Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 1 - Arisa

"Should I just wait in the office?" I asked the receptionist.

The stiff woman nodded, too busy to look up from her stack of paperwork, too busy to make eye contact with the new transfer student. I got the feeling she wasn't happy to have me there, in the administration office, or at Jackheights Academy. Probably because I was making my debut halfway through the second term. I always thought private schools were more attentive, each teacher honing their helicopter personalities to scare students into discipline. Clearly, that wasn't the case. As far as the receptionist was concerned, I was just another number, another locker she had to assign, and another headache she would have to address when I was absent or called in sick. Did she even look at my records? My attendance was perfect.

I decided to lose interest in the woman who had zero interest in me. Instead, I focused my attention on the hallway to the left side of the receptionist's desk. Before my disappointing encounter with her, I happened to see the school dean escorting a student into his office. I didn't get a good look at his face but his presence was strong enough to disturb me. I couldn't stop thinking about the orange tattoos on the back of his hand, the lettering was odd enough to capture my attention. Was it real or temporary? Were minors allowed to inject their skin with ink? I made a note to Google my question later. The boy was wearing the academy uniform in the most unusual way. His dark pants were fitted, his grey shirt and navy blazer rolled up to his elbows, and his black tie was loose around his neck. His hair was dark, thick and naturally curly, and combed by his fingers to the back of his head. I didn't want to judge a book by its cover but it proved to be difficult. He had an entitlement about him that was hard to miss.

The office door swung open. I turned to find two new faces conversing. "Do we have enough permission slips signed?" one of them asked.

"Not yet," the other replied. If she wasn't wearing the school uniform, I would have assumed the pair to be friends, but logic assured me one was student and the other teacher.

"Tomasia," the bitter receptionist turned sweet. "I was just going to call you down. Could you be a dear and show the new transfer student around? Matilda volunteered but she's at an away game this morning."

Tomasia turned to face me as light glittered over her golden solemn eyes. I was stunned by her warm complexion, a little mesmerized by her elegance and grace. The Jackheights uniform hugged her curvy figure and the blue and black skirt extenuated her legs. Her hair was long and black, and she had bangs shaping her oval face. Unlike the boy from earlier, Tomasia was rocking her blazer and blouse.

"I will leave you to it," the teacher said, stepping away. "We can discuss the permission slips in more detail when Matilda gets back this afternoon."

Tomasia nodded. "Sounds good."

I got a better hold of my schoolbag. "I'm Arisa," I said, offering my available hand. I felt a little short standing next to her.

"Tomasia," the girl replied, accepting my gesture. I saw her give my outfit a quick once over. My uniform hadn't arrived yet. I was stuck wearing dark blue jeans and a white blouse which I choose to accessorize with minimal jewelry. My short blonde hair ended at my shoulders and my olive complexion was touched up to conceal the dark circles under my blue eyes. I was tired. I barely got any sleep last night because I was so nervous about my first day.

"Let's get going then," Tomasia said, not bothering to comment on my wardrobe.

"Oh, sure," I replied.

I couldn't help but turn back to look at the dean's office one last time. I couldn't help but wonder if I would run into that troublemaker again.

"What school did you transfer from?" Tomasia asked, leading me to the school's foyer. Everyone was staring at us, their eyes sticking to our backs in an unsettling way. At first, I thought my outfit was making me stand out, but the further we walked, the more obvious things became. The students weren't interested in me, they were admiring my guide. I couldn't blame them. Tomasia was so poised, it was hard not to be enchanted by her.

"Oakville High," I told her.

"It's not ranked very high with the school board."

"No, it's not but my mom got transferred for her job, and this was the closest and most reputable option for me. It wasn't easy getting in, as I'm sure you know."

"You're right about that," Tomasia replied. Her words were intimidating but also sincere. "Graduating from Jackhegihts is no easy feat. If you have what it takes then you will flourish, but if you can't keep up or get discouraged then you might find yourself transferring again."

"I'm not one to get discouraged."

It looked like my guide was about to smile but she didn't. "I expect nothing less from someone who managed to transfer in."

"Thanks."

She escorted me to the second floor and told me the majority of my classes would take place there. Jackheights segregated its students by the term they were in, so the first years were on the main floor, second years on the second, and third years on the top. The seniors or 'term four students' had their own separate building with its own cafeteria, study room, courtyard and library. The basement was exclusive for the arts and after school clubs. "If you need to talk to the school counsellor then you should text to make an appointment," Tomasia advised. "Or download the school app and do it through that. His office is in the new building, along with the nurse's station. I'm sure you already saw but the auditorium is on the first floor next to the gymnasium and cafeteria."

I nodded cooperatively.

Tomasia showed me to my locker next. I was surprised by the slim and sleek design. "That covers the gist of things," she said, as I unzipped my school bag and took out a padlock. "If you need anything else from me, feel free to text."

"Oh," I said, dropping my bag. "I don't have your number."

"I have yours," Tomasia supplied. "I'll text you now. I'll also send you a copy of the student brochure with the teachers' contact information."

I watched in shock as she did just that. "H-How do you have my number?"

"It was on your application form when you applied to transfer. I can access it through the school app."

"Why do you have access to it?"

Tomasia looked confused by the question. "The student body president is permitted limited access to students files."

"You're the student body president?"

"Yes. Is there something strange about that?"

I ignored my phone when it chimed to share Tomasia's contact information. "Uh, no, I guess not," I said. I couldn't believe the student body president was a tenth grader. How was that even possible? Did the term four students not have time to run or did she beat one of them for the title?

"And one more thing, Arisa."

"Yeah?"

Tomasia got a hold of my arm and squeezed it. "I advise you to avoid the rooftop. Don't go up there even if you're granted access. It won't end well."