━ The change of seasons was in the air, and the last few days of August passed like a sliver in time and space. The mornings were cool, ideal for those light sweaters that are only worn in such circumstances.
Every few hours, a bus full of Sunny Creek Boarding School kids arrived, having spent the summer on beaches all over the world. Although official classes begin on Monday, many of us arrived a few days earlier to take care of our new rooms, organize our belongings, and psychologically prepare for the new academic year.
This is my final one. It's hard for me to think that next September, I'll be starting a real life outside of this boarding school. I didn't have a negative experience here. I met my best friends here, and plenty of people have came and gone. This place has always reminded me of home, and I'd be lying if I claimed I don't miss it. However, the thrill of a new chapter in life surpasses the nostalgia I already get when wandering these lengthy corridors.
As someone who has spent many years here and did not attend conventional school (except kindergarten), this feels like a long-term trip. Every now and again, you get the opportunity to return home, where your entire personality and existence exist.
It's funny how your life fits into three suitcases. It's also amusing when you have to decide between Manchester and Verona on vacation. Two rooms, two houses, and you never seem to make the proper decision. And I sort of think...
"Classes haven't even started yet, and you're already meticulously writing that diary..." I could always recognize her voice in a crowd.
Lucia, my best friend and roommate since day one, a girl with pink ombre hair, approached slowly towards me while carrying two enormous luggage.
"Lu!" I exclaimed, dropping the diary on the bench beside me and jumping into her arms. "Wow, what a change Lu!!" I hugged her again, as if I hadn't seen her in years. She had changed so much."I missed you too," she admits.
"I know," while the two of us chatted and clumsily hauled her baggage up the magnificent staircase to the main door, those who had arrived a few days earlier (like myself) had already collected our room keys.
Lucia muttered something to herself as she searched for her name on the list in the room. "We're in the room together!!!!" she exclaimed, enthusiastically.
"Why did they change the layout of the floors like that?" She asks in surprise. "Our class is divided on one floor; we are on the right side, the boys are on the left," I explain to her as we deliberately walk to our floor.
"Easier to sneak guys into rooms!" I chuckle cruelly at her remark.
"You are aware that there is an evening check to ensure that everyone is in their rooms," Lucia looked dissatisfied. "We will find a solution, and since this is our final year, it must be unforgettable," she smirked at me, leaving me with only one thought in my mind: what happened to her?
The room was built for three people; our roommate should come, and hopefully the trio from last year will be reunited. My bed was close to the window, and Lucia chose the one right next to the wardrobe.
Monday arrived as quickly as dawn. The corridors were boisterous, full of sleep-deprived adolescents who had spent the weekend mingling and bidding goodbye to the vacations as is customary. First class - physical education, an excellent way to begin the last year. The women's locker room has always been a true shocker. Too many various fragrances, including vanilla, citrus, and sandalwood. It's really too early for all of this, so I quickly changed and headed outside, where the class was gradually assembling. Valeria and Lucia joined me, and their expressions indicated that they were obliged to do so.
"Mom said that she won't excuse any absence from class unless it's a very serious situation," Valeria complained, to which we chuckled.
"It's the same story every year, Val," I tell her, without intending to lie and assuring her that everything will be fine. We're talking about running 15 laps at 8 a.m.; the only thing that would be nice is that after this session, we take a break for a shower and breakfast before the real classes begin.
As difficult as it was to go through all of these rounds, it was very exciting to see certain folks I had forgotten about. I'm talking about folks with whom I've only had rudimentary lessons, and this is where our paths diverge. A group of girls in front of us were captivated by a guy who was running a few meters distant. They giggled and grinned as they observed him, but it will remain a mystery for now because I lack the strength to hasten my speed to satisfy my curiosity.
"Can't believe he's so hot," the brunette gasped a little louder. "What happened to him during the summer?" the same girl asked further.
"Vitamin D," her friend responded.
"Oh he can give me some vitamin d-" , And their laughter quickly became unpleasant.
