Chapter Text
There was a nervous excitement in the air, familiar from the adrenaline on the day of the game, although the stakes were completely different now. The former Yellow Jackets, the formidable high school football team, have exchanged cleats for textbooks, and the roar of the crowd for the quiet hum of academic ambitions. Almost all the girls on the team decided to go to college near their hometown. This decision promised them both comfort and, perhaps, an undesirable continuation of their close, sometimes unstable communication. It was originally planned that they would live in a standard dormitory, which is often romanticized, but which is rarely comfortable. That was until an unexpected discovery occurred.: Melissa, or Mel, as she was called, had a large, spacious house that could accommodate almost twelve people.
This discovery triggered a flurry of phone calls, followed by an impromptu team meeting. Everyone quickly and unanimously came to the conclusion that instead of cramped dormitories and shared bathrooms, the girls would prefer the spaciousness and friendly atmosphere in Mel's house. Their parents, delighted with the practical and financial advantages, generously invested in the renovation, turning different rooms into cozy, individually decorated shelters. Thus began a new chapter in the Hornets' history—not in disparate dorm rooms, but under one spacious roof. This decision was supposed to test their relationship for strength and strengthen it in an unexpected way.
Jackie, a natural leader, felt great in this organizational chaos. Armed with a carefully compiled list, she beamed with an enthusiasm that infected everyone around her. "So, the team! I have a room allocation!" she declared, triumphantly holding up a piece of paper. Jackie decided to enroll in the acting department, which was quite consistent with her artistry, while her friend Jen went to the same college to study fashion design. Their common path promised to preserve their closeness, becoming a comforting anchor in a sea of new experiences.
"Wang and Tai, your room is on the first floor," Jackie announced, looking around at the assembled girls. Wang, whose quick wit and love of jokes had led her to comedy classes, exchanged a knowing glance with Tai, who was immersed in studying law and whose sharp mind was ideally suited for this rigorous science. Their bond, forged on the field through countless practical jokes and tacit understanding, has always been one of the strongest alliances in the team. This common room only strengthened their indissoluble bond, becoming a familiar pillar as they walked along completely different academic paths.
"Natalie and Misty, you're on the first floor too," Jackie continued. Nat, always practical, decided to pursue sales management, a career choice that suited her assertive nature. She was used to lighting up after any stressful moment, and was already glancing towards the back door. Misty, who hid a sharp mind behind her often alarmingly cheerful demeanor, set her sights on medical school. The thought of their relationship in the room, combining Nat's straightforwardness and Misty's subtle eccentricity, made everyone who knew them grimly amused.
"Aquila and Marie, your room will be on the ground floor, on the left side of the house, next to the bathroom," Jackie clarified. Akeela was kind and loved animals, so she took animal care courses, and Marie dreamed of becoming a TV presenter, which contrasted sharply with her calm disposition. Despite their differences, a quiet friendship based on mutual respect and shared vulnerability has recently begun to emerge between them. They immediately began discussing plans for decorating the house, and the room was filled with quiet, excited murmurs.
Jackie finally looked at Jen, and her eyes sparkled. "And I'm going to live with Jen!" she exclaimed and rushed to hug her friend, who was just smiling, radiating calm contentment. Their shared room on the second floor will be a place of lively discussions, late—night conversations and creative energy - a natural extension of their long-standing friendship.
"Lottie and Laura Lee, you're on the second floor too," Jackie announced.
Lottie, who is introspective, studied psychology in an effort to understand the complexities of the human mind, and Laura Lee, with her unshakeable faith, chose a university for deeply religious people. Their union, representing a contrast between pragmatism and spiritual devotion, was intriguing and promised a unique combination of points of view.
Then came the last, most controversial assignment. "And Shauna is going to live with Mel," Jackie said, turning to her best friend Shauna.
There was a deafening silence, and then Shona exploded with indignation. “what? I'm not sharing a room with her!" She pointed accusingly at Mel, who just snorted sarcastically.
Mel, already tired of the organizational hassle and the fact that her house had suddenly become a common space, replied: "If you want, you can sleep in the living room."
Shauna narrowed her eyes, and her eyes turned into angry slits. "Why should I sleep in the living room?" she demanded. A tense silence hung in the room, foreshadowing an impending conflict.
Jackie, sensing that the tension was rapidly building, quickly intervened. "Shona, behave yourself in front of the owner of this house," she chided, and there was a steely note in her voice. Then, turning to Mel with a slight apologetic smile, she added, "Cousin, please forgive Shipman."
Shawna's jaw dropped. "The mistress of this house? Is she?" Shauna furiously pointed at Mel, who had a slightly smug expression on her face.
"Well, yes, this is Mel's house,— Jen confirmed, surprised to realize that many girls were completely unaware of this important detail. Only Jackie, Mel herself, and Jen knew about the wealth of Mel's family and that she owned a huge estate.
"Why haven't we been here before?" asked Wang with genuine surprise in her voice.
Nat, who was always observant, took another look at the impressive building. "I didn't know you were so rich, Melly," she commented with a note of awe in her voice. Then her gaze fell on the backyard. "So where can I smoke?" "What is it?" she asked, already taking out a pack.
—In the backyard," Mel replied shortly."And now, if you'll excuse me, I want to rest." With that, she turned and went up the front stairs, disappearing into her room on the second floor.
To everyone's surprise, Shona followed her. Mel, noticing Shawna's furious expression, couldn't resist making a pointed remark. "So you've decided that living with me is much better than living in the living room, right, Princess?" she chuckled with a mocking intonation.
Shona, whose face was a mask of cold fury, began to establish her immutable laws. "I have rules. When I'm studying, don't bother me. Don't touch my stuff. And don't talk to me." Her voice was as cold as ice.
—I see, princess,— Mel drawled, flopping down on the bed and immediately burying her face in the phone.
While Shauna was trying to put her things and thoughts in order, the rest of the girls were making noise downstairs.
Upstairs in their room, Jackie and Jen were already dreaming about their first college parties. Jackie presented her theatrical roles, and Jen presented new fashion collections.
Melissa's house, where the girls moved, promised to become not just a dormitory, but a real testing ground for their friendship, love and ambitions. The parents who invested in the renovation hoped for comfort and safety, but the girls knew that something more awaited them: a real clash of characters, the emergence of new relationships and the inevitable difficulties of growing up — and all this under one roof, away from parental control, but in the close circle of their "Hornets". Life in this house was just beginning, and no one could predict where it would lead them all.