The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(179)

“Did you put him up to this? Listen to him? He doesn’t make any sense. He’s a child and I know what’s better for him, I am his mother!”

“Mom, I am going to college. I am leaving tomorrow. Let’s not ruin my last dinner here.”

Georgiana’s eyes opened wide with disbelief.

“Leaving tomorrow? But how will you…”

“He’s taken care of everything already. He’s gotten admission in a college, arranged a place to stay, etc., so don’t worry. The boy is growing up, let him do things his way.”

“That’s f*cking crazy, both of you, father and son, are going to drive me crazy,” said Georgiana, starting to lose her temper.

“Mom, calm down,” said Cory.

“Gina, relax, it’s only for a few years. He’ll be back for holidays and everything. Calm down!” said his father, trying to reduce the drama.

“This is all your fault!” shouted Georgiana and stormed off to her room.

“That went as expected,” said Cory’s father.

“Yeah.”

At night, as Cory was packing, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” said Cory.

Georgiana came into the room.

“Mom, please don’t start again,” he said.

“I won’t,” she said, resigned.

“Look, I just want what’s best for you. And I still don’t think you’ll be able to adjust into college life. It’s really different, trust me.”

“I know, mom, I know,” he said. “I know it’s going to be different, and that’s exactly what I want. I want to live my own life, in my own way. And that won’t happen here. Trust me, I have tried.”

“Well, if that’s what you want. I wish you all the best, but you have to come home during your vacations.”

“I will, mom.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Georgiana gave him a hug and left the room. For a while Cory just sat there thinking. He wondered why he’d really wanted to go to college. Was it really because he wanted to learn or something else?

Deep in his heart Cory knew the answer, but he did not dare bring it to his lips. Somehow the words just failed to form, and every time he thought about it, it was like a storm inside him: turbulent, violent, and disturbing. It disturbed his inner peace and threatened to destroy the bubble he had been living in, so it was best when he just ignored it completely.

He just hoped that when he went to college, perhaps he will be able to find more people like him. People who could understand where he was coming from and support him, be on his side, and help him somehow. For most people it was really hard to understand because Cory seemingly had everything. He was gorgeous, had a famous mother and a super rich father, and enjoyed the ‘lifestyle of the rich and famous.’

Cory woke up in the morning, hopeful and dreadful at the same time. Today was the day when he left and began his new life, and he had no idea what awaited him.

Will he be able to become one of the popular guys, fit into the cool crowd, or will he be picked on and bullied? Or will he become just another invisible kid in the college? But he calmed down by telling himself that the possibilities were endless and he will cross the bridges when he gets to them. He smiled to himself and went downstairs to join his family for breakfast.

Both of his parents were at the table, and his sister also made a rare appearance, although quite clearly hungover from the party she went to last night. They ate together and everyone wished Cory well. Then it was time to leave and his father offered him a ride. On the way to the train station, Cory’s father made a rare speech.

“Cory, my son, don’t be afraid; never be afraid of being yourself, no matter where you are or who you are. If people don’t like you for who you are, change the people around you, but never change yourself to become someone you are not.”

Cory looked at his father and wondered if he knew about Cory.

“And here’s your stop,” he said.

He gave Cory a tight hug and a pat on the back.

“Off you go, son!”

“Bye, dad!” said Cory, hugging him back.

“Bye!”

Chapter 3

The Jock

Cory had high expectations from the college and everything that came with it. He expected extreme professionalism, groups of intellectuals, fashionistas, etc., and a neat little room that he would be sharing with another guy. But all of that shattered as soon as he stepped into his dorm room.

The room was dirty, filthy even, with empty gin bottles and condoms strewn all over the floor. On one corner was a pile of dirty laundry. Two beds were placed together to make a double bed. Cory stood motionless as he took it all in, wondering how the hell on earth could someone live in a place so messy.

“And how the hell did he make such a mess so quickly, or do they not clean the rooms here?”

He was still standing there, wondering, when the door opened and a guy stepped in.

“Hey there,” he said, looking slightly startled.

“Hello, I am Cory.”

“I am Liam, your roommate,” he said.

“Pleased to meet you.”

Liam didn’t seem the least bothered by the mess he had made or was living in. He threw his dirty clothes on the already huge pile he had gathered and then turned around to get dressed. He threw his wet towel on the bed and turned around to look at Cory.