Emma

Chapter 1

    The school was tremendous. It had what seemed to be six stories and a very open place. It had the 1500's medivel look to it - with the dark colors and sharp curves toward the edges. The school was dark and shadows lingered over bent, gothic-looking trees. There was a huge field with many oak trees that provided shade and a comforting reading place. Ancient looking bells hung in the poiny towers above the school itself. In many ways, this school seemed as though it actually was built in the 1500's. It was probable. All the dark, brooding colors made Emma's mind linger on the dark room in the house she had to call home. She subconsciencely hissed. The bus driver looked at her oddly. She gave him a little glare and he quickly averted his gaze back to the road. Emma went back to looking at the school.

    She walked down the bus steps and onto the brick pavement that had been worn down to a smooth surface rather than being a sturdy, flat one. Emma finally noticed what she had been put in to wear. She was wearing black flats with bows placed on them, right on the toes. She was also put in capri jeggings, and a simple blue t-shirt. She walked quickly into the main entrance of the school and looked around.

    Statues and painting had been placed acorridingly around the room, along with some potted plants to make it seem more modern. "May I help you?" a young woman in her early 30's inquired. "Yes. If you can. I'm new to the school and was supposed to start today. My name is - ," Emma hesitated. She hadn't said nor heard her name for years. Celia and Robert never bothered because she knew when she was being spoken to. Recovering, She replied, "My name is Emma Lu." The young woman nodded and led Emma to a grand office and knocked politely on the door three times. "Come in," a kind voice persuaded. The young woman then gestured to follow her and opened the door.

    This room was almost exactly like the main entrance, but with different painting and statues. No potted plants, Emma thought to herself. "This girl is saying she was supposed to start school today. She says her name is Emma Lu," the young woman informs who Emma thought was the Head Mistress. "Emma Lu," the Head Mistress mumbles to herself. "Ah, yes. Celia and Roberts girl, hm? I have your scedual right here," She says as she moves some papers around on her desk, finding what she needs. "I inquire Miss Penelopoe will show you to your dorm and introduce you to your roommates," the Head Mistress says, indicating for them to leave her office and get things settled.

    Penelopoe introduced Emma to her roommate, Jade. Jade was a plump, spunky girl of 15. She liked the color pink, but, sadly the school didn't allow you to wear anything else other than the school uniform, unless it was your 'day off'. Every student got Saturday off of school to do shopping or other stuff. The rest of the week was strictly school work and studying. Emma took a look at her scedual. It read: 1. Language Arts; 2. Mathematics; 3. French Language Class; 4. History; 5. Social Studies; Lunch; 6. Physical Education/ Health.

    Other than her class scedual, roommate, and unusual paintings and statues, Emma thought there must be something more about the school she could learn. So she went to the library which was not unusually quiet. There were millions of books to choose from. Most of them had leather bound spines covered in dust. Others were fairly new, and not of any interest.

    She found a book on one of the bottom shelves in the back left corner of the library. It was titled: Lakeview Boarding School: History and Legends. This particularly intrigued Emma so she decided to check it out of the library. Since she did not start her classes until the following day, Emma decided to read the book she checked out. It had all kinds of stereotypes and theories. There was one story that caught her eye:

    "Some students and teachers have spotted a black cat that roams the garden at midnight. They say this cat will walk around the entire school, and the very next day something bad will happen. The first day, the bad thing will be a small thing. But gradually each bad thing will get worse and worse. And after 13 days all will okay again. Some people, even today, have said that they still see the black cat roaming the grounds at night. Some of the students at Lakeview Boarding School have started a saying: 'Let a black cat cross your path and 13 days back luck'. Other student have modified it to say seven days instead of 13.'