The Atham Manor (Slow Updates)

The First Day

When I woke up the next day, it was Monday, which meant I would be attending Eastwood Highschool as of today. That thought was so nerve-wracking, considering this was literally my dream school. I almost flew out of bed, showered, got dressed and wrangled my hair into two large puffs on the top of my head. Edges - laid. Swirly little ear danglies - swirled.

I pulled on my uniform and almost died. They were just as cute as the rumors said. White blouse covered by a black cardigan and a checkered red tie, matching checkered skirt and black knee highs and loafers. I twirled in my full-length mirror, smiling. I was definitely gonna make my mark today.

My door opened after, causing me to let out an uncharacteristic scream. Adaline stood in the doorway, shock written on her features. "My goodness, Xania, what are you screaming for?"

"Sorry, you scared me." I held my hand over my heart, trying to calm the irregular palpitations.

"My apologies, I should've knocked," Adaline glided into the room with elegance I couldn't hope to get and then placed a manicured hand on my shoulder. "You look lovely. A picture of beauty."

"Thank you." I said nervously. 

"Breakfast is ready and then you can head off with everyone to school. Its a half hour drive to get off our property so you only have twenty-six minutes to eat breakfast. I would hurry." Adaline's crystal blue eyes twinkled as she spoke before turning on her red bottom black heels. "Follow me, I have to debrief you on some of the school rules." 

She gracefully made her way down the stairs of the house and to the dining room, where butlers and maids were walking about, placing food down on the tables and filling up glasses with orange juice. Definitely a sight I wouldn't get used to.

Adaline grabbed a cup full of red wine, "I only have one rule: Don't stay out after eight. No matter what the school function requires. It doesn't matter if there's a party and you're trying to get... lit? Is that what you young kids say these days?" 

"Mom, do me a favor and never say that again," Calvin walked in, clad in the school uniform, grabbing the pitcher of orange juice and filling up an empty glass. "Morning, Xania."

"Morning." I smiled and then turned back to Adaline. "I'm not one to question adults, but isn't eight a little bit early?"

"Not with all the creepers around here." A voice responded right behind me, and I jumped almost knocking the glass out of Calvin's hand. I whipped around seeing Warren, in the uniform as well and grinning at my reaction, "So jumpy this morning..."

"Warren," I said flatly. "I see you're in good health."

"After that delicious tea you made me," Warren's eyes lifted to Calvin. "I could only recover so quickly. I think I'm you're favorite."

"Could you get over yourself for one second?" Calvin rolled his eyes and turned to me. "It's best if you ignore him - his stupidity will rub off on you."

Warren smirked. "He's just mad cuz you like me more."

"I wouldn't say that," I started hesitantly, to which Calvin let out a triumphant, "Ha!" before continuing. "I like you both. You're both nice to me."

Suddenly, another man walked into the room. He was a good foot taller than me, with dark hair and cold blue eyes, and a bored look that instantly put me into remembrance of someone... from somewhere. Maybe a dream? But I couldn't remember it.

Adaline's chirpy voice broke me from my stupor. "Henry! Good morning,"

Henry nodded his head distantly, before glancing at me and giving me a onceover. I suddenly felt the urge to speak. "Uh... I'm Xania." He nodded again before Miriam and Cassandra both came downstairs. They weren't dressed in the uniform.