Queen Hera's Academy

Chapter 1

I couldn't believe it. I was moving to my dream school. The school was created for those who still believe in the greek gods and goddesses, and it's supposed to be the best school in the world, but we'll just have to wait and see.

As the train slowed to a stop, I felt a thrill of excitement tingle up and down my spine, and clearly so did my new classmates as I heard happy squeals and cheers all around me.

"Can you believe it?" asked the girl beside me. I hadn't even noticed she was there; I was so absorbed in my book. "We get to go to Queen Hera's Academy""

A School of Excellence for Young Ladies," I said in my poshest voice laughing. "It's almost too good to be true. How did I manage to get a spot here anyway? I can't imagine anyone dropping out of this school. It's meant to be the best of the best."

"I heard that every year the school graduates one girl early," the girl remarked.

"From our year?" I asked in total shock. "I hope I don't graduate early. I'm sure I'll love this place and I can't imagine myself ever wanting to leave..." I quietened down, very uncharacteristically, suddenly very aware of everyone around me.

"What year are you in?" the girl asked me.

"Year eight..." I couldn't get the words out. What was wrong with me?

This was supposed to be the perfect day. I never did have trouble meeting new people, so why did I suddenly feel awkward and shy?

"Me too!" the girl said.

I held out my hand for her to shake. "Thalia."

The girl looked confused. "Oh, no my name's Aubrey..."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "No, my name is Thalia," I giggled.

"Oh," Aubrey said, laughing with me. She had a beautiful throaty laugh, and I loved the sound of it. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Thalia."

Aubrey had long gorgeous locks of auburn hair, and ivory skin covered in freckles. She, of course, wore the same school uniform as me, but I couldn't help thinking she wore the royal purple tie and skirt... better. She was a tad bit on the plumper side than I was, but I didn't think she needed to lose any weight because it gave her such an amazing figure which I wouldn't be able to pull off. I thought she looked utterly stunning, but it was her eyes that caught my attention and impressed me so much. Aubrey had eyes of bright emerald green, full of curiosity and wonder. When I looked up into them they seemed to speak to me, laughing and dancing, as if they had emotions of their own.

"Okay, now that I know you, and you know me, let's talk about something else," I looked around the train, trying to find something to break the awkward silence. "Let's talk about food, I'm starved."

"Hi," Aubrey called trying to catch the attention of the woman pushing along the food trolley. "Hello? 'Scuse me!"

As Aubrey bought us some sandwiches and a couple of sweets to keep us going, I rested my head on the window. I gave Aubrey money for me to pay my share, but she handed back to me.

"Don't be silly, I'll pay," she laughed, her beautiful laugh.

"Fine, but next time I pay, okay?" I said. Aubrey looked like she was going to argue, but then she smiled warmly.

"Deal," she giggled and held out her hand to shake. Aubrey was so lovely.

I hoped that we would be friends for a long time.

"Thanks, Aubrey," I smiled. I was just glad that she was going to let me pay next time, otherwise, I would've felt terribly guilty.

She had stuffed a whole sandwich in her mouth so she couldn't answer, but she did her best to smile back.