Pinehurst: Book One (A Magical Olympian Adventure/Young Adult Romantic Fantasy)

Chapter One

Chapter 1

Please be seated, Miss Hollyander.”

A stuffy woman, probably in her late seventies, sat behind a desk in what was, in my opinion, a highly over-decorated torture chamber. It took all of two seconds to assess the room: The royal blue carpet, the mahogany desk, and the American flag— it looked like the Oval Office! Except for the large vulture in the corner—I eyed it with caution as it bobbed its head up and down, probably sizing me up forits next meal. I wrinkled my nose at the lingering smell of death—the beast reeked of it.

Ms. Leech? I had to double-check the nameplate on the door. She hadn’t bothered to look up until now. I was still standing in her doorway.

“You may sit there, Miss Hollyander.” She pointed to a chair that sat in the middle of the room, strategically positioned directly in front of her desk. I assumed this was her way of intimidating the students—whatever.

I flopped down in the chair, arms crossed, and my trademark pout affixed to my face. I so did not want to be here. This was supposed to be a “fresh start” for me. I’d spent the last eight years of my life moving from school to school, making friends, only to be forced to leave after just getting attached. It was totally unfair. Apparently, it was the price I had to pay for my “unconscionable behavior.” My dad was big on adjectives.

The last eight months had been the happiest I’d spent anywhere. We’d lived in San Diego, California. Sun, shopping, beaches, and best of all, guys—lots and lots of cute guys . . . older guys that looked probably eighteen or nineteen years old. I was only sixteen, not old enough for any of them to take me seriously . . . but still, a girl can hope.

“Miss Hollyander,” Ms. Leech invaded my musings. “It would appear I have the unfortunate responsibility of guiding your . . . well, let’s just say non-existent magical abilities to a satisfactory level in which you may graduate this fine institution.”

Why would she think my magical abilities were “non-existent?” They weren’t “non-existent!” As for this place being an institution . . . she had that right. The walls around the perimeter were at least twenty feet tall and made of iron. A startling detail I noted upon arrival. I slumped further into my chair.

“I can assure you, Miss Hollyander, Pinehurst will not tolerate the sort of behavior you’ve exhibited in the past. I’ve reviewed your records from countless schools . . .” The old bat frowned, looking down her long nose. “Honestly, what was your father thinking letting you attend public schools?” Her lips puckered as she wrinkled her nose like she’d just tasted something vile.

I’d attended public schools my whole life. I didn’t see what the big deal was. My father, George, traveled a lot for business, and while he would have liked to leave me in the charge of a governess, I’d long since worn out my welcome with each agency—not to mention I was a little too old for a governess. My so-called “hot temper” and “ill-mannered practical jokes” preceded me. No one wanted to put up with my crap no matter how much weight and money my father threw around—and believe me, he threw it around.

A loud squawking nearly made me jump from my chair. I clutched my heart as the large black bird flapped its gigantic wings overhead and landed next to Ms. Leech.

“Quit fidgeting, Miss Hollyander; you’re upsetting Herman.” She stroked the monstrous bird’s chest gently with the back of her finger.

“I’m upsetting Herman?” She had to be kidding me! The bone picker was probably trying to give me an untimely heart attack so he could have me for dinner. Honestly, who the heck kept a vulture as a pet?