Winter scribbled incoherent notes on a random page in an otherwise empty notebook despite having learned the subject matter six months ago. She had been accustomed to studying independently to avoid falling behind, so she yawned as the next teacher came in for Advanced Algebraic functions and leaned back in her chair. Winter shut her eyes and allowed her mind a moment to wander. Thoughts rushed in her head like a river breaking through an old dam. She thought of her old schools, her studies, her mother. When Winter's father imposed on her train of thought, she developed a headache. It was an ache she had grown accustomed to over the years, her mind's way of telling her to back off. The lunch bell rang and the second her eyes reopened everyone flocked to her, bees to honey. "She's gorgeous." "A new student after how many years?" "Wow you're so pretty!" "Look at her eyes." "I wonder if she's a model." "Her hair is so long and shiny." "She looks like a princess." Winter watched them talking about her as if she was a monkey in a zoo until she noticed one girl get closer. "I'm Layla. You said it was Winter, right?" The girl was lanky and emanated sunshine with golden locks and forest green eyes. "How come you moved schools?" Winter spoke loud enough for the eavesdroppers, "My mom is an international aid for Relief Universal. Her job makes us move a lot." A girl that looked like her world revolved around the sun with curly brown hair and golden skin giggled, "You must have seen so many beautiful places then." Her eyes dance with intrigue, "I'm Mandy by the way." Layla surveyed Mandy and Winter resolutely, "Do you want to eat lunch with us?" Without waiting for a response, Mandy linked her arm through Winter's, making the decision for her, "Come on. We'll show you where the cafeteria is."
As they walked through the halls, Winter turned to them, "What do your parents do?" Mandy answered politely, "My mom is Elle Marinette." "Your mom is the number one fashion designer in the nation?" Mandy beamed, proud her mother's reputation proceeded her, "So you've heard of her. My dad is just the mayor." Winter watched as Layla flipped her hair expectantly, "What about your parents?" "My dad is the CEO of S.C. Group and my mom is executive director." Layla boasted. "Your parents own the top conglomerate in the world?" She batted her lashes with faux humility. Winter was about to say something but paused and scanned the hall, unable to ignore her instincts pestering her that she was being watched. She locked on hazel eyes filled with inexplicable fury that immediately disappeared around the corner.
Winter had to stop herself from gaping when they made it to the cafeteria. She was awestruck by the splendor that saturated every room she'd found herself in. She drank in the marble floors, the heavy satin curtains, the crystal chandeliers, and the long, meticulously designed oakwood tables. The students around her were obnoxiously oblivious to its charm. Mandy tugged at Winter, "Why are you standing there? Let's go eat I'm starving." There were rich dishes sprawled out in an endless buffet for them to choose from. Lobster with caviar, steak and baked potatoes, miso soup. Her mouth watered. The food looked like art, perfectly crafted by the hands of refined chiefs. She recalled the school lunches she was used to and shuddered at the lackluster comparison.
When they sat down, her instincts repeatedly nagged her and she found hazel eyes again which she chose to pay no mind. Winter took a generous bite of her salad, "So what's the story about this place?" Mandy daintily ate her soup and Layla picked at her caviar, "Golden Academy High is an elite school that's nearly impossible to get into. The students of this place are usually the children of business monopolies, political leaders, actors. People with influence. The top one percent." Mandy whispered, "More importantly, the person who made this place is the epitome of mysterious. All we know is that he's strict, and chock-full of money and secrets." Winter shifted in her seat and her nose scrunched with interest, "The headmaster?" Mandy put a finger to her lips as Layla leaned forward, "What I want to know is how you got in. You said your mom works for Relief Universal which means you're well off compared to normal people but that doesn't warrant a spot here." Mandy choked at her candor while Layla continued on shamelessly, "So what is it? Your dad?" Winter swallowed and found a painful lump in her throat, "My dad died when I was little and my mom and I have been on our own since. This is my fourth high school in two years and I have no idea how I got in." Mandy's eyes widened, "That's like every semester." Winter nodded and shrugged off the discomfort, "And how long have you two been friends for?" Mandy and Layla looked at each other. Layla pushed back a loose strand of hair, "Our parents are close so we've been friends since forever." Mandy smiled fondly, "I can't remember a time I didn't know her. It was practically straight from the womb." A devious grin grew on Mandy's face as she innocently rested her chin in her hand, "Do you have a boyfriend?" Winter was struck by the sudden change in topic, "I've never had any interest in one." Layla looked at her, "Never? Well surely you've at least kissed a boy." Winter only shrugged and Mandy and Layla both aired a simultaneous sigh.