The Fox, Red

070 - One Must End Before Another Begins

For the next 30 days, I received something almost every day. Confirmation of your class schedule! Recommended paths for certain areas of study! Meet your staff and professors! And a few fliers and brochures for some of the extracurricular activities and clubs that they have at the university. The more that came in the more reality set in that this was happening.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was still stuck on the fact that I would be leaving. Anne assured me that she would keep the cabin clean and together while I am gone, for whenever I need to return. She also promised that she would keep working with Penny to learn some new things so she could welcome me back with something homemade. She does go above and beyond. Way further than she needs to.

Madam Odette on the other hand seemed rather reserved recently. I would see her around now and again but she was distant. Her demeanor was always professional. She kept it about the upcoming school semester. She asked if I needed any materials or supplies but I'm capable of buying and providing my own. She did remind me that she offers a reimbursement of sorts to her employees pursuing higher education. I denied it though. I worked hard enough and long enough that I am sitting on sizable savings that will keep me going for quite a while.

The month seemed to fly by. Before I knew it I was getting my last lecture from Madam Odette about what she expects of me. "Even though you are not here, I expect you to act as though you represent me. That means keep your nose clean, stay out of trouble, stick to your studies, and please do your best. You are a smart fox. Tomorrow begins a new adventure."

I nod with an affirmation, "Yes, Madam Odette." I have to assure her that I heard and I'm paying attention. I had heard this speech a few times in the past couple of weeks. She always emphasized that she wanted me to show my best. She staked her pride on this by going to Professor Delula to ensure that I had a chance to take the test to enroll. I still wish I could have made this hurdle on my own. I appreciate the help though. As someone who never had proper training all their life with proper education in magic, it would have been damn near impossible for me to even get the opportunity to take the test.

I will also be going into this with that disadvantage. The professors are given a profile of their students before they start. They know your education and family background (to a degree) so they know where you come from and what you may know. In my case, they redacted and removed the part about my family being related to the NIne-Tailed Fox and that I am the new incarnation of it. I am just a fox with a split tail. A medical oddity that has no advantage or disadvantage. But it was heavily pushed upon me that I learn an illusion spell to hide that. And I did so. I worked on it to where it became second nature. I need it to be so I may focus on what's in front of me rather than hiding.

One more night's sleep. Come morning, I'll take my bag I came with and a few extra things with me. Danny will drive me back to the campus so I can find my apartment and get moved in. My books and materials that I ordered should be dropped off on my desk there before I even arrive. You have to pay a lot of money to attend this place but they make sure that you get every perk that you can out of it. Most purchases from the bookstore are delivered to you wherever you may be. I feel so bougie.

I find myself staring at the ceiling for most of the night. I don't feel tired. I just feel... empty. I worked hard for this but the reason wasn't for a better education. It was to divert a problem away from here. I'm almost certain that Reed sent me that letter. If he's anything like his dad, then he knows I'm here. I can't let him try. I can't let him come here to the manor.

The incident with Marcus plays through my mind again. The anger... The rage... The hate! Never in my life had such a strong emotion overcome me. I don't want to do that again. Uncle Thomas was different. That was survival. That was fear. I can't bring that to the manor.