The girls shared their goodbyes as Miren stepped down at the public bus stop. Alone, she was supplied with nothing more than her suitcase and her fleeting optimism.
She was used to solitudeâeven preferred it at times. But she wasn't merely hiding here. She'd had to claim Rinzen as a new home. And she was almost confident that it wouldn't claim her back.
With a sigh, she started for the gated entrance of the learning institution. She examined the black, intricate iron fence, and the forest green and midnight blue school crest that hung on both sides of the security booth. She showed the guard her temporary paper ID card. The older man nodded, and then she was in.
Miren took note of the red rose bushes lining the gate from the inside. There was a center fountain about fifty feet away from her, and she could see a collection of newer brick buildings designed to look historical hiding in the horizon behind it. The grass was greener here, almost absolute, and it was lush and leveled as if it were carpet. She walked along cobblestone path, trying to put her mind at ease. But she didn't know where to go until she looked up. A sign pointing southward led to the main office. Why not start there?
Although the campus appeared to be rather large and flat, she noticed that it was a bit steep as she felt pressure on her thighs while pulling her suitcase uphill. It was a professional development day, which meant that there was no school this Monday. The fact relaxed Miren. She didn't have to be assimilatedâor judgedâjust yet.
Her mind surged as she headed toward the main office building. She could recall Chara saying: "The less you think about it, the more natural it will become!"
But it just felt like wasted advice. Although it was appropriate, it just seemed easier said than done. Miren wasn't mad at her efforts, though. Without Chara, she never would have been able to come here. And so far, the situation wasn't a trainwreck.
She walked into the main office, pulling open a black door. She studied the white marble that also held the school's crest. Rinzen was a newer school, not just by look, but also by smell.
It was contemporary; no sacred cross in sight, no odor of lingering incense or musky, old, catholic church-ness.
She pressed on forward, passing posters promoting the school's mission statement, their beloved raccoon mascot, and numerous trophies hidden behind clear glass. The hallways were even clearer, allowing her to take in the scope of the regal institution. Yet somehow it felt darker hereâthere wasn't a sunroof, and the windows they had didn't generate as much light as they looked like they would.
But it was okay. St. Rosemunde was bright and sunny all the time, as if to mock her about how dull and dismal her life was. Well not anymore.
"Hello." Miren spun around, realizing she'd absentmindedly passed by the receptionist's office.
"Um, hello," Miren said, forcing a lower voice. She almost forgot that she had to sound manly.
"Hello," the young receptionist repeated again, sliding a drawer open to pull out a file. "You must be Miles Ellison," he concluded, taking a look at her. "The headmaster is waiting to see you. You can leave your stuff here. Take a left after this hall."
With a nod she took his direction and approached a dark wood-stained door that had a golden plate that read HEADMASTER. She held her breath before knocking.
"Ah, welcome," the headmaster said, opening the door. "Mr. Ellison, correct?"
Miren didn't respond at first. She had to remember who she was pretending to be. "Yes."
"Take a seat," the man said, motioning to a chair in front of him. Miren fought off her nerves. His tone was relaxed. Friendly. But the last time she was told that, things didn't go so well.
And just because everyone was acting nice didn't mean that they had good news. Maybe they were in on the fact she forged her way in here!
She sat down, trying to look expressionless. But it was somewhat hard. The man appeared too young to be a principal, in his mid to late thirties. There was a look of youthful longevity in his eyes, which were a dark, grayish blue. Maybe it was also his appearance; his brown-black hair was a bit slick but plentiful on his head. The black suit he wore was tie-less; in fact a few buttons were undone. He looked like a cool person. But she could only hope.
"Welcome to Rinzen," the principal said, bringing out his hand for Miren to shake. She tried not to look at it for too long before shaking it, trying to be as firm as she couldâas firm as a boy could. "I am Dr. Roger Edsel, and I salute your decision to be part of our world-class institution," he said, the words sounding a bit too structured for his appearance. "It'll be the best time of your life. Guaranteed."
Miren couldn't help but smile a little. She didn't know whether or not to believe him, but considering the fact that she was promised hell at St. Rosemunde, this place was already heavenly.
