Voices - Xavier Thorpe

01

Summer was coming to an end and Wen was driving 6 hours to her new school.

The car was quiet, the radio playing 80s hits on low volume as her mother hummed along. Wen sat in the back seat, a phone in hand and almost laying across the seat. She mindlessly scrolled through her news feeds however her mind was else ware.

Fear of returning to school, knowing about her father being an outcast, worried that she wouldn't fit in or that she'd be the only new kid clouding her thoughts.

"How did dad know the future?"

"Well, I'm not sure, he never really talked about it. Always just said he had vision."

"What if I do have his ability?"

"Honey, your father said he was a rare kind of outcast. The ability gets passed down but only so often does it manifest. The likely hood of you getting them it close to none."

"Then why send me to Nevermore, why not send me to another boarding school?"

Silence. Her mother only looking with uncertainty.

"You think I could. And you want to be prepared don't you."

Wen played the conversation on repeated in her mind. What were her father's abilities. Why wouldn't he tell anyone? Why was her mother so worried.

Suddenly the car was slowing, looking out the window a large castle like building could be seen a head as a line of cars sat waiting for their turn to enter. Wen watching the different students existing the vehicles and taking their luggage before there parents dive off.

Wens heart began to pound with each inching of the car. As they reached the inner gates, the car turned driving slight down out of the line before parking in a small teacher lot. After turning off the car Wens mother walked around and opened the side door looking onto her child. Hesitation painted over her face.

"Love, I know your scared. But youll feel at home before you know it. And Ill be with you to help unpack. I'm not leaving you yet." She says as she brushed Wens face.

Once the few suitcases were gathered, They set off to the main office to figure out the rooming situation. The halls were tall but narrow, each step creating an echo. Wen walked close behind her mother as flashing of her escorted exist from school flashed through her mind.

Arriving at the office, They knock on the door. A moment later a faint "enter" could be heard. With that the began to open the door, as the walk through the door way Wen notices a women with white blonde hair sitting at a desk across the room. A red smile painted her lips.

"Hello, you must be Wendi Hendrick's and her mother Dalilah! I was expecting you to be arriving about now." The women spoke as she raised from her seat and walking around the desk. "I'm the principle here at nevermore, you can call me Weems."

"It's a pleaser to finally meet you." Dalilah spoke approach the women first in confidence but with each step become a bit shyer. "I'm so happy that you allowed Wen to attend you amazing school." Finally saying as there hands meet.

After introductions Wen was given her room and a second copy of her school schedule along with a map of the school. "It is Truly a pleasure to have you here at Nevermore. I'm sure you'll adjust in due time" Weems says to Wen.

After the long talk Wen was ready to depart and being unpacking when her mother spoke up once more.

"About Wens condition, I've done some research and signed her up with a psychologist in the town and was wondering if she could be permitted to leave the school grounds once a week on Thursday."

This shocked Wen, Yes she'd been talking with professionals all summer but she expected her mother to drop it after school started. Although a bit upset she wasn't told, a smile spread on her lips knowing that shell still have someone to vent to about her constant dread.

Principle Weems Assured her mother it was alright and even offered to drive her to sessions when needed before explaining a few of the permissions given to the student. The Kindness shown by Weems relived Dalilah As she thanked her before leaving the office. However, just as the were leaving, She spoke up one last time.

"Oh, would it be alright if I spoke with you once more before leaving."

Wen had gotten the last bedroom in Ophelia Hall, as the two walked into the room they were met with a sizable room with two large windows and a small bathroom on the left. After unpacking Wen began to say her goodbyes as her mother retreated down the hall.

Finally, alone, Wen felt the weight in her chest swell. She decided it'd be best to walk around and try to learn where her classes are for the next day then stop at the dining hall for dinner.

With her schedule in had She set out to her first destination, to pick up her uniform. Passing the classrooms she watched the different students meet up with old friends and even seeing types of outcasts shed never seen before.

Turning the corner, she almost runs in to a boy walking at a fast pace. The suddenness causing her breath to hitch and tears to swell in her eyes. The boy stumbling back as he reaches into his front sweater pocket. The act making Wen stumble back, putting her arms up in fear.

Just as she about to scream, the boy lifts his hand to his mouth. Taking a deep breath of his inhaler. Wen becoming incredibly embarrassed mumbles a quite sorry.

"Oh, its okay." He says a faint smile appearing on his face. "I don't think I've seen you before, My names Rowen." He continued.

"Yeah I'm actually new. Uhh, I'm Wen." She studders out. Causing the boy to take notice of her odd behavior.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea-Yeah, good, great. Um sorry. I need to get going." Wen replies rushed, as she moves around him before continuing down the hall leaving the boy to look at her perplexed.

The sun was beginning to set as Wen walked the halls back to her room, shed mapped out her schedule to ensure every path had multiple exit points incase needed. Arriving at her door she noticed a figure standing before her door, knocking on it.

"Um is something wrong?" Wen spoke up.

The figure turning meeting Wens eyes, short red hair bobbing. "Oh, apologies! I thought you be inside." She says reaching a hand out to shake. "I'm Ms. Thornhill, your dorm mom. Just wanted to go over a few rules with you as well as welcome you to Nevermore."

The bubbly women stepped aside so Wen could open her door leading her inside. "I'm glad I got back just in time then." She speaks.

"I also wanted to give you this." Ms. Thornhill says while handing her a plant "Its Lavender, I figured after reading about you're past school you could use some calming and healing properties."

"Thank you, that's so sweet."

"I like to find a flower that matches my girls, I'm glad you're happy with it!"

After reviewing the rules Ms. Thornhill took her leave for the night. While Wen was happy to be alone again she also feared the solitude she was now in. her room, although big, feeling just as cramped as the bathroom stall. Only now she was alone, no one to grip onto for comfort. And she knew, that night was going to be a long night.