The Vanishing

Chapter 1

I walked down the sidewalk with my backpack and suitcase and groaned as my suitcase flipped around when I hit a bump in the sidewalk. I knew I should have taken a cab instead of the bus, but I figure this way I'll save a little money. Although if I had known the bus stop wasn't closer to the school, I would have taken a cab.
I sighed. Transferring schools in the middle of the term sounded like cruel and unusual punishment, but I didn't really have a choice.
I just need to get through high school without drawing too much attention to myself while still maintaining some sense of normalcy. Even though I've got a secret to keep, I will go absolutely insane if I don't at least make one friend. Shouldn't be too hard right? Be noticeable and friendly but also guarded and secretive? Piece of cake.

I shivered at the cool breeze and light fog that permeated the air around me. Early mornings in London could be quite eerie at times. I finally made it to the driveway of Westfall Academy. My breath hitched a little at the sight of it. Huge, regal, and completely intimidating, stood a structure one could only describe as a castle. I clutched my necklace, an amethyst stone in a gothic setting, moving the pendant from side to side and I instinctively backed away a little.

"Oi!" Yelled out a voice from behind me.

Mortified, I turned. "Sorry! Did I run over your foot?"

A boy about the same age as me straightened after brushing off his shoe. I took a longer look than I would have liked at the tall, lightly tanned guy standing before me. He was very cute with icy blue eyes and light brown hair. He had sleek black glasses that suited him nicely and gave him a writer's vibe.

He relaxed, smiling. "Yes, but that's okay. I guess it's my fault for following so close behind."

I lifted an eyebrow, and he chuckled. "I noticed the suitcase and was going to introduce myself, I'm Wyatt Westfall." My eyes darted to double-check the sign on the school.

He sighed "You know, maybe I should make up a fake last name for these introductions. It's maybe a little too much of a 'hey look at me, my family owns this enormous school'."

I laughed a little. "Yeah, but eventually I'd find out and then it would just be weird."

He chuckled, holding out his hand. "You are?"

I mentally facepalmed. I need to get better at introductions. "I'm Arden. Montgomery." I stuttered a little.

He smiled at that. "Cool, are you headed to your dorm?"

I nodded. "Could you show me where it is? This place seems like it could be a bit of a maze."

He nodded and I handed him the printed email of the instructions the school sent me.

He opened one of the massive ornate wooden doors and I followed him inside and gasped at the sight of it. Marble flooring and staircases, ornate columns and molding, very high ceilings, and an impressive chandelier in the foyer, I took it all in.

He watched me look at everything in amusement. "Oh, cool necklace by the way."

I clutched it defensively, but let it go.

"Oh, thanks. It was a gift from my mother." I said sheepishly. And that's not all it was.

"Nice." He grinned at me as we went up a few flights of stairs and reached my room.

He opened the door with a flourish that made me giggle a little. I sighed with relief. It seemed cozy and inviting, much unlike the grandeur of the rest of the school. Two beds, one obviously occupied, two dressers and two desks, your typical dorm, there was a small bathroom attached which is really nice.

"Your roommate's name is Nina Maclay. She's really cool, I'm sure you two will hit it off. She's probably in class right now." He said and I nodded.

"Do you want to get unpacked or explore some more?" He said and waggled his eyebrows.