The Witch's Daughter

Chapter 2

The Academy building was big and rectangular, with the words 'The Science Academy' curving around the arched entrance.

A tall woman stood in front of the building.   "Hello!  My name is Ms. Evelshine and I'm the principal of The Acadamy," she said, smiling the whole time. 

"I'm Elynora Wellcroft," I replied.

Ms. Evelshine led me into the building, which had very nice decor. There was a large skylight, a large front desk with a receptionist, chairs, and little tables with plants on them. I followed her up two flights of stairs, and finally stopped at a door marked 212. "Here's your home for the next few months," she said, unlocking the door and handing me the key. "Your roommate will be Miss Annabelle Winterfield.

"Oh, I wasn't aware that I would have a roommate," I said.   I should have expected it, but I didn't know much about boarding school.  Living in the same room as another person might be hard. 

"Almost everyone at The Academy has a roommate, often, they become very good friends."

"Thats good," I said with a smile on my face. In reality I was getting nervous. I had always been a bit of a freak at school. What if Annabelle could tell?

"I'll let you unpack," Ms. Evelshine said, "someone will come get you when it's time for dinner."

I thanked her, and looked around at my room. The room seemed to be split up into two sections which mirrored each other. There were two beds against two walls and two desks and chairs against the third wall in the middle with a radiator between them. At the foot of each bed was a dresser. I put down my luggage and placed it on the bed to the right.

I heard a key turn, and looked around to see Ms. Evelshine saying what she told me to a tall and blond girl. She walked in the room. "Annabelle Winterfield," she said, extending her hand.

"Elynora Wellcroft," I said, shaking her hand.

"What an unusual name! I like it! " Annabelle radiated energy.

"Thanks," I said.

"So, where are you from?" Annabelle asked.

"A tiny village called Glendelford, you've probably never heard of it. It's in the bluebell forest and has a population under a thousand."

"That sounds really nice, I've never been to a village that small before. I only live a mile a way from The Academy."

"Wow! that sounds cool, this is my first time in a really big city."

"I hope you like it, it's a great city."

"I really like it.  Living here should be fun."

"It is.  And I'll be introducing you to all the best restaurants in town. "

"That sounds great, I should probably start unpacking now."

"Me too." Annabelle said.

As I unpacked my clothes, I couldn't help but notice how unstylish I was compared to Annabelle.  My wardrobe consisted of plain dresses, long skirts, and peasant blouses, while Annabelle had much more fitted clothes in a variety of colors, and pants.  I had never been allowed to wear pants at home because of my mother.  She was a witch, and witches followed all the old laws, meaning there were many things I wasn't allowed to do or have.

"Do you know any good places for shopping?" I asked Annabelle.

"It depends what your shopping for, but I'm guessing you mean clothes. I wasn't going to say anything, and I really don't need to offend you, but you could use a new wardrobe. And yes, I know some great places."

"Are my clothes really that bad?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not really sure how to say this, but you could end up looking like a total loser with the clothes you have. You need a complete wardrobe makeover." Despite what she was saying I knew Annabelle wanted to help me.

"Classes start tomorrow, and I don't have time to go shopping.  Can I borrow something from you?" I pleaded.

"Of course you can," Annabelle smiled, "for dinner, keep on the shirt your wearing, it looks perfectly fine, but wear these." She said, Tossing me a pair of pants. 

I tried on the pair of pants for the first time my life.  They seemed like they would be hard to get into, but I was fine.  I stepped out from behind the bed where I had been changing. 

"You already look much better, but tuck in your shirt," she advised.

I did as she told me and looked in the mirror that was on the back of the door. I was wearing tight blue pants with my loose white shirt tucked in. It felt a little weird, but I liked it. "Oh I almost forgot," said Annabelle, "do have any jewelry?"

"I have a locket." I said.

It was a magical locket and good luck charm my mother had given to me and insisted that I bring it. I hadn't planned on wearing it, because it would be weird if someone noticed it was a magical item, and I would need to explain how I had gotten it.

"Wear it." said Annabelle, "It should go with that outfit perfectly. "

I tried it on, and she was right. I could already tell it would be an exciting year.

"Girls! Time for dinner!" I heard a teacher in the hall shout.

We opened the door and stepped outside. "I am Ms. Rylum."She said, as more students poured into the hallway. "Its time to go to dinner. Follow me."

We followed her to the first floor, turned right, and we entered the dining hall where the boys, who lived in separate building, were already lined up at the kitchen and ready to eat.

Immediately, I noticed something strange. It sounded like someone was whispering to me. The voice was cold and terrifying. I couldn't understand what it was saying, but I was paralyzed with fear.

"Are you okay?" Annabelle asked with concern, "You just froze for a second."

"I'm fine." I said. The whispering was gone. It was probably nothing.

"Let's get some food. I'm starving." Said Annabelle.

We got in line, and I tried not to worry about what had happened.