Sugar - Charlie Dalton

2

"Is that everything?" Mrs. Perry asked her two children.

Looking between the two, it wasn't hard to see how they could be twins. They each had the same color hair, eyes, eyebrows (though Clara's were more neatly plucked) and smile. But if you took a closer look at them, you could see Clara had softer features and an upturned nose. Neil had a strong jawline and perfect teeth.

"That's everything, Mother." Neil answered as Clara nodded with a smile.

"Well then," Mrs. Perry started, "we're off."

Climbing into the backseat, Clara smoothed out the pale blue dress she wore. A habit she had only recently picked up as a teenager.

"Who are you to impress at Welton with your best dress?" Neil laughed as Clara shot him a look that could kill.

"There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good." She scoffed. "Something I'm sure you know nothing about."

"That's enough you two." Their father stated from the front seat, shutting both kids ups.

"Sorry, Father." The girl grumbled as the boy rolled his eyes.

After a short car ride, the family arrived at orrentation.

Taking a seat together, Neil began to point out students and teachers to the new student. Usually he would've been involved in the ceremony but Clara had pleaded that he stay with her.

"That's Cameron who always has a stick up his ass." Clara began to giggle loudly, causing her mother to look over at her with a stern look.

"Sorry." She whispered, smoothing her dress again.

"Uhm, that's Charlie Dalton, and Meeks, Knox..."

Clara looked up to where Neil pointed, her breath hitching.

The boy trying to hide his cigarette from the facility had to be the most handsome boy she had ever seen.

"Earth to Clare?" Neil laughed, getting the girls attention.

With a quick motion, she turned her head back to her brother, grinning while the sounds of bagpipes filled the air.

"Quiet you two, it's starting!" Their mother shushed the twins.

Clara and Neil shared a looked before, facing the head table as Mr. Nolan stood up.

"One hundred years ago, in 1859, 41 boys sat in this room and were asked the same question that greets you at the start of each semester. Gentlemen, what are the four pillars?"

As if on que, all the young men in the room stood up and recited four words.

"Tradition, honor, discipline, excellence."

"Am I joining a cult, Neil?" Clara asked as her brother sat back down.

He pondered for a second before nodding slightly with a grin.

Clara just rolled her eyes.

Mr. Nolan began up again "In her first year, Welton Academy graduated five students. Last year we graduated fifty-one. And more than seventy-five percent of those went on to the Ivy League. This, this kind of accomplishment is the result of fervent dedication to the principles taught here. This is why you parents have been sending us your sons. This is why we are the best preparatory in the United States."

The parents all applauded while the girl caught students giving each other eye rolls and grunts.
After another long speech from Nolan, another man stood up.

"Who's that?" Clara whispered to Neil
"New English teacher. Mr. Keating is what Mr. Nolan said" She nodded before facing forward again.

€€€

After the ceremony ended, the Perry's moved to greet Mr. Nolan.

"Mr and Mrs. Perry, wonderful to see you again." He shoke their hands before turning to the twins. "Neil, I expect great things from you this year."

"I'll try my best, sir." The young boy answered, shaking the man's hand.

"And Clara. We're beyond thrilled to have you here this year. You may lead to all girls at Welton." He explained, moving to shake her hand.

"I'm glad to help." The girl responded with a forced smile, turning around to her parents as they said their goodbyes.

"Well I guess this is goodbye for now, I'll miss you!" Their mother smiled, grabbing both teenagers into the hug.

"We love you too, Mother." Neil chuckled as they moved apart. Clara was more surprised she had hugged them more than anything.

Physical contact was never big within their family.

"Be the best you can be. Both of you." Mr. Perry stated, sending a chill down Clara's back.

No hug, no smile, not even a goodbye. That was more usual.

As the twins walked away, a boy came out of the other corridor, getting Neil's attention.

"Are you Todd Anderson?" Neil asked while approaching him.

The teen nodded slowly. "Who are you?"

"I'm Neil Perry, This is my sister Clara. Hey, I hear we're gonna be roommates!"

Todd looked over at Clara and gave a timid smile. "I suppose we are."

Clara smiled back, focusing on her feet.

"So, why'd you leave your old school?" Neil questioned the other boy.

As the boys continued to talk it dawned upon Clara;

Who was her roommate?