My Twisted Heart

Chapter Three

As soon as the silver-haired girl appeared on the stage, an undeniable tension rippled through the room. Every boy sat up, suddenly alert, as if her entrance had set off a silent but powerful alarm.

The girl looked a couple of years older than me. She was wearing a grey skirt, a black blazer, and a white dress shirt. Though she was undeniably beautiful, it was her hair that captivated me the most.

"Good morning, everyone!" Her silver hair swayed from one side to the other as she stopped in front of the mic. "My name is Amelia Laurent and I am your student council president. It is my pleasure to formally welcome you to Crestwood Academy."

The moment her lips curved into a smile, a round of applause rippled through the crowd.

"Here at Crestwood Academy, we believe in providing our students with the best possible resources and opportunities to excel," Amelia began. "Whether you're interested in science, athletics, magic, or art, there is a place for everyone in our school. That's why we, the student council, highly encourage our students to join clubs, make friends, and follow their passions."

Her words were followed by another round of applause, and I found myself admiring her poise and confidence. She was a veteran at this. Although she was a little soft-spoken, she managed to captivate the audience's attention with her speech.

Amelia began to speak about the various facilities available to us at the school. She spoke of the state-of-the-art gymnasium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the sprawling sports fields, and even the on-campus mall—all of which were designed to enrich our educational experience and foster a sense of community among the student body.

It was clear that Crestwood Academy spared no expense when it came to providing its students with the best possible experience. But at what price?

From a very young age, I came to understand that nothing in this world is free. Everything had a price, even the simplest of things. And this academy was no different. If anything, this school probably embraced that principle. This meant, for all the benefits the school provided, it was equally prepared to strip them away.

"As part of the school's commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability, Crestwood Academy has implemented a unique program known as the Crown System. I'm sure many of you have heard of this system, correct?"

I glanced around and saw that most students were nodding their heads.

"For those who don't already know, crowns are the currency we use at this school. By using crowns, you'll be able to buy a wide range of items available on campus, ranging from snacks to cell phones. It's crucial to understand that certain essentials, such as food, water, and the school uniform, are offered free of charge. However, keep in mind that food and drinks are only complimentary in the cafeteria..."

Amelia took her time explaining the basics of the Crown System, detailing what expenses were covered and which weren't. Though she didn't explicitly state it, her message was clear: it was important to be mindful of spending habits.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering if there is a way to track the number of crowns you possess. The answer is, yes! All this information can be found on the Crestwood Wallet app, which you can easily log into using your school ID cards... The same process applies when making purchases. Just swipe your ID card at the register, and you're good to go. It's a simple and efficient process designed to streamline your shopping experience."

Amelia waited for a couple of seconds before continuing.

"It is important to note that all students will receive a base allowance on the first Friday of every month. However, the amount of crowns you receive may vary depending on your performance. In other words, those who perform well will see an increase in their allowance, while those who underperform will receive less."