The moment Lex unzipped one of her duffel bags, Zara clamped a hand over her
nose.
"It's homemade sauerkraut. I brought it from home. It smells a bit strong, but it's really good with meals."
Lex looked embarrassed.
She had saved up all her own living expenses, including her bus fare, and she wanted to pinch pennies wherever possible.
Even if the sauerkraut had a pungent odor, it was basically free food.
Sensing Lex's discomfort, Claire spoke up. "I actually love homemade sauerkraut. It really hits the spot. Do you have extra?"
Lex perked up immediately. "I can give you some later! I brought a huge jar."
"No need."
Claire's quick refusal made Lex's smile instantly freeze.
"It'll stay fresh much longer if we keep it in your jar. I'll just ask you for some whenever I want a bite."
Hearing that, the bright smile returned to Lex's face.
"Okay! I'll make sure it lasts as long as possible."
"I actually made it myself. As long as I can find the right cabbage in Cabinda, I can make fresh batches!"
"Please don't!" Zara quickly cut them off.
Claire and Lex turned to look at her. While Mrs. Zeller was holding it together, Zara hadn't let go of her nose once.
"It's not that I'm judging, but that smell is atrocious. I can't take it." Zara let out a dramatic gag.
"I'm so sorry!" Lex hadn't expected such an intense reaction.
Aside from apologizing, she stood there looking completely lost.
"Lex, why don't you put the jar out on the balcony? The fresh air will keep the smell out of the room."
Claire suggested gently, seeing her unease.
Lex immediately grabbed the massive jar and hurried out to the balcony.
Skylar finally chimed in with a mutter, "That stuff seriously reeks. Is it actually any good?"
She was the type of girl who was brave enough to try anything once—a total foodie.
"It cuts through heavy flavors," Claire offered diplomatically. "But it's definitely an acquired taste if you'r
not used to it, the smell alone can be overwhelming."
Owen wanted to mention that eating too much fermented food wasn't exactly a balanced diet.
But he realized his sister wasn't just craving sauerkraut; she was smoothly defusing the tension for the new girl.
Especially since one roommate was already making a huge fuss over it.
Zara's brow remained furrowed. "There's zero nutritional value in something like that. No wonder she's so skinny."
"For some people, just surviving is a victory," Claire pointed out meaningfully.
Lex used to be Linsey. Coming from
a family that viewed daughters as
worthless, making it this far was monumental achievement. .net>
Zara seemed to grasp the implication. Her frown deepened, but she sighed. "Fine. I don't get it, but I'll respect it."
Watching the exchange, Claire realized that navigating this dorm dynamic wouldn't be terribly difficult.
Even a spoiled heiress like Zara was just a bit high-maintenance, not inherently malicious.
At the very least, she hadn't demanded that Lex throw the food away.
Seeing that the girls were getting along relatively well, Mrs. Zeller finally relaxed.
She gathered her maid and headed for the door, glancing back anxiously every few steps.
"I just don't know if my Zara will adjust to campus life."
"Claire and Skylar seem fine, but what about Lex? Do you think she and Zara will clash?"
"She just looks so unbelievably poor. Zara has never interacted with someone from that background before."
"Connie, do you think I should help Lex out?"
"Zara has pites of designer clothes
she's never even worn. If I pack
-some up and give them to her
do
think she'd take them?
WT
"Her sneakers looked like they were practically falling apart."