Winter's Bite

Chapter Two: St. Ravenwood Academy

Dawn came much too early for my liking as I crawled out of bed and opened the fairly large package that sat on my dresser. Inside was everything my mom said it would be from my class schedule, to my lock assignment number, student ID card and most importantly my uniform. At the bottom of the package was a letter written by the headmistress personally welcoming me to St. Ravenwood Academy.

Dear Mr. Hastings,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for the 2017-2018 school year. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want you to know how thrilled we are that you have chosen to become apart of the St. Ravenwood Academy community.

We look forward to seeing you on your big day! If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by my office at any time.

Sincerely,

Jacquelyne Marchand

Headmistress

I stared at my uniform next as I set the letter aside. Black khaki pants, a white button-down dress shirt, a red tie and a dark navy slim fit blazer. But no shoes. They didn't say anything about shoes, which I don't have at the moment. Guess I'll just have to wear my boots and see what they say. I was dressed and ready in under ten minutes when I heard a knock at the door followed by my mother's voice.

"Shawn! Better hurry up. You're going to be late!"

"Alright! I'm coming down now."

Leaving my bedroom without a backwards glance, I headed downstairs to see both my parents waiting for me at the bottom step with smiles on their faces. Mom handed me my backpack in the form of a messenger bag while dad reached into his backpocket and tossed me a keyless remote with the symbol of a horse engraved on the back.

"What's going on here, guys?"

"We just wanted to see you off on your first big day of school," said Mom. "Is that a crime?"

"No. I'm just wondering if I should be worried right about now.

"Nonsense," Dad replied. "We decided to give you your birthday present a little earlier this month. I hope you like it in deep blue."

I stepped past my parents as I headed for the front door and opened it. Sitting there in the driveway was a brand-new 2016 Ford Mustang with black chrome rims. Dad patted me on the back while mom stood in front of us with a digital camera in her hands. I never liked having my picture taken, to be honest. I always had the same look on my face no matter the outcome.

"What do you think, son?"

"It's...It's...unexpected. But why?"

"We know how bad you must've felt after the accident, sweetie," Mom replied. "But deep down you know that it wasn't your fault. You may think that it was but I know that my son is not a killer. Now please try and put on a happy face for me so that I can take your picture and send it to grandma."

I forced a weak smile as Dad threw his arm around me and gave the peace sign. Than they hugged me just before I went down the steps and walked over to my shiny new toy. The paint was smooth, the glass slightly tinted. Placing my fingers underneath the door handle, the locks disengaged as I pulled the door open and slid into the driver seat.

The seats were hand stitched in black leather with red racing stripes while the instrument panel lit up in ice blue. I placed the keyless remote in the cup holder, put my foot down on the clutch and pushed the start button as the engine snarled to life. I could hear dad cheer as I smiled from within the car before shifting into reverse.