"Did you hear what I heard?" Lucia said, and Valeria and I simply nodded our heads. "So pathetic," Valeria exclaimed.
"I don't know who they're talking about," I said gently. "Maybe it's better if I don't know"
The class ended a little early for me when I noticed that the baby owl had fallen from the nest and injured its wing. The little being was so terrified and on edge that I was worried for a moment. I took off my sweatshirt and glanced at the tree in front of which the bird was perched; all I noticed was that there was no way to climb.
I wrapped the bird in a hoodie and took it to the gardener, who should be able to provide a temporary remedy. It's not the first time we've encountered each other in these situations, but he's used to me and my desire to help every living being. He took the owl and placed it in a cage after inspecting the wounded wing near the top.
He then sent me to class after hearing the break bell. I hurried to the boarding school; assuming no one interrupts me, I will there on time. When I arrived in the showers, there were several girls who were constantly talking about someone.
How does one make such an impression on girls? And why does it hurt so badly because I have no idea who they are talking about?
"Your socks fell off," one girl said, patting me on the shoulder. "Thank you," I say as I drop my belongings on the bench in front of the cabins, remove my clothing, and allow the water to flow over my bare body.
Regardless of how organized I was, I was always late for my class teacher's classes. Mrs. Ella was not pleased to discover me, as usual, among the last to enter the classroom.
"It's the first day, so I'll tolerate it," she adds succinctly and firmly. I nod enthusiastically as I look for my companions, both of whom had sat down with someone. Which leaves me searching for a seat... In a full class.
"Grace, sit somewhere," she told me. I give her a puzzled look, "But everywhere is occupied," and virtually the entire class turns to confirm my point.
"There is one seat, the last table by the window," my attention naturally moved to that location. When I look at the person I am supposed to sit with, all I see is black hair of medium length, until that person turns and looks at me.
Black eyes. It could only be him.
Rigel Wilde.
I can't look at him too long; all I need to do is pull out my chair and relax comfortably, leaving the rest to this literature class. I can feel his eyes on me. I can feel his perfume creeping into my nostrils, and I'm becoming addicted to the dominant bergamot note.
The degree of silence in the classroom at the time made my every movement seem unusually loud, as if I wanted everyone to stare at me.
The professor began reading a chapter in earnest; my book was open to a random page, and my reading glasses were right next to me, ready to go. I placed my hair in a high ponytail to keep it out of the way as I read.
"Stop squirming so much," Rigel said cheekily. I don't push to hide my amazement.
"You know how to talk?" I replied sarcastically.
We hardly ever talk. I cannot stand him, and he cannot stand me either.
He gives me one look out of the corner of his eye, and a small, nasty sneer forms on the corner of his mouth. "You can't stay quiet"
"I'll teach you how to be quiet," he said subtly.
I bit the inside of my cheek as I observed what he was doing; his entire appearance had always been a mystery to me. He kept muttering something to himself, and even though I knew it was intended for me, I was enthralled. My attention had completely disappeared; all I could think of was what he was scribbling on the notebook, repeating the same gestures over and over.
"Stop staring," he whispers softly. "I'm not looking at you," I said, maintaining the same tone.
"Am I interrupting something?" Professor Elle asked aggressively. Everyone turned to us. "Is there anything more interesting than what I'm reading?" she asks, looking at both of us.
Rigel extends his arms in a stretch and says "Yeah," which irritates the professor even more. "I heard that," she shot back at him.
"That was my intention," he said as he continued to draw in his notepad without interest.
"Stop answering her like that," I warn him with tight teeth. "Don't worry", he chuckled
"I'm sitting next to you, and if you get caught, I'll be there too," the professor interrupted me.
"Punishment homework for both of you, due in seven days. Find the topic yourself," she says, slamming down the book.
I glare at Rigel, who wears a ridiculous smile. "I'll leave it up to you to choose the topic, you're a nerd after all," he said evilly.
━ The change of seasons was in the air, and the last few days of August passed like a sliver in time and space. The mornings were cool, ideal for those light sweaters that are only worn in such circumstances.
