The Diary Keeper ["The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 4: Allies and rivals

Well, I didn't imagine her like that. Caroline seemed like a nerd rather than a popular girl from rich family.

"Hello," I answered indifferently, "I'm Liandra..."

"Oh, yes, I know it already!" She interrupted me with a laugh. "I'm Caroline Sinclair, but I suppose you've heard of me already. I hope we'll make friends soon. Oh, my previous roommate has just left school because of moving to Chicago - you know, big city, more opportunities." She talked too quickly and enthusiastically. "That's a pity but you seem nice!"

Oh, God. Is everyone in this school trying to be so friendly? And is it for real or they just pretend?

"Great," I said trying to make a smile, "Mrs. Fairfield told me you are assigned to give me a small tour, am I right?"

"Yes, only a small tour - the school is actually small..."

As we walked through the hallways, Caroline pointed out the different classrooms, the gym and the library. Oh God, why is she so talkative?.. She seemed genuinely excited to be showing me around, and I tried to express my enthusiasm.

As we made our way to the dorm, Caroline started to tell me about the different rules and regulations that I would need to follow. She talked about curfews, study hours, and the importance of keeping my room clean. I found myself tuning out, not really interested in all of the rules and restrictions.

When we finally arrived at the dorm, Caroline showed me around the common room and the kitchen, pointing out the different facilities that were available to us.

The tour was so short - we had to hurry to our lessons.

***

I begrudgingly made my way to my first day of classes at the boarding school, feeling neither nervous nor excited. As I entered the classroom, I was met with a stern-looking teacher who wasted no time in beginning the lesson. The material was challenging, but honestly, it wasn't anything I hadn't seen before.

Looking around the classroom, I couldn't help but notice how all the other students were completely absorbed in their work, taking notes and studying like their lives depended on it. Well, I'm surtounded by very boring people... Seems like studying is the only thing they can do in that village. They all seemed like the epitome of nerds, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the seriousness of it all.

As the day went on, I found myself struggling to stay focused on the rapid pace of the classes. While the seriousness of the environment was still overwhelming, I couldn't help but feel like it was all just a bit too much. Everyone here seemed so uptight and serious, and I couldn't help but feel like I was surrounded by a bunch of robots.

Overall, my first day of classes at the boarding school was a dull and uneventful experience, one that left me feeling completely indifferent to the academic-focused community around me. Sure, the material was challenging, but it all felt like nothing more than a waste of time.

And it's still too long for winter holidays to start...

"Liandra, how was your first day? You seem so sad," Caroline noticed.

"Well, I'm not kind of emotional person," I lied without any expressions on my face.

***
Finally, night came and it was high time to deliver Stormy into my room. I didn't ask anyone for permission and Caroline is not aware of this little crime, but who cares? If only the plan would succeed...

I couldn't believe I was doing this. Waiting at the boarding school until the very night just to retrieve a kitten? It was insane, but I couldn't let Stormy be somewhere without me.

As I waited in the dark, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with fear. This was the kind of adventure I had always dreamed of, and I wasn't going to let anyone or anything stand in my way.

Finally, I've got the message from Martin:

I'm here, climb.

I quickly scrambled down the wall covered in ivy. I was a bit nervous, but my determination and bravery kept me going. When Martin handed me the box with Stormy, my heart filled with relief and joy.

"Martin!" I smiled surprisingly this time. "How did you manage to get here?"

"Took my parents' car," he said calmly, "Don't you remember I'd learnt to drive?"

"But you don't have any driving license!"

"No, I don't have any driving license," he stopped for a while and added later: "And my parents don't know about the whole affair."

But then came the hardest part. Climbing back up the wall with a squirming kitten in the box was not an easy task, but I refused to let Stormy down. I pushed through the fear and anxiety, using all my strength to make it back to my room.

And when I finally delivered Stormy to the dorm, I felt like I had conquered the world. I couldn't just go out through the front door and take the kitten because it would be visible on surveillance cameras. So, the plan succeded and Martin could drive home.

I took out Stormy from the box - she jumped happily into my hands. Now it's time to sleep.

***

I woke up too early - at 6:30 a. m. to be precise. I still have 30 minutes before the time I have to wake up. I slept only a few hours but it was enough. Caroline was sleeping without knowing what is waiting for her when she opens her eyes. Stormy was running playfully around the room.

I felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, Mabel and some angry teachers were all left in my previous school. Moreover, you are much more independent in the dormitory than at home with your parents. That also means greater opportunities for having some adventures. On the other hands, nobody here seems to want any adventures - all of them are focused exclusively on their studies, grades etc.! Typical bunch of nerds. I've always considered my cousin Martin to be such a person but these students are even nerdier.

Who will be my ally? Will I have any rivals? The questions are still without answers.

I was thinking about all the stuff when suddenly I got a message on my smartphone. The number was hidden which was really odd. I looked on the screen:

Be careful. Do you really think you deserve the manor?

Great. Perfect beginning of the second school day.