Alice Riverstone

Chapter 1

Streets of London. Old, Dirty, lonely, filled with vermin and rats. That, my dear reader, is the home of Alice Riverstone. There she was, curled up in an old coat, torn here and there, allowing the cold wind of London to make it's way to her pale skin.

She lived near the infamous 'Myrtle's Meat Pies' shop. She works there, very hard i must add. She scrubbed the floors and the tables, serving the customers who rarely entered the door, and chasing out the rats and vermin.

Myrtle Raggs is a kind lady, who is on the verge of poverty. Her Meat Pies were not exactly delicious but they did have a unique taste. But People were too busy going to Loona Mebbs' Pie shop. That Lady is hard at work but she pies have a certan zap to them that attracts customers. Myrtle always grumbled to Alice saying that it was Cockroach Piss !

Alice's Life was not a smooth road. Her Mother died at birth and her Father was too poor to feed two hungry mouths. He gave her up to a known cobbler. But his ill tempered wife abused the poor girl. She would beat her with her rolling pin and her shoes. She hated that girl. She called Alice a pest sucking up all their fortune. The family was only four, The cobbler, his wife and their two daughters. But the cobbler's wife could not stand another child, much lesser a peasant.

Alice knew that she had to get away from that hell and the devilish woman. But if she did, she would be living in the streets, with no money, food, shelter or clothes. When she turned 13, the cobbler's wife almost killed her by bringing a red hot iron rod to burn her for breaking a vase while sweeping the floor. Luckily, God showed mercy on Alice and the cobbler stopped his insane wife, as he was entering the room.

Alice escaped the same night and slept on the streets. Myrtle Raggs took the girl in and told her that if she worked hard, she would earn two pounds at the least along with a meat pie. Alice agreed readily. There was another reason for Alice to accept the offer.

Opposite to Myrtle's Meat Pies shop was a musical intrument shop. Everyday Alice heard the heavenly sound played by these instruments. She was particularly attracted to the sound of the violin. She was hypnotized by it's beautiful tune. Every week, a gentleman walks in the shop, tests out the violins and other instruments, playing the most beautiful songs ever and buys some small requirements, like strings, or tuners etc. She waited for that musician, particularly him, every Sunday. After her morning prayer, which she and Myrtle prayed together, she rushed out to him. She was in love with his violin skills.

Alice sighed and looked up at the dark clouds and prayed softly. "Dear father. Thank you for staying with me. Please help me."

"Alice. Iam here, Iam always with you, my daughter." she heard the voice of God and sitting next to her was a man in white robes smiling at her. She smiled back and within a second, he disappeared. She remembered, the first night the cobbler's wife beat her with a ladle, Alice cried in the night, praying for a solution. Then right next to her was the man putting a hand on her head and whispered "My dear Child. I will never leave nor will I forsake you."

She knew she was not crazy. She knew her place and she knew very well that no matter where she goes, he will always be there with her. Her heavenly father was everything to her. She loved and with no doubt, she knew that he loved her dearly too.

She got up and saw the gentleman whom she sees every Sunday, playing the violin. But today is Tuesday. What is he doing here on a Tuesday ? He smiled at her and walked towards her. She stood up and smiled at him, though she was genuinely confused. "Hello There young lady, Iam Jayce Phoenix" he smiled warmly and greeted her, lifting up his navy blue hat and putting it back on.

"Good day sir. Iam Alice Riverstone." she smiled and bowed.

"Pleasure to meet you. Tell me Miss Riverstone, are you aware of the 'Winterfield Academy ?" he asked, his blue eyes gleaming at her.

"Isn't it that exquisite school in Worcesteshire ? Very difficult to get in. Join it and you will be a success. " she knew about that school. It was the talk of the town. But it was only for the rich. The fees was too expensive, even for an upper middle class family. Too expensive.

"Well, Iam a teacher there !" He smiled widely. "I teach music there and many young talents are emerging."

"Wonderfull !" Alice smiled, although she did not get where he was going with this topic. "Every year,the founder of the school, Eleanor Winterfield accepts ten children into the school. She particularly wants the children of the streets. I was hoping that you would join the school." he shrugged his shoulders.

Alice laughed at the thought. She did not even go to school for the half of her life and join this place? No way ! No way at all. "Good joke sir !" she laughed. But Jayce was serious. He was not joking or playing about. "Miss Riverstone, Iam serious."

Alice stopped laughing and looked at him. "What ? Why would you want me to join ?"

"Miss Riverstone, I know you have a passion for music and the very sound of it. With your enthusiasim, and my help, I can make you the best violinist the school had ever had."

"Music ? Violins ? Hold on there. How did you know about this ?"

"You thought that I didn't see you, gazing at my music starry eyed every time I played ! Yes Miss Riverstone, I saw you all these years." he smiled at her and Alice stood there wide eyed. She did not know that she was that obvious.

"But ... But how can I get in there ? Iam just an orphan with no money for the sky high fees and no -"

"if you trust me, I promise that I will help you sincerely to get in WinterField Academy. Just trust me." he looked straight into her stone-grey eyes.

"Alright."