𝐀 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐄𝐓 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋'𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐌𝐀

13.

Marlowe Ivory Academy, Alverton, New York.

My number one way to an Ivy college. 

And that is only if I start studying.

Marlowe is housed in a sprawling neo-Gothic building, with ivy-covered stone walls, towering spires, and arched windows letting in natural light streams. The meticulously manicured lawns and gardens feature marble statues and fountains, adding to the grandeur. The campus is divided into several wings, each dedicated to different academic disciplines, arts, and sports facilities.

The students here are the crème de la crème of society. Dressed in bespoke uniforms tailored to perfection, they move with a confidence that comes from old money and social standing. 

Their demeanour is a blend of sexy allure and elegant poise, making them the epitome of high-class youth. They are students who are often seen driving the latest luxury cars and sporting designer labels, embodying a lifestyle that others -- meaning I -- can only dream of.

I don't know whether to be proud or shamed for the fact that I am the only lower middle-class person here.

Within the walls of Marlowe Ivory, a complex social hierarchy is meticulously maintained. The elite cliques rule the school, with their power extending beyond the campus. Lavish parties, exclusive events, and secret societies are the norm. Gossip and scandals are part and parcel of daily life, often fueling the pages of the academy's very own magazine, "Ivory Chronicle."

Can you believe that our school has its own magazine? And can you believe who covers the front page almost every day?

The 4C.

Shocking, right?

"Ivory Chronicle" is the school's glossy, high-end publication that captures the essence of student life at Marlowe Ivory Academy. Each tabloid features in-depth profiles of influential students, fashion spreads showcasing the latest trends created by fellow students, and coverage of the most talked-about events. 

The editor is Delphine Livingston, and knowing her family history, I get why she wants to be a prying journalist. Her grandfather was a famous journalist in the 80s, her father is a lawyer, and her mother is also a journalist who works at Athens Time, a New York magazine, born in Alverton. 

Anyway, back to my amazing school.

Despite the focus on social standing, academics at Marlowe Ivory are rigorous and challenging. The school boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, a vast library with rare collections, and top-tier faculty members. 

Extracurricular activities are equally impressive, with options ranging from equestrian sports and sailing to debate clubs and international exchange programs. The arts are highly valued, with a dedicated wing for music, theatre, and visual arts.

The school's traditions and values are deeply ingrained, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the legacy and prestige of Marlowe Ivory Academy. So, in short, Marlowe Ivory is not just a school; it is a microcosm of high society, where the rich and powerful cultivate their future, wrapped in a veneer of elegance and sophistication.

I shut my locker, taking out my French class book and a notebook before making my way to French. I avoided eye contact with all of the 4C except Casper, who passed me a short nod. I sat down on my chair, pushing my unstyled hair off my shoulder when the TV hung on the corner of the top right of our class, opened and our school broadcasting reporters started speaking. I inhaled leaning back in my chair.

"Good Morning, fellow Marlovians," Amelie Seymour and William McCoy greeted in unison. Their burgundy background had our school's symbol in navy blue and emerald green, shining in its glory.