The Awakening Of The Ice

"The New Student"

ꨄ︎ AUTHOR'S NOTE ꨄ︎

This book is troubled, not recommended for sensitive people, it may contain violence, abuse, aggression, characters with dubious character. It may touch on subjects that are uncomfortable for other people, all the characters are fictional, created by my troubled mind.

Read at your own risk,
you have been warned.

---

Aurora
P.O.V

My body crashes into the wooden cabinet; I let out a grunt at the impact. A frying pan flies through the air and hits my head.  I put my hand to the spot, no blood comes out, but it hurts.

- You're useless, you can't do anything properly. - The man's harsh voice echoes through the kitchen, carrying a thread of cruelty in every word. He wears a plaid shirt that reveals his advanced age with his black hair speckled with white.

Despite his medium height, the weight of his presence is felt with a crushing weight. With trembling hands, I lean on the cold wooden floor and stand up, swallowing the knot in my throat and the fire in my eyes that refuses to burst into tears. I won't give him the satisfaction. With my last reserves of strength, I stand up, dizzy and staggering, watching the man leave the kitchen, muttering threats under his heavy breath.

He wasn't supposed to be home at this hour. With difficulty, I start to climb the stairs, my fingers white from squeezing the banister. When I reach the old wooden door, I push it open and am invaded by the smell of mold, an aroma that makes me wrinkle my nose in disgust.

I pick up my school uniform from the floor and head for the bathroom. I close the door behind me and lean on the surface of the old sink, marked by yellow stains of dirt. I shift my gaze to the small square mirror built into the white tiled wall.

My big brown eyes, devoid of sparkle, reflect discouragement. My wavy brown hair is dry and lifeless, my lips are peeling and my face is marked by bruises and small cuts. My body, thin and fragile, looks like a skeleton under my skin. I let out a dry laugh, grab my blue toothbrush from the shelf and start brushing my teeth, a ritual without pleasure.

I put on my black uniform - short skirt, white socks, white long-sleeved blouse and black jacket with the CherryPree school symbol embroidered on it - and leave the bathroom extremely carefully so as not to make a sound.

As I open the door, I see the man's figure in the hallway and run into the bedroom. I close the door behind me and turn the silver key, locking myself in. I let out a sigh, go to the window overlooking the forest and open it, the cold breeze coming in with a whisper.

I grab a chair and put it on the door handle, an old trick to make sure no one gets in. I wrap my worn white sweater around my neck and throw my bag out of the window before throwing myself out, the sound of the fall muffled by the carpet of dry leaves on the floor.

I get up and grab my backpack, following the usual path through the forest towards the school. Each step takes me away from the pain and fear, while my eyes observe the details of the forest. A sound among the bushes makes me turn sharply, and a sigh of relief escapes as I see that it's only a rabbit.

Many stories circulate about giant wolves in this forest, but I consider them just an excuse to explain the mysterious disappearances of people who venture here and end up missing, later found with parts of their bodies missing.

Another day begins, and I sit in my chair, watching the students around me who talk excitedly about a new pupil. It doesn't matter to me, but the rarity of new faces here makes me wonder if he'll be someone interesting. I wonder if my friend will arrive soon when I feel a light touch on my back. I turn around and see Mia.

Miandra is a girl with brown hair and rosy cheeks, wearing glasses and a black uniform with the symbol of our privileged school. She's small and always seems cheerful, even in the dullest situations.

- Have you heard about the new boy? They say he's very handsome. - Mia speaks with her mouth full of snacks.

I just look at her. - That doesn't change anything, Mia. He's probably just another rich snob. - I roll my eyes as she shrugs her shoulders and continues to stuff her mouth with snacks. I turn as the teacher enters the room, and the noise and whispering cease instantly. If my memory serves me right, his name is Marco.

- Good morning, students. I hope you enjoyed your vacation. Let's get straight to the point: we have a new student. - The teacher puts his things on the table.

The art teacher flashes a forced smile as the door opens to reveal a tall boy with black hair and piercing blue eyes. The black uniform fits his body perfectly, accentuating the muscles of a young man who looks much older than a typical third grader. When our gazes meet, I feel a shiver run down my spine and the air seems to squeeze out of my lungs. Cold sweats form on my palms and my mouth is as dry as sand.

- This is Adam Neville. - The teacher says with a cheerful tone that seems forced.

Adam offers an enigmatic smile, a discreet bow with one hand on his chest, and immediately the girls around him let out sighs and murmur about his appearance. Then he fixes his blue eyes on me.

- It's a pleasure to be here. - He says, and his gaze seems to cross the barriers of the room, straight to me.