Camden Academy

Chapter One

I could tell you that the decision to apply for the scholarship to Camden Academy was a completely conscientious one, one that I'd thought out for days, weeks, the whole summer even, before asking my parents. I could tell you I wanted to go, that even if it was rushed I was overjoyed. I could deny it was mostly a computer glitch, but that is not the truth. This, however, is: after all this time, I'm glad I did.

It started a few days into August. I was wasting the small amount of time I had left in that fateful Thursday looking at boarding schools, an odd habit of mine. I liked to look at the glossy brochures, the smiling students, the usually okay but sometimes downright ridiculous uniforms, then wonder what it was really like there. I had just exited the homepage of a Baskerville High when my screen and pointer started spazzing.

"Ah, come on! Bloody thing's never done this before," I said, smacking the desk.

I stared at the screen despairingly, wondering if my ancient laptop was done for good. Then the screen calmed down, but the pointer was still moving, scrolling of its own accord down to a page my eyes had skipped over. It read 'Camden Academy'. The pointer hovered over the link, then somehow managed to open the page. I was following it intently by now, wondering what on earth was going on with my computer. It finally stopped, hovering over a big button that said 'CLICK HERE to apply for a scholarship!'

I looked at it, uncertain. It seemed like my laptop's troubles were over, for the moment. My eyes found the slideshow playing on the page. It slid from a picture of the school's mascot (a wolf) to the school itself. I took a sharp breath. The place was so dark, and imposing, and... beautiful. It was a bit like a small castle, the stone impossibly dark, more black than grey. Two turrets were at the front, many small windows peppered on them. A snow-covered lawn housed only two more small, more modern buildings. There was a thick forest circling the place, mostly pine trees. A few students in black and grey parkas were shown coming out of the building, backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"Wonderful," I breathed. The moment I was about to click to a different part of the site, my computer started glitching again. It clicked on the scholarship button and scrolled down to the name part, then stopped.

I stared at it. Should I? It looked like a great place, and with a scholarship I'd be able to go. Although I probably wouldn't get in anyway. Ah, whatever. I'll do it, I thought.

I quickly filled out the forms and tests. I knew most of mum's information, and the stuff I didn't was easy to find. All I had to do was look inside a little notebook she keeps in her purse containing all that information. She's a bit too trusting sometimes.

I forgot about it within the week.

The letter arrived in two.

Then the last week of August rolled around, and with it a certain anxiety that comes with the knowledge school is starting soon.

"Mum, you okay?" I asked over breakfast. It was just me and her. My brother and dad had gone out earlier.

"Hm? Yes dear, I'm fine," she said.

I gave her a skeptical look but said nothing. Soon the familiar thunk of the mail came, and she hurried off to get it. I had finished my toast and was about to go upstairs when she called my name.

"Tylas! You've got a letter!" she said.

What? I never got letters. Who could it be from? I turned around and took the envelope. There was a fancy crest on it, and I figured out who it was from immediately. Camden Academy. I slit open the envelope and slowly unfolded the letter. I read it quickly.

Dear Miss Vendetti,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Camden Academy. A uniform will be sent to your home within two days. Enclosed is a list of supplies and regulations. Term begins September 3rd. However, September 1st and 2nd are open for the students to settle in.

Sincerely,

Sandra Timber, Headmistress.

"I got accepted," I whispered in disbelief.

"To where?" my mum asked.

"Uh... oh, I forgot to tell you," I said guiltily.

"What?" mum asked.

"My computer glitched and it brought me to this place called Camden Academy, which offered free scholarships, then it clicked on it so I decided, oh whatever, I might as well. I forgot about it until now and apparently I got accepted so yeah," I explained in a rush.

My mum stared for a moment, then started to smile.

"Well... I'm a bit angry that you didn't tell us first," she began. I gulped. "But your dad never would've let you leave if you had. You know how protective he is!" she laughed. "You can go, love. If you want to. Do you?" she asked, concerned.

"Of course I do," I reassured her.

"Wonderful!" she exclaimed.

I looked at the supplies list. "We'd better get started."