Winter Illusions

Chapter 1 (Mara)

TW: hints at abusive parents 

In the distance I can see the large outline of a building that is my boarding school. It looks like a castle, standing out against the Swiss countryside. 

I go to an amazing boarding school in Switzerland, however it is an English boarding school, so most people are British or English speaking from other countries. I am half British and half Italian, living it Italy. Nova drives me up from her home in the North of Italy to the boarding school which is slightly remote, however located right next to a town.

 I sometimes still can't believe I go here, it is so much better than being with Mum.

"Mara! Look we are nearly there!" Nova says cheerily.

My sister is driving me here as my Mum wants absolutely nothing to do with me, let alone spend 5 hours in the car with me.

"Yep!" I respond, matching her tone.

"Well its still a good 20 minute drive, how about we finish with finish the lyrics!" Nova suggests. I don't understand how she is so happy after all she has been through, but I love here more than she can ever know for being there for me.

"Sure! I will start, I just wanted you to know...?" I ask. This game has been our little tradition and we play it every time the school comes into view on this drive.

"Hmm, that baby you're the best! Summertime Sadness, absolutely love my queen Lana! My turn! I hate accidents...?" Nova responds.

"Except when we went from friends to this! Paper Rings, too easy!" I respond, laughing. Nova is the only one other than Cleo who can make me smile like this, and these moments are the ones I treasure because I know I won't be smiling for long. As much as I love this school, I always seem to be frowning. I don't have a problem with it, however others do apparently.

"Wait oh my goodness Mara look out the window!" Nova squeals.

I look to my side and see snow falling, another one of the only few things that will make me smile. Snow, winter, Christmas, winter is the best time of the year. My childhood was not exactly pleasant, but Christmas also put my mother in better spirits and everyone else. 

"Snow snow snow!!" I shout. Snow makes me feel like a kid again.

  -

"Well Mara, we are about here now!" Nova tells me as we begin to pull into the gates of the large school grounds.

Every time we enter these gates I am always amazed at how beautiful the building is. It looks like something out of one of the fantasy books I read, with it being a beautiful stone structure with stunning carvings on the outside and different patterns. 

As we park in front I get out the car, pulling my favourite soft jacket on before the cold can bite at my skin. Thankfully since I just went home for Christmas break I only have a backpack full of some gifts I got that I wanted to bring, homework and a few more books. I can see other students and their parents arriving, and it makes my frown return. I am not a fan of families or other people in general. 

Nova and I walk into the building, and the inside is completely different from the outside. You think it would be bland and cold from the stone, and it is slightly chilly however the floors are sparkling and huge golden chandelier hangs from the intricately tiled ceiling. I can see the headmistress there welcoming students and she gives Nova and I a slight wave.

"Lets go Mara hurry up! Wing 2, floor 3 and room 246 correct?" Nova asks.

"Yep!" I say, not wanting to let Nova down and have my mood drop. I know it will as soon as she goes though.