When I became free

Chapter 3

A sharp pain in my neck suddenly appeared as I whipped my head around to check my surroundings-for about the 20th time since I left Clara. I suppose you could call me paranoid.

Fear grappled at my head as I thought of the reality of leaving my family. What will happen to me now? There's no more mother to talk to about my problems and receive helpful advice from. I remember in elementary school when I would return from my lessons and my mom would have a mug of hot chocolate ready because she knew how I hated school. I loved learning, but I couldn't stand the people. Or in the winter, mother would get overexcited for Christmas and start decorating every single room in the house a month in advance. She would play Christmas music at high volume every day in the evening and, at the time; it would drive me crazy because it would distract me from my homework. But now, I wish I could have my mother back. I want the warm, easily excited, caring mother back. Not, the cold, murderous, lying mother.

I miss my father. He used to occasionally let me stay home on Friday instead of attending class. We would drive around until he'd find some place he remembered from his childhood. He'd take me there and relive all his memories. He'd take me to the first place he'd learned to skate, to his old home, to the ruins he used to climb with his friends, to the swamp with the great old willow that he'd take cover under. He showed me the park he used to always take my mom. He showed me his secret place; a secluded area overlooking the lake that you would never be able to find unless you hiked through miles of trees and over several large rocks, shrubs, tree roots. There, he took my mother on their first date. It was also a witness to his proposal.

Tears stung my eyes and I frantically sped through blocks so as not to turn back to my family. I stumbled over a crack in the cement and landed painfully on my knees. I swore under my breath and looked up to see two figures rushing towards me.

A girl with long, brown curly hair and tanned skin asked anxiously, "Are you alright?" She held a hand out to me.

Before I could accept her help, her ginger haired friend spat venomously, "Anna, don't you know who that is? That's Elizabeth Van Necker. Don't touch her. Why help the biggest snob there is?" Anna's hand hesitantly drew back.

The two girls walked away, Anna looked back with a sympathetic expression and I smiled to show I was alright.

I got up and looked critically at myself. I was still dressed in my Show clothes which made me look more obnoxious than ever. I sighed exasperatedly, and continued down the road.

*

I welcomed the familiar Ding! of the door in Morning sun cafe. This cafe was a popular spot because unlike the other cafes, and its name, this cafe was open 24 hours.

I scanned the room, and found a tall, powerfully built man of about 40 sitting at a two seat round table next to a fireplace. He discreetly beckoned me to him.

"Hi, I'm Elizabeth Van Necker-"

"No need for introductions, I recognize who you are. Please sit." His voice was deep and full of authority. I didn't hesitate to obey.

"Now," He folded his hands on the table and looked at me intensely. "You mentioned in your letter that there is a specific reason that you want admission to my school. I'm very eager to hear your story."

I looked around uneasily. The cafe was full of people, as it always was. How am I supposed to explain my situation when anyone could overhear?

As if he heard my thoughts, Mr Vanderbuilt answered, "No one here can hear us. I used a complex spell to eliminate the chance of eavesdroppers. Do not be worried, I have taken all precautions tonight."