Ember

Chapter 2

Her eyes widened as she crossed the thresh hold. It was almost too beautiful to be real. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a shadow effect across the white marble floor. Towards the left of the room a grand stair case stood. Its banister was a dark midnight oak, while intricate carved depictions of judgement day jutted out from the post. 

The walls were painted neutral tones such as cream and white. While picture of the past heads of the school adorned the wall leading down the vast different corridors, disappearing into the dark.

It seemed more like a manor house than a boarding school. Although it should have not come as a surprise to Leena, St. Agatha's was well known to be a prestigious school, home to the rich and powerful. It was known that in the past: politicians, powerful CAOs and even a few celebrities once attended St. Agatha's.

Not that she would know anything about being wealthy, growing up in a group home she barely had her own bed most of the time, let alone expensive cars and the latest designer handbag.

Mrs. Down turned around showing her pearly white teeth. "It's a pleasure to have someone of your talent at St. Agatha's, and hope that with these resources you will be able to exceed to your highest potential.

Leena looked down as her face became tinged with pink. She knew that she was good, however she could never take complements entirely well. In her mind this opportunity seemed surreal. Something that shouldn't happen to someone like her.

Painting had always been an outlet for her, somewhere to express herself and her deepest fears. Time seemed to stand still when she had a brush in her hand, and with each brush stroke she got lost in her own perpetuity.

Leena followed behind Mrs. Down until they exited in to what she presumed was the court yard. Classes were just out, as students lounged on the grass and the benches. Leena could already see that this was very much like any other high school. The popular kids sat in the centre at the grandest table, while the drama geeks reminisced about Shakespeare under the shady trees. The artsy types seemed to have set up canvases near what seemed to be a stream and so forth.

Many students looked on as Leena awkwardly hauled her faded duffel bag over her shoulder, she herd whispers and snide remarks from the girls but choose to ignore them.

Finally Mrs. Down stopped at another grey building, although this one was smaller in size. Leena entered what seemed to be a common room, it was here she realised they had finally arrived at her dormitory. Leena sighed in relief as she was very much so tiered. The plane journey had been strenuous, and had not got any sleep due to a large fat man constant snoring. Her feet ached, and she hoped to be soon engulfed in the warmth of her bed.

"This is the Common room" Mrs. Down spoke, as if it wasn't obvious, Leena would of usually of came back with a sarcastic comment or snide remark, but she saw Mrs Down cheerful smile and wise eyes and had not the heart so she merely nodded her head in feign interest.

"Classes begin at 9 Am sharp and finish at 4 on the dot; you are expected to be punctual, your room is just up the stairs to your left room 205" with that Mrs. Down handed Leena a key and turned on her heel and left.

"Yeah, goodbye to you to" Leena muttered as she began climbing the stairs, hopeful to find solace in her warm bed. Not even noticing the shadow that had been watching her.