Cara and Laney (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3: Cara

"Welcome to The Alsmire Institution for Girls!" Mrs. Prendergast continued. "Sit at table 3, beside Cara."

Shoot.

No one was allowed at this table except me, my friends, and sometimes...........

No.

Oh, God no.

Why I hate this girl? Because her hair is a bedraggled mess, she is wearing a permanent scowl on her face, and the fact that she had a nose piercing. Disgusting.

She looked like a total runt! She looks like she despises the ragged skirt she was given. She must've came here wearing shorts! Unacceptable. Wonder how long she'll last here.

"Cara is one of our most amazing students here! She's a real gem!" Mrs. Prendergast gushed.

Normally I would've accepted this compliment with pride, but I knew where Mrs. Prendergast was going with this.

Even my friends could tell what would be my fate. Juniper and Penny stared at me with wide eyes, filled with pity.

"She knows where everything in the school is! Cara, will be a great mentor for you Laney!"

Now everyone knew. I would be stuck mentoring the runty 'Hopeless Case', and everyone knew. I started to fidget with my spoon, and I bit the inside of my cheeks. I could already tell with the noise level in the room rising, everyone was snickering about my new apprentance.

This Laney Porter girl would be in my class, and would be following me around for who knows how long! She'll need to take the 'beginner's test' to see how much she knew about being lady-like. 

By the looks of her, it was probably going to take the whole darn summer to train her. But, I had to keep my hopes up.

I gave Mrs. Prendergast a tight smile, and she continued talking.

"This year we will continue our old competitions: singing competitions, beauty pageant, art competition, and the fashion show. There are also new renovations happening around the building, like a better dance room and a better beauty room. So everybody get excited for shiny treasures to discover throughout the halls. Oh, and speaking of beauty, for our fresh new faces, we give special tours and makeovers."

The 'freshman welcome' is something we do every year for the new comers. They always get so excited, that it fills me up with giddyness. But, my new apprentance would be there to observe me. Even though she probably can't even braid her unruly hair, she might be of some use. I still expect her to help me out.

"We will also have some little sales, for all the little things all of you talented girls make, in case you want to make some extra money. But of course, there has to be the great bi-monthly sale to fundraise for the school."

"All of you remember to be kind and helpful to our new students, and remember to memorize your new schedule." Mrs. Prendergast said pointedly at table 10.

That was where Amber and Dottie sat. The giggled softly, as they knew Mrs. Prendergast was talking to them. Those two were always late to class, and ended up in other people's classes. It was always amusing to watch.

"Please enjoy the food and beverages that are laid out to you in celebration of this new summer of learning! Chat amoungst yourselves before dismissal. Mind your manners!" she said with that same odd smile.

What was with her and smiling today? I'll ask her soon when she comes by our table.

The food came out is big carts pushed by the maids. Trays and trays of pastries and sandwiches.

For now, my problems would have to wait.

Because I'm about to devour a vanilla cupcake.