Stone Creek Academy: Faith

Chapter Five

"Good morning students. I'm pleased to welcome you all to Stone Creek Academy for this schoolyear. I'm your Headmistress, Doctor Clipp," I zoned out almost right at the beginning of the assembly. My alarm clock had roused me right on time, though 6am felt much more like 3am to me, even though I hadn't switched time zones in coming here.

Sofia and I had gotten ready for our day, then had a huge, filling, nutritious breakfast of cereal, oatmeal, and fruit. Apple juice, which worked like coffee for me under most circumstances, had barely given me any energy this morning.

As the headmistress rambled on and on about what a wonderful, productive, academic year this would be, I scanned the auditorium, looking for any familiar faces. Logically, some of the girls I'd competed against on the A Circuit would be here. Sure enough, it didn't take me long to spot Grace Fielder, one my hardest rivals in competition. But outside the ring, we'd spent a fair amount of time hanging out together, and had a lot of fun.

Next to her was a petite brunette I didn't recognize. But her jacket read that she rode for Fishtail Show Stables, a very competitive and rich barn full of spoiled jumpers and rich, bratty Hunter princesses. I figured that since she and Grace were talking and laughing together though, she couldn't be all that bad.

Finally, people around me began to stand up and stretch. Classes didn't start for another 15 minutes, so we didn't have to hurry. I led Sofia over to Grace to say hello.

"Regina! Hi, it's so great to see you here!" Grace smiled as we hugged eachother.

"You too! Is Drum here?" I asked, referring to Grace's horse, Civil Drumbeat, who was Sonic's full brother. They were a year apart, and the horses were one thing that brought Grace and I together.

"Yeah, he is. I expect you'll see him this afternoon when all is show jumpers have lessons," Grace replied pleasantly. I loved how Grace was always smiling and laid back about things.

"Oh, by the way, Regina, this is my roommate Vivian. Vivian, this is Regina, a good friend of mine from competition," Grace introduced her roomie, and I shook her hand politely.

"It's nice to meet you Vivian. This is Sofia, my roommate. She'll have jumping lessons with us this afternoon as well," I grinned. Sofia curtsied playfully, earning humorous smiles from both Grace and Vivian.

"So what classes do you all have first?" I asked, trying to find a subject we could all contribute to.

"Well, Vivian and I have Engligh with Mrs. Hared, what about you guys?" Grace answered.

"I've got her first too," I added, glad to be sharing a class with Grace and Vivian.

"So do I," Sofia chimed in. We all slapped high fives. The bell rang, sending us all rushing toward class. As we entered the English classroom, the four of us slid into seats nearby. Before I knew it class was over.

"Is it just me, or was that class insanely fast?" I asked Sofia and Grace as we walked to Geometry together. Judging by the looks they both showed, it was just me. I shook my head, and we headed into Geometry right as the bell rang.

"Welcome class, please check the board to see your assigned seats!" My geometry teacher, Mr. Lammet, boomed. I walked up front to read the diagram. My seat was on the right side of the room, and I didn't read the names of the people around me. But if I had, I would've asked Mr. Lammet to move me then and there.

We all sat at tables of three, and diagonally left from my table was the one at which Desiray Duncan sat. She glared at me as she sat down, and I shivered. Someone sat down next to me.

"Hey, I'm..." I started to say, then dropped off as I looked over at him. Icy blue eyes were fixed on mine. I held my breath.

"Hi, I'm James," he whispered softly. I just nodded. Stupid, introduce yourself! I scolded myself.