m ten minutes out.-Maddox

Sophia started to head out to Kendrick House.As she got to the front of the house a black town car pulled up.The backseat door opened up and out popped Maddox with his headphones still on.Sophia ran over to him and hugged him.

“Whoa, sis, what are you doing?” He questioned, stepping out of her hug.

“WhatI can’t hug the only person here I know?” She teased, “How was the trip?”

“Long and boring. I think the jetlag is already getting to me.” Maddox said sarcastically.

The driver opened up the trunk and started to pull out Maddox’s bags. “I think you have more things than me.” Sophia said while grabbing one of the bags.She practically fell over from how heavy it was, but then she felt hands steady her.She looked to see who it was thinking it was the driver but was surprised to find another boy in a black jacket and beanie still holding her.

“Whoa there.Here let me help you with those.” He said to Sophia.

“Thanks.That would be appreciated.” She replied.

“I’m Elijah, you can call me Eli.”

“Sophia or Sophie whichever you like.” She blushed, why am I blushing, she thought.

“Nice to meet you.Now where to.” Eli said while holding up the bag.

“I think my room is upstairs and the first one on the right.” Maddox informed them.

“Are you housing here?” Sophia asked Eli.

“Here? No. This is one of the houses for the younger boys.My brother, Connor, rooms here.”

They went into the foyer and headed up the stairs.The Kendrick House was shaped a lot like the Winter House, but it had more rooms on the main floor.When they entered Maddox’s room Eli asked where to put the bags. “Uh, I guess I’ll take that one.” Maddox said pointing to the single bed on the right.

“Is that it? Anymore bags in the car?” Eli asked.

“Just one more, but my sister and I can get it.”

“Okay I guess I’ll be going then, and go make sure my brother is set.”

“Wait!” Sophia called after Eli, somewhat embarrassed by how desperate her voice sounded.

“Yes?” Eli said.

“Where are you housing? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Winter House.” Said Eli.

“Me too!” She practically shouted.

Eli laughed at her outburst. “Then I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Can’t wait!” She said with a bright smile. Oh my God, shut up Sophia, she thought.

“Bye, Sophie.” He said to her before leaving.

“Bye!” She waved eagerly.Sophia turned to see her brother looking at her strangely. “What?!”

“Nothing. Just watching my sister make an idiot out of herself.”

“Whatever, let’s get your side of the room together.”

“Have you heard from dad yet?” Maddox asked as he watched Sophia make his bed.

“No. We haven’t really communicated since late Tuesday evening. Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s just I called as I was leaving the airport to let him know I had gotten here safely, and he never answered or called me back.”

Maddox sounded sad and that made Sophia’s heart hurt.She didn’t mind if her father had become distant with her since he started to work more, but she did mind that he was neglecting he’s relationship with Maddox.Her and her brother may not always get along, but she always felt very protective of him. “Maybe dad doesn’t have his phone with him.You know how he’s always leaving it behind.” Sophia said making an excuse for her dad. “Maybe.” Maddox said still sounding disappointed.

“Hey, how about you and I go the dining hall?You can meet all my pretty new roommates.” She said changing the subject.

“Okay! That sounds great!” He said with a happier tone.

“Alright follow me.”

“You think any of them will hit on me?” He asked with a cheeky grin.

“Oh, Maddox please don’t embarrass me.” Sophia said joked while wrapping her arm around her brother’s shoulder.

“Whatever, sis, you know they won’t be able to resist me.”

Notes

Second update! YAY!