Every few hours, a bus full of Sunny Creek Boarding School kids arrived, having spent the summer on beaches all over the world. Although official classes begin on Monday, many of us arrived a few days earlier to take care of our new rooms, organize our belongings, and psychologically prepare for the new academic year.
This is my final one. It's hard for me to think that next September, I'll be starting a real life outside of this boarding school. I didn't have a negative experience here. I met my best friends here, and plenty of people have came and gone. This place has always reminded me of home, and I'd be lying if I claimed I don't miss it. However, the thrill of a new chapter in life surpasses the nostalgia I already get when wandering these lengthy corridors.
As someone who has spent many years here and did not attend conventional school (except kindergarten), this feels like a long-term trip. Every now and again, you get the opportunity to return home, where your entire personality and existence exist.
It's funny how your life fits into three suitcases. It's also amusing when you have to decide between Manchester and Verona on vacation. Two rooms, two houses, and you never seem to make the proper decision. And I sort of think...
"Classes haven't even started yet, and you're already meticulously writing that diary..." I could always recognize her voice in a crowd.
Lucia, my best friend and roommate since day one, a girl with pink ombre hair, approached slowly towards me while carrying two enormous luggage.
"Lu!" I exclaimed, dropping the diary on the bench beside me and jumping into her arms. "Wow, what a change Lu!!" I hugged her again, as if I hadn't seen her in years. She had changed so much."I missed you too," she admits.
"I know," while the two of us chatted and clumsily hauled her baggage up the magnificent staircase to the main door, those who had arrived a few days earlier (like myself) had already collected our room keys.
Lucia muttered something to herself as she searched for her name on the list in the room. "We're in the room together!!!!" she exclaimed, enthusiastically.
"Why did they change the layout of the floors like that?" She asks in surprise. "Our class is divided on one floor; we are on the right side, the boys are on the left," I explain to her as we deliberately walk to our floor.
"Easier to sneak guys into rooms!" I chuckle cruelly at her remark.
"You are aware that there is an evening check to ensure that everyone is in their rooms," Lucia looked dissatisfied. "We will find a solution, and since this is our final year, it must be unforgettable," she smirked at me, leaving me with only one thought in my mind: what happened to her?
The room was built for three people; our roommate should come, and hopefully the trio from last year will be reunited. My bed was close to the window, and Lucia chose the one right next to the wardrobe.
Monday arrived as quickly as dawn. The corridors were boisterous, full of sleep-deprived adolescents who had spent the weekend mingling and bidding goodbye to the vacations as is customary. First class - physical education, an excellent way to begin the last year. The women's locker room has always been a true shocker. Too many various fragrances, including vanilla, citrus, and sandalwood. It's really too early for all of this, so I quickly changed and headed outside, where the class was gradually assembling. Valeria and Lucia joined me, and their expressions indicated that they were obliged to do so.
"Mom said that she won't excuse any absence from class unless it's a very serious situation," Valeria complained, to which we chuckled.
"It's the same story every year, Val," I tell her, without intending to lie and assuring her that everything will be fine. We're talking about running 15 laps at 8 a.m.; the only thing that would be nice is that after this session, we take a break for a shower and breakfast before the real classes begin.
As difficult as it was to go through all of these rounds, it was very exciting to see certain folks I had forgotten about. I'm talking about folks with whom I've only had rudimentary lessons, and this is where our paths diverge. A group of girls in front of us were captivated by a guy who was running a few meters distant. They giggled and grinned as they observed him, but it will remain a mystery for now because I lack the strength to hasten my speed to satisfy my curiosity.
"Can't believe he's so hot," the brunette gasped a little louder. "What happened to him during the summer?" the same girl asked further.
"Vitamin D," her friend responded.
"Oh he can give me some vitamin d-" , And their laughter quickly became unpleasant.
"Did you hear what I heard?" Lucia said, and Valeria and I simply nodded our heads. "So pathetic," Valeria exclaimed.
