The Whispering Halls

Part I - Prologue

I stare at the white sterile ceiling illuminated by bulbs of dimmed-out lights. Although the warm effect of the fixture is supposed to seem gentle to one's eyes, it looked all too bright, causing me to squint and close my eyes shut.

"Do you have any idea why your insomnia doesn't go away?" Somehow, the doctor's words seemed to dissipate into nothingness in my mind as the soft velvety material of my skirt brushes against my fingertips as I continuously drew circles on it.

"No," a two-lettered word I didn't dare to hesitantly say, for as simple as what a word could mean, there are about a hundred reasons for me to say it.

"That's all for today Miss Kingsley, Same time again next week?"

"..."

I picked up my purse and rose from the couch as my heels clicked against the marble floor while I waltzed my way out of her office.

"Good afternoon Miss Ingrid. The car is outside waiting for you."

"Lead the way, then."

The statue-esque bodyguard, iron-clad in a black suit guided me as I made my way out of the hospital through its glass doors and gently hopped into the car's leather backseat.

"How was your visit to the doctor? Any newly prescribed medicine for you?"

A dark figure joined my view as I turned my head to the side.

"It was pleasant. and no, she didn't prescribe any more new medications for me this time, Dad."

He was holding a small crimson tinted rectangular envelope with the gold letters R and U engraved on its black wax stamp.

''Your grandparents and I have come to an agreement that we will transfer you to a better school,"

"Right? And how many times has this kind of conversation led me to making choices that would only benefit you?"

Dad signaled to the driver and the car stopped near the side of the road. The driver got out of the car and stood outside.

Dad gestured his hand to the envelope placed by my side.

''Open it.''

As I was skimming through the bunch of letters and words inked on the crisp paper protected by the envelope, an unfamiliar name caught my attention.

"Rochefort University. You said this was a better school, how come I've never heard of it before?"

"I'm surprised you seem eager to know the details about your new school."

"I'm only doing this for my sake and not for my own curiosity. Where is it?"

"I refuse to tell you that."

"What do you mean?"

"Rochefort is far away from the city where we are right now."

"And how is a school that is hidden away better for me?"

"The reason why Rochefort is hidden away is because it is the ideal school where people like you are expected to go to. Aren't you wondering why you're holding such a letter in your hands saying the university has accepted you, when you have not even taken a test to get in?"

Dad cautiously explained to me in a mellow-like voice. As if filled with caution that I might rebel against his and my grandparents' choice for me.

"People like me, what kind of people like me then?"

I crossed my arms against my chest and tore my gaze away from him.

"The people, no, children who could someday be important figures of our world, Ingrid. Rochefort exists so those particular students are given the best education as an effort that you will be able to use the skills you have gained in the near future.

Yes, it is a given that Rochefort seems like a school that only the elite can afford, but some scholars are given the privilege to be able to study there. And there are also students that are heirs to several businesses that have already been studying there long ago too. So, yes, people like you Ingrid. Your mother has also agreed to this Ingrid, I hope you understand that we- your family, only want what is best for you and your future."

I knew dad had at least one last trick up his sleeve but it never occurred to me that he would ever use mom as a means to persuade me into agreeing to this.

"Fine, but please give me time... Please do consider that I'm only doing this for mom and not anyone else in our family," I strongly blurted out.

I cannot bear to lose anyone else.

"Good. You will depart for Rochefort in 2 days time."