SECRETS

CHAPTER 5

'You'll be staying in Grand Chateau,floor 5,room 27. You've got roommates already so i think you'll find it easy fitting in. You'll be receiving your pair of school uniform today,all i need is your size.' Miss Hadish talked as if she wasnt going to live for another day. Not like i was listening. My mind was elsewhere.

We finally arrived at the room, and to my surprise, it was quite sizeable. The walls were painted in a soft, delicate shade of pink, giving the room a cozy and inviting feel. As I looked around, I noticed three beds, with one unoccupied in the corner, which I assumed would be my spot. The room also boasted a spacious wardrobe, complete with a mirror on one of the doors, adding a touch of elegance. It was truly a sight to behold. Once Miss Hadish left, I took a moment to settle in and soak up the view from the window. It was fascinating how Manor House and Grand Chateau faced each other,almost directly.

And then my mind went back to Chris. Right, i had to contact him. The phone already had a number saved to it,which all i had to do was call it. I got the phone put of my jean pocket and just as i was about to dial,i heard someone come in.

'"Who are you?" I turned around and saw a girl, about my height, with freckles and shoulder-length dark brown hair. She was rocking grey office pants and a cute white blouse. "Oh, you totally startled me. I'm your new roommate."

"Oh, I had no idea I was getting another roommate... and this late. The name's Harvard," she said, flashing a friendly smile.

"That's a cute name. Well, I gotta admit, I didn't see this coming either. I'm Charlotte."

"Thanks! Look, I don't have a lot of time here, but I'm happy to help you with your stuff. Our closet has three compartments, which makes it easier. Just remember not to mix your stuff with Brett's. Trust me, she can get really mad," she kindly offered, lending a hand with my bags.

"I'm guessing Brett's the other roommate, right?"
"Yeah, she's... well, you'll see. Let's just say she's got her quirks," she said with a knowing look.
"Has it always been the two of you, or did you have a roommate before?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Yeah, we had someone else before, but it's a touchy subject. Especially for Brett, so it's best not to bring it up."

Just as the door swung open, a strawberry blonde in a mini plaid skirt, white blouse, and stiletto heels sashayed into the room. "Must be Brett," I thought. "Oh, Harvie, I told you I don't like it when you bring your friends over," she said, not even bothering to look up. "I told you I hate it when you call me that. And she hasn't come over. She's our new roommate."

Suddenly, her expression shifted, and she finally noticed the occupied bed and Harvard helping me with my stuff. "No," she said, almost in disbelief. "This has to be a joke. Who is she?" "Charlotte," Harvard replied. "Oh, come on. No. I need to talk to the Dean about this," Brett exclaimed. "Seriously, Brett? It's not a big deal," Harvard insisted. "No, is this how we agreed to handle things? Getting a replacement? And someone joining in the middle of a semester? Hell no." With that, Brett stormed out.

"I guess that's one of her 'quirks' " i said,thinking out loud. 'I'm sorry about her. She's not exactly enthusiastic about having  well let's say..encroached space. But you'll get used to her,she's not a bad person.'   Then, we got back to putting stuff in the wardrobe. 'Hey, i forgot to ask where you're from. I dont want to side with Brett,but it is unusual for someone to join mid semester here.' She said.
I wasnt trained for this. If i knew i was coming all along, i would've prepared a script and all. But i had to be careful with whatever i said. I didnt need people on my track because of two sided stories. At this point,the last thing to tell,was the truth.
'It's quite a long story. But, for now,let's just say i'm from a different place.'

'I like mystery,so i'll be glad to know your long story. And we can talk it over diner this evening.'
We organised stuff a tad bit more. Harvard helped me make my bed. I guess Miss Hadish was right. It is easier to settle it when you've got roommates. Well,atleast nice ones.  Harvard left to get back to afternoon classes or something like that. I stayed in the room alone for a while. Not Until Miss Hadish came back with a package that had my school uniform.

The uniform featured a maroon blazer with the school emblem on the breast pocket, paired with a grey pleated skirt that fell just above the knee. With a  crisp white button-down shirt adding a touch of sophistication, and the maroon tie completing the polished look.  Not bad, i thought. I just wasnt up for wearing a uniform everyday.

Once Miss Hadish left,i thought it the perfect opportunity to call Chris. I dialed the number and waited in brief suspense for a response. 'Hello?'the voice on the other end said. 'Chris is that you?' It was kinda hard to decipher a voice on such an ancient thing. Regardless i was more than happy to be speaking to him. 'Yeah, Char, you don't know how worried i was. What did they do to you?' He said,indeed sounding worried. 'Nothing. No one hurt me.' I replied. 'Alright but where did they take you.?'.
'Well that's the weird part. All i know when i woke up, i found myself in London. I have no idea which part of the country i'm in. What's even more intriguing, is that i'm in some sort of private english boarding school.' I said. 'That's crazy. I know you have to finish school and stuff but that is kinda weird,don't you think? He said. 'Yeah. Ever heard of RoseHill Academy?' I asked.
'No.'
'That's where am at.'
' Sure thing Char, i'll dig up on it. Has there been anything weird.?'
'Not as of yet. I just got here today. I will let you know. Hey Chris, have you heard from mom?'
'No,either she was hitched off to another country like you,or she's gone totally MIA. I haven't seen her since the funeral.'
My heart sunk abit,worried about where my mom could be. Despite everything,i still loved her,and i cared,even if the family bodyguard was more of a mom than her.

'Chris, i gotta go. I love you..i'll call you later.'
'Sure thing Char,you too. And please do let me know of anything suspicious.'
I hung up after that,took a heavy sigh and fell on my bed. I took a look at the school rules and other documents,nothing weird about them. I helped myself to a shower and change of clothes after that. I lay on bed doing nothing till evening.

*~*~*~*~
"Yeah, you're right! It's dinner time, and we can't stay in bed forever," Harvard said with a hint of urgency. "I totally forgot about the dress code for dinner. I fell asleep while reading the school's code of conduct. Is there a specific dress code for tonight?" I asked, feeling a bit flustered. "Well, technically, you're supposed to wear your blazer, but honestly, no one really cares. It's optional to wear your uniform for dinner. Same goes for weekdays. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are the only days when you have to wear the full uniform. The rest of the days, like today, people don't give a damn. As long as it looks like the uniform, you're good to go. Besides, the rule book is ancient, like 5000 years old. People stopped caring a long time ago," Harvard explained, already dressed and ready to go. I quickly got dressed too and joined Harvard as we headed out for dinner.