Teddy Bear Love

Chapter IV - Beckington Academy

Lucy

As I strode with purpose, the morning mist hugged my ankles. The sun was a pale disk behind a veil of gossamer clouds, casting a soft glow on the quaint, ivy-clad shops. In the distance, the occasional castle or estate peeked from beyond the hills and embracing nature.

My eyes flitted from one picturesque sight to another—the dewy petals of roses peeking through garden gates to the soft cooing pigeons perched atop weathered eaves. I had only seen sights like this in paintings. To walk it was breathtaking.

My comforting walk was interrupted by expensive cars speeding past one after the other. The blaring sound of laughter, music, or a mix of both emitted from them. As I pressed on, I glanced at the time on my wristwatch—a belonging from my late father.

If my timing was correct, I was almost there.

Finally, the imposing gates of Beckington Academy came into view, towering golden sentinels flanked by grey stone pillars. The academy emblem was etched into the metalwork, a reminder of the privilege and prestige I was about to experience.

As I approached the entrance, I took slow, deep breaths to calm my nerves. My eyes scanned the sea of students bustling about the campus's vibrant, green grounds. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a large, imposing grey castle with intricate gold etching stood before me, evoking a sense of grandeur. My astonishment was evident as I stood there with my mouth agape; it seemed unfathomable that this could be a high school.

I passed an archway where I saw valets servicing students. I knew this place was rich, but I never imagined this. I stopped in front of the entrance, I was intimidated. A small part of me wanted to leave. A girl like me didn't belong here.

"Hey! You must be Lucille Windsor, right?" A warm voice tinged with a German accent asked.

I turned to see a girl with a luminous brown complexion and curls bouncing at her shoulders. She was pretty and her dark eyes were inviting.

"Um, yes, but please call me Lucy. I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage." My voice shaky due to nerves.

"Miranda Mercer, nice to meet you and welcome to Beckington Academy," She flashed a reassuring smile as she extended her hand.

"Thank you. That's very kind of you," I replied, accepting the handshake. Her grip was firm and confident.

"I'll be showing you around today," she added, handing me my class schedule. "Shall we get started then? There's a lot to see." Miranda gestured toward the entrance.

"Lead the way," I said, nodding gratefully.

As we walked, my heart steadied, aligning its rhythm with her confident steps. She led the way then pointed towards large open doors. "This is the main hall." She then gestured across the way, "And that's the home to the library and some of the oldest books you'll ever see."

"Looks so impressive," I remarked, my eyes tracing the library.

"Right? As old as Harvard." She twirled, "Most importantly, we've got some handsome legends here," Miranda winked.

"Legends?" I echoed.

"Our lacrosse team has won the nationals three years in a row," Miranda chuckled. "And girl, they're so hot, I swear."

"Oh..." I said through a nervous laugh.

"Don't worry, I'll show you them later." Miranda waved off the topic, continuing the tour.

We meandered through a series of pathways, and she droned on about student life. Outside the windows, I could see students lounging on the grass, textbooks open but often ignored in favor of conversation. We stepped outside and entered the stadium. It echoed with the sound of lively sport and cheerleading practice. Laughter and conversation also spilled through.

"So, these groups are def niche. Everyone worth knowing is usually around here at this time," Miranda explained, her gaze sweeping the scene. "It can be overwhelming at first, but you'll eventually find your fit. Even if you can't mesh with them."

I wasn't so sure, but I nodded, absorbing every detail. Then, a hushed tone I could've sworn said my name caught my attention. I glanced to the side, and a group of girls cast furtive glances towards us. I saw Vivianne staring directly at us from the middle of the group. She was wearing a gold, silver, and white cheerleading outfit. I wasn't surprised that she looked so elegant like a princess.

Miranda followed my gaze, her demeanor shifting almost imperceptibly. She grabbed me and started leading me away from the group of whispering girls. "So, that's Vivianne Vox," she said, her voice dropping to match the whispers. "She's pretty much royalty around here and we're totally friends."

"Royalty... Like actual royalty?"

"Her family has like deep ties to this school going back centuries. Her boy toy is Theodore Beckington—yes, as in the Beckington in Beckington Academy. Plus, she's gorg, smart..."

"Sounds about right," I commented. Of course, a girl as pretty as her is so popular. She was born to be talked about, born to be noticed wherever she went.

"Hell yeah, she's someone you want to be friends with." Miranda's lips curved into a tight smile, her dark eyes darting away. "Come on, let's check out the science wing. You'll love the view from the rooftop garden."

"Lead the way," I said, taking one last glance at the enigmatic Vivianne before following Miranda.

My steps echoed faintly in the cavernous hallway, my modest attire a stark contrast to the crisp uniforms that brushed past me. I tugged at the hem of my sweater, feeling the weight of the eyes upon me. With every whisper and sidelong glance from the other students, I grew more conscious of my out-of-place appearance.

"Ah, don't worry about it. You'll blend in soon enough," Miranda reassured.

I couldn't help but envy the stylish cut of her blazer, the emblem shining proudly on her chest. "I need to save up to buy a uniform. I didn't realize how expensive they could be."

Miranda smiled emphatically and then beamed, "Until then, you get to look like a cute little librarian. I am jealous."

I laughed, looking down at my dress, "I was wondering what people thought I looked like. I suppose there are worse things than a librarian."

"Hecka worse things," she laughed. She looked at the time on her phone. "Let's show you the science building, and I think that's all I had to show you. I nodded, eager to see the rooftop garden.

As we navigated through clusters of students, each adorned with the insignia of their prestigious school. I felt a surge of determination rising within me. I wanted that uniform, and I wanted to wear it proudly. This place was like nothing I'd ever seen before, and I wanted my first and only year here to be memorable. I had to make the most of my short time.

By the next time the bell rang, it also perfectly signaled the end of the tour. Miranda waved bye, "My class is on the other side of campus, so I've gotta run. I'll see you later. Stay out of trouble."

"I can't make any promises," I joked back, returning the wave.

I paused, taking in the grandeur of the academy one last time before heading to my first class. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door, and my eyes glinted with excitement, nervousness, and a newfound resolve. With my eyes glued to the floor, I wove through clusters of chatting students.

I hugged my schedule to my chest as if it were a shield of protection. My classmates' murmurs and laughter seemed to bounce off the walls of the luxurious room, a stark contrast to the silence that shrouded me.

I found refuge in an empty seat at the back, my eyes darting up only briefly to survey the surroundings. I could feel the weight of newness that cloaked me, my lack of a uniform dividing me and them.

"Quite the hidden spot you've chosen," came a deep voice, smooth as silk but laced with an edge of curiosity.

I hope the pacing isn't too slow. Thank you for reading!
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