The Game

1: About a Year and a Half Ago

About a Year and a Half Ago

"Why are you making me go here?" I ask, practically whining, as our limo pulls up outside the big brass gates locking us outside. I can't see the school because of the large 15-foot walls surrounding it. I look out the window taking everything in.

My mother sighs then she tugs on her hair. When my mother is nervous she always wraps her long, curly brown hair around her fingers and tugs on it. She sees me watching her and she smiles at me, dropping her hair.

"Honey, your father and I have been over this with you many times. The Howard Patterson Academy will be great when trying to get into an Ivy League school and the connections you will make here will greatly help you when looking for a future career." She looks at my father for confirmation that she has said all the right things and he nods, taking her hand.

"Dad," I start, trying to appeal to him.

"No, Natalie, we have discussed this with you too many times. Our decision is final." He says firmly then he notices the look on my face and he softens a bit. That's my dad, he is strict when he needs to be but he also loves my sister and I very much. "Tilie," my dad says, using my childhood nickname and I groan a little. "I know you're nervous but you will love it here. Your mother and I attended The Academy our junior and senior year and we both loved it, you will too."

"Wait, what?" I interrupt. "Junior and senior year? No, we never talked about senior year. I thought I was going back to my old school, with my best friends, with Emily, for senior year!" I look back and forth between my parents.

"No." My mother says looking at my father then turning to face me. "Honey, it wouldn't make sense to only attend the academy for one year." She tries to reason with me. I huff and watch as the giant gate finally opens, granting us access to the school. As our limo drives up the long, seemingly endless road, I stare out across the grass and notice students walking around the grounds. In the distance, I see woods and I think I see a guard near them but my focus shifts when my mother starts talking again.

"Sweetheart, your father and I love you very much and we are only doing what's best for you." She says, putting her hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

"But?" I ask, waiting for the next part to come, hoping they will give me the option of staying in the limo and going home.

"No 'buts' this time, Tilie. You are going to this school. That's final." I huff and then pull open the door before the limo has even come to a complete stop. I hop out of the car, swinging my backpack onto my shoulder. I stand looking up at the massive front doors to the school. I'm so intrigued by the doors that I don't even notice the young woman walking towards me until she is right in front of me.

"Hello, you must be Natalie. I am Loralee, your Head Mistress." She extends her hand and I have enough manners to shake her hand. After dropping my hand, she gestures to the girl standing next to her. "This is Sydney, she is the same age as you and in similar classes so I thought it best if she showed you around and helped you get acquainted with our school." I nod and look at Sydney. She looks to be about my age. Her black hair is cut into a bob and her glasses rims are two giant black squares. She smiles at me, not politely but not rudely either. I salute her lazily. I guess I will be getting to know Sydney. The Head Mistress leaves me to talk to Sydney while she introduces herself to my parents.

"So, what do you do for fun around here?" I ask while flicking my shades off the top of my head and onto my nose. She laughs a little. Uh oh. That doesn't give me hope.

"Nothing. This place is so boring. After everyone arrives, it's kind of interesting but literally nothing happens until The Game begins. You're only a junior, right?" I puff out a breath, sighing.

"Yeah. What game do you guys play?" I ask, taking the bait, and tugging on my backpack straps.

"Not a game, The Game." She corrects and I wave my hand at her as if to say what's the difference?

She is about to respond when my parents and the Head Mistress rejoin us.

"Loralee has promised you are well cared for." My mother says, smiling down at me. She pulls me into a tight hug and I wrap my arms around her slender frame. "Be safe. Find someone you can trust." She whispers so quietly I almost don't catch what she is saying but I know she said it. And it confuses me.

When she let's go of me, I can see the love and worry in her eyes. "Mom, what's wrong?" I ask but she just shakes her head and puts her finger to her lips to silence me. I force myself to nod but I wonder. Then my dad grabs me in a big bear hug and he swings me around.

"Good luck, kiddo! I know you'll do great." He puts me down and pats my head, rubbing my hair a bit and messing it up. I swat him away but laugh and kiss his cheek.

"Tell Emily I love her and I will miss her even if she is annoying and steals my clothes." My parents laugh and promise to relay the message then they wave goodbye and I watch the limo head back up the long road to the gate in the distance. I stand there watching for a few seconds then the Head Mistress begins to speak.

"We have a busy day ahead of us, ladies. No time to waste. Sydney, if you would please show Ms. Natalie to her room then the two of you will rejoin the rest of The Academy in the mess hall." She waits until Sydney acknowledges her orders then she promptly enters the building and disappears behind the giant door.

"Well," Sydney says, "get your bags. I'll show you where your room is." I turn around and notice my bags sitting on the steps of the building. I pick up two of them and Sydney grabs the other one and she swings open the door with ease and marches up the great hall to an impressive staircase. I barely make it into the building before I stop and look around, staring at all of the pictures and trinkets around the room.

"Hurry up," Sydney calls, "we don't have much time. You got here late and we need to be in the mess hall in 35 minutes. Can't be late." She says then hauls my bag up the stairs, I follow closely behind her.