Charlie & Her Beta

Eight

Charli got to go back to school just long enough to clean out her locker and say goodbye to all of her friends. She slips on her headphones tired of listening to her dad and Reid bicker about politics as they drive her to the Acadamy.

She’s a little nervous about starting almost a full semester behind the other students but she is confident she will be able to make a way. Alpha Desmond and Luna Lydia came to wish her well just before they departed this morning. She tore the edges of the envelope the luna gave her in parting.

Charli let out a little laugh as she read the front of the card ‘Have fun at college! But not too much fun, we don't want you majoring in parties.’ When she opened it up a check for $10,000 dollars slid out and onto the floor of the truck. “Dad,” Charli called picking up the check and tapping her dad on the shoulder with it.

“I can’t accept this.” She tells him as he takes it with his free hand, and he lets out an annoyed sigh as he looks at it. “I’ll take care of this, you did remember to bring your wallet, right? You still have the debit card I gave you?” he asks looking back at his daughter through the rearview mirror. “Yes.” she tells him leaning back against the seat. “Good, you can use that to pay for everything you need.” he tells her.

“You never told me I could buy whatever I wanted when I was that age.” Reid complains in a joking voice and his dad scoffs “Thats because you really would’ve bought whatever you wanted. I would’ve gone bankrupt in a week.” He tells his son and Reid laughs knowing it was true.

“We’ll be there is less than an hour Arli! Are you excited?” Reid asks Charli and she nods her head, “I guess.” She tells him feeling nervous. “Very convincing.” He teases her and she lets out a little laugh. “I’m a little bummed I didn’t get accepted into the warrior program like you and dad did . . .” she admits. And Reid turns in his seat so he can see her,

“yeah that is a bummer, but you got into the medical program! And that's the program mom went through when she was your age.” He tells her and she gives him a small smile, “yeah, I’m glad I got into the medical program.” Charli tells him honestly.

When they finally arrive at the Academy, Charli steps outside of her father's truck and looks around the campus. Reid comes up beside her and pats her shoulder. “It’s bigger than I expected.” She tells him and he nods

“Well yeah, all the surrounding packs send their students here for higher education, and not just the packs either. You’ll meet all sorts of beings here. This is much cooler than the standard human college, you’ll see.” He tells her with a grin, “I’ll show you around my old stomping grounds.” he tells her, pulling her arm and she laughs.

“Reid can we get her all checked in before you go wandering off.” their dad scolds making Reid groan. “Fine.” He says then bends down and whispers “Don’t worry Arli I’ll be sure to show you all the best places to throw a party before I leave.” He winks at her, and she rolls her eyes in response.

“This is the one.” Beta Nolen says looking over at his daughter and she takes out her key and unlocks the door to her assigned dorm. They step inside the small space and take a moment to let their eyes wander. “I thought I heard someone come in!” A girl walks out of one of the adjacent bedroom doors into the living space.

“You must be Charli!” she says excitedly and hugs Charli tightly making her go stiff. She awkwardly pats the girls back making Reid laugh and Charli gives him a sharp glare in response.

“I am so excited to finally have a roommate! I was bummed thinking I would be alone the entire year.” Charli scrunches her nose thinking this girl must be insane to be excited to share her previously private space with a stranger.

The girl finally lets Charli out of the hug but grabs her hands instead. “I’m Gretchen by the way and who are these two very handsome guys.” she says, looking at Charli expectantly. “Oh,” Charli starts and gestures towards her dad “This is my dad Beta Nolan of Silver moon and my brother Reid, future beta.” She explains.

“How funny, you wolves and your titles.” She says with humor. “It’s very nice to meet you both.” She says kindly then turns back to Charli, “let me give you the grand tour!” Gretchen tells her and jumps right into telling them all about the dorm and all the quirks it has.

Gretchen talks so quickly that it's a little hard to keep up and Charlie knows that Gretchen's eccentric personality is going to take some getting used to. “So . . . What do you think?” Gretchen asks and Charli nods her head “it’s great.” she tells her new roommate, but honestly Charli spent more time trying to keep up with the commentary than actually looking around.

“Alright then!” Gretchen exclaims. “I will leave you guys too it then! I have class in a few but wanted to make sure I welcomed you properly!” She tells Charli before she captures her in another hug.

“I heard you’re going to be in the medical program too! Hopefully we’ll have some classes together!” Charli nods at her politely. “I’ll see you later roomy!” Gretchen waves, her eyes linger a bit longer on Reid and gives him a small smile before she leaves. “Well, that was -” “Alot” Charli finishes her brother's sentence as they all share a laugh.