Fern Creek Academy Book 1

Chapter 8: First Day

When Hilary woke up, it seemed as though everything was perfect, waiting just for her. The leaves were a beautiful lush green, the room was white and pastel, beckoning her to get up, the bed was crisp and clean.

Today was the day when Hilary would start at Fern Creek Academy.

Hilary and her mother had packed the day before, putting everything neatly into her suitcase. Hilary had brushed Rilby to look his utmost and had left him with his traveling blanket to preserve his shiny coat.

A knock sounded from the bedroom door.

"Coming, Mum," called Hilary,"Be down soon."

Hilary jumped out of bed and got dressed.She could already smell the eggs sizzling in the pan. She rushed downstairs and ate a hurried breakfast in the kitchen.

"Both of us will come with you down to FCA," said Kate ,"It's a 4-hour drive so we'll take turns driving."

Hilary nodded, the butterflies started doing acrobatics in her stomach. What will the teachers be like? she thought, will the girls be nice to me? Questions like this had haunted Hilary's mind the past few days. Now was the day when she was going to find out.

After breakfast, Hilary went out to load Rilby. As she approached, he pricked his ears and nickered fondly. Hilary hugged him, finding calmness in his big, strong, body, she breathed in deeply, trying to calm her nervousness.

She led him out of his stall and quietly loaded him onto the trailer. Rilby stood calmly, he was used to being put on trailers like this.The family had packed Hilary's tack the day before, so all they had to do was set off. Sam came out of the house with the keys to the car, followed by Kate.

"Hi sweetie," he said fondly ,"Today's your last day here." He looked at her almost sadly,"Oh well, we'll be seeing you each term," he consoled himself. With a smile he motioned to Hilary "Jump in".

Kate got in as well and they set off.

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The drive was really long. But halfway through, the scenery changed from dry and flat, to lush and green. On the left were beautiful misty hills and, in the distance was a wide expanse of green pasture land. The Greys stopped halfway to change drivers and had a light lunch at a pretty restaurant, then they were on their way again.

Hilary dozed and was woken by her mother saying ,"Were nearly here," Hilary snapped back and looked out the window. There was a large building complex further down the road and a long drive, which was packed with cars. Further off, Hilary could see lots of pasture land with a few horses grazing. Hilary's heart gave a jolt and the butterflies started all over again, they were really here! The car went through two large wrought iron gates with gold plaques and fancy writing, and then they were onto the tree lined drive. They came to a small building. Hilary observed that each car stopped there and handed some papers into the booth. When Sam drove up he handed over Hilary's admission form, the man in the booth scanned them and said

"Welcome to FCA, as you're new, please park in the car park first on the left."

He handed back the papers and the car continued onward.

The car park that was on the left was clean and neat, in the distance, horses grazed in lush, green paddocks. The greys drove in and were greeted by a middle aged lady with light brown hair and riding clothes.

She smiled at them and said ,"Hello, welcome to Fern Creek Academy, my names Jo and I organize all the dorms ,"

Hilary took a liking to her immediately.

"Please sign in over here," Jo said.

Kate squeezed Hilary's hand. Jo led them across the car park and into a large, modern building. The walls had pictures of horses all over them and medals hung in glass cases behind the desk.

"Hello," said the lady behind the desk as though it was automatic. "Please take this form. It is the list of Rules, you will be expected to obey them at all times. Please hand me your papers and you're on your way with Jo."

Sam gave the papers to the lady and Jo smiled and led them back to the car park.

"I expect that this is your horse?" Jo asked, Hilary nodded.

"Well, unload him and walk this way."

Hilary unloaded Rilby. He nickered softly, pleased to be let out after so long.

"What a beautiful horse," said Jo, smiling ,"Come this way." Hilary followed Jo, leading Rilby behind.

Hilary thought that the place looked beautiful, wide paths and nice staff.

They came to a smaller building, Jo explained to them that it was the stables for the boarding horses

"There's another block over there, because with so many horses we'd never be able to fit them all in."She led Hilary into the stable building. The walls were wooden and the stables each had a hook and a rack for the horse's tack. What a perfect place for the horses, thought Hilary. She was loving this place already. Above each doorway, was a name-plate, the stalls were spacious and airy. Horses peered inquisitively over their stall doors.

"Your horse is Rilby,I presume?" said Jo. Hilary nodded. "Then this is yours," told Jo with a flourish and a grin. Hilary looked in wonder. The stall they had stopped outside, was just like the others, except, the name plate had 'Rilby' embossed on it. It was beautiful, thought Hilary.

"Wow," she said out loud. She put Rilby away in his stall and with a farewell pat, continued on with Jo.

Jo showed Hilary the dining hall, with it's rows of tables and chairs, the classrooms, the arena and finally the dormitory. Hilary gawked in amazement. A big stone building stood in front of them, the Academy's logo on the door way, above the lintel read 'Godolphin'.

Jo smiled "This is the dormitory where you'll be sleeping and spending any free time. Currently, there are four dormitories inside the school grounds, Godolphin, Darling, Byerly and Phar Lap, this one's Godolphin. I'll show you inside."

With that she walked through the glass sliding door and they all entered into a cavernous hall. The place was milling with students, from grade 7 to 10 and they looked inquisitively at the newcomers. A staircase wound itself up from the floor to the gallery above. The whole place was decorated with horse pictures, trophies from shows and ribbons.

Hilary was amazed, she'd never seen anything so wonderful in her life. And I get to sleep here, she thought. Jo took them up the stair case and handed Hilary a key.

"Your room is number 107, just round the corner. Rooms are shared by two people and change each term." Hilary walked round the corner and opened the door of 107, not sure what to expect.

-godolphin house-