Dismissed ⤯ Tom Holland

5 | The Matron

Y/N

_

"Do you have a burner?"

Jamie and I had retired back to our dorm room after we were dismissed from the dining hall, and Oliver left to go to his. From outside of our window, I could see the sun disappearing behind the rolling hills, a rosy glow cast upon the school.

"Burner?" I asked, clicking open my suitcase, "what are you talking about?"

My heart rate spiked, hoping the girl didn't get a glance at the stuff inside my suitcase. How else would she know I had Burner Fire Starter tucked underneath my clothes? I wasn't planning on setting fire to the school, it was just a mandatory resource for an Agent to have in case they got stranded during a mission.

"Burner phone?" Jamie laughed, "we aren't allowed to use our phones during the school week."

I let out a sigh of relief, tossing some of my clothes on the bed. Of course I have a burner phone, that was also mandatory, but I didn't fully understand why she was asking about it.

"Well, yeah," I said, "so why do we need a burner phone?"

I heard a knock on the door, and my hand whipped towards the semi-pistol hidden in one of my suitcase slots. It was just out of habit, since the majority of door-knocking in the past 6 years ended up in - let's say, different circumstances.

"Relax," Jamie whispered, "it's the matron. Get out your burner."

I nodded at her, unzipping the overhead pocket and grabbing the fake phone. Snapping it shut, I stood up and opened the door. A short woman was standing in front of me, a box in her hand, and a frown on her face.

She looked like she hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep in the past 10 years, her brown hair dry and brittle.

"You must be Eliza," she said, her tone condescending and shrill, "I assume you're already settled in?"

"Yes," I said, observing the woman.

She was wearing a dark grey dress, which seemed out of style for the 21st century. Her feet were angled inwards, which gave me the impression that she wasn't exactly open about her personal life. Straight back, pursed lips, furrowed brow; all examples of traditional private school training. She didn't seem like a thief, but she certainly knew how to hide it if she was.

"Phone," she instructed, tapping the wooden box. "No student is allowed to have thier phones during the school week."

"Except for Tom!" Jamie called out from behind me.

The woman's mouth opened slightly, which I assumed to be her way of gasping. Her attention was directed to the girl laying on the bed, who in turn, had a sly grin on her face.

"Miss Coleman," the matron snapped, "it is none of your concern when it comes to other student's business."

"Other students?" Jamie questioned, "don't kid yourself matron, it's only Tom who gets to keep his phone."

"I'd advise you to keep your mouth shut," the woman hissed, "or I'll take away your weekend privileges."

The girl rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything. I was surprised Jamie had the guts to talk back to the woman, considering the fact that Oliver said she'd skin you alive, but I suppose it was because she was a senior. The matron turned back towards the door, holding out the box.

"I'd suggest you heed that warning as well, miss Williams," matron said to me, "everyone faces the same consequences for breaking the rules in the end."

I gently placed the burner phone inside the box, a soft clunk sounding as it hit the mahogany. Matron grabbed the door handle, and narrowed her eyes to look at Jamie.

"Including Mr. Holland," she added, before slamming the door shut.

As soon as I heard her footsteps retreat, I heard the girl let out an annoyed groan. She rolled over onto her stomach, her negative actions obviously directed towards the matron.

"We live in a Democracy," she sighed, hitting the pillow with her fist.

"Constitutional monarchy, you mean?" I corrected, "The UK is different."

"Well, look at you, being all smart," Jamie said, looking up at me, "since when did you know about the UK, States girl?"

"I know a lot of things, but I suppose your brain won't help you in this school."

"You got that correct."

"What did matron mean when she said she'd take away your weekend privileges?" I asked, "I wasn't aware there were any privileges at this school."

"There aren't many," she laughed, "but we're allowed to go into the city on Saturdays."

"So it's basically a day of freedom?"

"Pretty much. You get your phones back too, but it's just those two things mainly."

"Good thing I still have my phone though," I nodded, "thanks for the burner tip."

"That's what friends do, isn't it?"

I paused, not sure how to respond. The last friend I had was in middle school, before I was sent off to BIC. Hannah, was her name, and she had the prettiest smile in the city. I didn't know where she was anymore, or if she remembered me, but I suppose I'd never forget about her.

"Yeah..." I said, a soft smile unconsciously making its way onto my lips, "I guess."

_

Mission Report

10:54 pm

First day at Francis completed.

No serious suspects yet, but I'm making a note of any potential thieves. Further investigation needed; I am planning to decamp at midnight.

Signing off, Agent 47.