"I don't know who they're talking about," I said gently. "Maybe it's better if I don't know"
The class ended a little early for me when I noticed that the baby owl had fallen from the nest and injured its wing. The little being was so terrified and on edge that I was worried for a moment. I took off my sweatshirt and glanced at the tree in front of which the bird was perched; all I noticed was that there was no way to climb.
I wrapped the bird in a hoodie and took it to the gardener, who should be able to provide a temporary remedy. It's not the first time we've encountered each other in these situations, but he's used to me and my desire to help every living being. He took the owl and placed it in a cage after inspecting the wounded wing near the top.
He then sent me to class after hearing the break bell. I hurried to the boarding school; assuming no one interrupts me, I will there on time. When I arrived in the showers, there were several girls who were constantly talking about someone.
How does one make such an impression on girls? And why does it hurt so badly because I have no idea who they are talking about?
"Your socks fell off," one girl said, patting me on the shoulder. "Thank you," I say as I drop my belongings on the bench in front of the cabins, remove my clothing, and allow the water to flow over my bare body.
Regardless of how organized I was, I was always late for my class teacher's classes. Mrs. Ella was not pleased to discover me, as usual, among the last to enter the classroom.
"It's the first day, so I'll tolerate it," she adds succinctly and firmly. I nod enthusiastically as I look for my companions, both of whom had sat down with someone. Which leaves me searching for a seat... In a full class.
"Grace, sit somewhere," she told me. I give her a puzzled look, "But everywhere is occupied," and virtually the entire class turns to confirm my point.
"There is one seat, the last table by the window," my attention naturally moved to that location. When I look at the person I am supposed to sit with, all I see is black hair of medium length, until that person turns and looks at me.
Black eyes. It could only be him.
Rigel Wilde.
I can't look at him too long; all I need to do is pull out my chair and relax comfortably, leaving the rest to this literature class. I can feel his eyes on me. I can feel his perfume creeping into my nostrils, and I'm becoming addicted to the dominant bergamot note.
The degree of silence in the classroom at the time made my every movement seem unusually loud, as if I wanted everyone to stare at me.
The professor began reading a chapter in earnest; my book was open to a random page, and my reading glasses were right next to me, ready to go. I placed my hair in a high ponytail to keep it out of the way as I read.
"Stop squirming so much," Rigel said cheekily. I don't push to hide my amazement.
"You know how to talk?" I replied sarcastically.
We hardly ever talk. I cannot stand him, and he cannot stand me either.
He gives me one look out of the corner of his eye, and a small, nasty sneer forms on the corner of his mouth. "You can't stay quiet"
"I'll teach you how to be quiet," he said subtly.
I bit the inside of my cheek as I observed what he was doing; his entire appearance had always been a mystery to me. He kept muttering something to himself, and even though I knew it was intended for me, I was enthralled. My attention had completely disappeared; all I could think of was what he was scribbling on the notebook, repeating the same gestures over and over.
"Stop staring," he whispers softly. "I'm not looking at you," I said, maintaining the same tone.
"Am I interrupting something?" Professor Elle asked aggressively. Everyone turned to us. "Is there anything more interesting than what I'm reading?" she asks, looking at both of us.
Rigel extends his arms in a stretch and says "Yeah," which irritates the professor even more. "I heard that," she shot back at him.
"That was my intention," he said as he continued to draw in his notepad without interest.
"Stop answering her like that," I warn him with tight teeth. "Don't worry", he chuckled
"I'm sitting next to you, and if you get caught, I'll be there too," the professor interrupted me.
"Punishment homework for both of you, due in seven days. Find the topic yourself," she says, slamming down the book.
I glare at Rigel, who wears a ridiculous smile. "I'll leave it up to you to choose the topic, you're a nerd after all," he said evilly.
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)
- E.E. Cummings
When your college roommate asks you to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, you pack your bags and jump on a flight to Montana. What was supposed to be a relaxing week on the husband-to-be’s ranch is turned upside down when an old flame decides to make an appearance. Mix in lingering feelings, a meddling bride, and the mother of all misunderstandings, and your week out west turns out to be a whole lot more than you bargained for.
