Starr Academy: Year One

Part 22

Twenty-two


I smiled as I woke. Today was Halloween. My favorite day of the year. It always has and always will be. And this year I think will be the best. Especially when the professors had designed their lessons all week to being in more history of All Hallows Eve. I’ve grown attached to the holiday even more.

I stretched and sat up in my bed. I had to do a double take. Sitting on my desk was a basket that looked like a big picnic basket. A envelop hung from the front of the basket.

I crawled over to my desk on the top of my bedding. I picked up the envelop and saw my name on it. I opened it up and pulled out the card from within it.

Greetings Hope,

First I wish to tell you a very Happy Halloween to you.

Right now you maybe curious about the basket on your desk. It is a custom here at Starr Academy that we give our students a gift for Halloween. As it is my duty to gift you, I thought you might like this present. It is a great honor giving you this. Enjoy it.

Your Mentor,
Professor Gilliett

I smiled as I pulled the basket onto my bed. I slowly opened the basket after I unlatched it. I giggled pulling out the outfit that was inside. I laid the outfit out on my bed and smiled at the old style ‘witch’ outfit. It looked so authentic.

I thought that was it till I looked at the bottom of the basket. There was a small brown paper wrapped present with another small note. I lifted it and read the note.

Hope,

This was left in the Academy’s care. I thought that it would be appropriate for you to have it. I believe it was meant for you.

Enjoy,
Headmistress Alexi

I set the note aside and opened the small gift. Tears stung my eyes at seeing what she had given to me. In my hands was a small sketch that I had no doubt that Melerick had inked out himself. He even wrote at the bottom. ‘The daughter I hope for.’

Those words alone was a tear jerker, but the picture was more. Melerick had inked a pen and ink picture of himself and me under the weeping willow. He had his back resting against the tree. I was sitting in front of him. He had his arms around me like he’s done in my dreams. He looked like a father holding his daughter.

“Oh Melerick. I wish I was your daughter.” I said wishing it was so.

In a way, I was his daughter. His distant daughter. He even treats me like his daughter. He must have been a great father to his real children. He has been a great suedo father to me through me dreams. A father and teacher. He’s been the real reason I’ve done so well in my elements classes.

I caress the frame that was around the picture. I was so happy Headmistress Alexi had given me this. She had no idea how much it meant to me. Or maybe she does and that’s why she gave me the picture.

I placed the picture on my desk in a place so I could always see it when I woke everyday from now on. I wanted it to have a place of honor. Melerick deserved that. He was my past helping me in my present to prepare for my future.

I got up and showered before dressing into my gift. I loved the layered skirts. The chemise underneath. The corset vest. There were even old style boots to go with the outfit. It was greens and blues and creams.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I wondered what I’d do with my hair. I went over to my desk, grinning at the picture for a second before finding my history book. I looked through till I found the chapter about the salem witch trials and early america. In the chapter I found the hairstyle was rather simple. Just a few braids and then loose curls. A few ribbons and flowers would finish it off.