Autumn of Hell

Chapter 3

Location: Kathryn's bedchambers

I've always learned to be grateful for what I've been blessed with. Maybe it was the way I was raised or the way I've begun to think. Ever since being accepted here for more than just sociable events I've noticed a change in the way I think. I suppose that's what school is for. Although maybe it should be more wholesome thoughts. My interactions today with Lawrence made me confused on how to feel. On one hand he was a downright devil but on the other he was a gentleman.

He walked me back to my chambers after the final class of the day. Without a word he kissed my hand. I can still feel the warmth of his lips.

Pacing back and forth in my bed chambers with my underskirts exposed, I was writing down notes. Notes that I should've taken in class, but my anger and thoughts consumed me. I can't remember much of what the Professor had said but dotting down each detail as it popped in my head.

There's one thing with being the only female in the building attending the classes that should only be accessible to men, is that I always sit in the back and I'm permitted not to answer any of the questions. I believe it's because the Headmaster is afraid that I might outshine some of the boys. But how can I learn that way?

Walking towards my desk to refill my quill with ink I heard a knock. Deciding it was on one of the other girls' chambers I continued on with my note taking.

Knock. Knock.

Now I'm pretty sure it's my door getting the attention. Carefully placing my quill on the wooden desk so that no ink would spill out on my notes making it impossible to read. I take a quick glance out my window. Night. No males are allowed into the girls' chamber at this inappropriate time. My hope that it might be Lawrence disappeared. Knock. Forgetting my train of thought I rushed toward the door. As soon as my hand made contact with the door handle I argued with myself to grab my silk robe from my closet. Knock. Modesty be damned I thought as I opened the door.

"Finally took you long enough!" the figure rebuked as she walked straight in my room.

"C..C..Cora." I stuttered in surprise. I would think she would be the last awake at this time, let alone still wearing her overskirts and corset.

"Don't be so surprised." She said turning on her heel. "Honestly my dearest Kathryn, I'd think you would be well acquainted with surprises. I guess I was wrong." She said so sweetly but yet in a tone that was meant to bite me.

Still so stunned it seemed like the only thing I could do was stare at her at this moment. Her dark hair complemented her soft features. She was as gorgeous as a rose, but also as dangerous as one.

"Don't take me all in one look. Honestly I deserve better!" she said with a tone I believe a jokester would use in her words. " Truthfully this room is a mess. I'd think the cleanest from you Miss Woods, I mean after all you exterior of your person is quite" She paused to think of a word that wouldn't offend me most likely. "Cleansed. I was wrong once again!"

"Seems like you are prone to be wrong Miss Walker." I bit back at her not noticing the improperment of my statement. I quickly put on a fake smile to ward off any other insults coming my way. Instead in return I get a quick smile and a light giggle from her as she started picking up the crumbled pieces of paper on my floor.

"What are these? Seems very interesting..." She lingered that last letter on her tongue.

"Please don't look at those. They're trash. An embarrassment rather." I responded, deciding that reaching after the pieces of parchment would be improper.