Headmaster Edsel pulled out a black folder stickered with the school's seal. His eyes fixed on Miren's. "So, I'll briefly discuss some of the expectations of the school, your scholarship, schedule, and all that wonderful jazz." He handed the folder to her. "Then you'll be off on your student-tour. Then you'll pick up your uniform and other materials."
The headmaster went on to tell Miren that the school was also a zero-tolerance like Rosemunde, but that punishments were scaled accordingly due to the rambunctious nature of boys. "They play rough," he said, flashing a slightly devious smile. "But nerds like you don't usually have a problem." Miren forced a smile. The principal rolled his eyes. "Simply kidding., of course."
Miren nodded. Guys aren't uptight, right?
"You're academic records are impressive," he went on, scrolling through her files on his computer. "I see you were ranked number one in your last school." Fictional high school. "Unfortunately you'll have to forfeit that honor to Mr. Wallace Harisson."
Miren let out a quiet sigh. Fair enough. She was the one intruding after all. She just thought that all of the blowsâfrom the fight, the humiliation, transferring, the YouTube video, cutting her hairâwere over. Now her academic position?
"If it's any consolation..." the headmaster started, "that kid's a freaking genius. But I don't doubt that you could undertake him. Heard he's got a new girlfriend. And you know how that always goes..."
I wouldn't dream of it, she thought, nodding at the Headmaster's words. Chara was the instigatorâthe one who ignited the flame. Wallace was the sustainerâthe brain that made it all possible. And although she could tell that Wallace was one of those people whose intelligence measured beyond something as arbitrary as class rank, she still didn't want to impose on his scholastic efforts. Not after what he had done for her, simply because his girlfriend asked him to. Forget challenging him. She had to find a way to repay him.
"I understand," she said in a stronger voice. She had people who believed in her. It was time she began to as well.
"Good," Headmaster Edsel said, rising to his feet. "Then that should be about it. I have no doubt that you'll adjust quickly." She really hoped so. "There should be a senior waiting outside to give you that tour." He led her to the door. "Did you have any other questions?"
Nothing that he could answer. Like if things would really be okay here.
She shook her head. He smiled, shooing her out the door. "Excellent. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to do something with my life. As headmaster, professional development days offer my only real time off." The door shut.
Unlike the door, Miren could feel her life opening. Meeting with the headmaster didn't really soothe any of her sore feelings associated to coming here, but she felt better. Somewhat. She hadn't actually seen the school yet. And it took a pretty pathetic principal to talk down his school, no matter how shitty it was.
She walked down the hall, trying to exit the main office building. Maybe her student guide wasn't coming. As she continued in the dark maze that was Rinzen, she stopped when she noticed that her shoelace was untied. She couldn't help but groan.
Of course. She was still getting used to wearing bulky shoes. Bulky shoes that Chara apparently found essential.
"I'm telling you, Miren, all the guys will laugh at your girl sized feet!"
With what time? This was private school. One of the reasons why she did well in school was because she didn't have money or influence to distract her like the others. On long weekends, she was one of the only students on campus. The other students were too busy having fun. Which she, coincidently, couldn't afford.
She struggled to tie the black thin lacesâshe found tying shoes a waste of time. As a girl she wore flats. And all of the other lace-retardant shoes she could find.
She laced a flimsy knot before growing frustrated and tucking it into her shoe. Good enough.
As she rose, she was presented to the most shocking sight of the day: a male student.
"Yo," the student said, scratching his dark brown hair briefly. He gave her a heads up. "Let's go on that tour."
She replied with another, far more inferior heads up. She followed him, passing the receptionist, wondering how to handle the situation. Was she supposed to be conversational?
Instead, she scanned his appearance. Although there was no school today, he wore what she assumed was the uniform, which was a black button-up blazer-jacket that had the school's seal on the left breast pocket. However, a vintage tee shirt peaked underneath his blazer instead of a tie. On his left ear he had two small piercings.
He had a stride in his walk, and although he was lanky, he looked like he knew how to fight. Miren then wondered why she thought of being conversational in the first place. The guy looked pretty rebellious. But then again, wasn't she?
"It's our day off. And seniors don't have to follow the same dress code as everyone else," he then said, practically reading her mind. "You guys have to wear ties. They suck."
Miren gave out a weak smile, not quite sure how to respond. "I'm sure I'll get used to it." Ties were the least of her worries.
"I'm Axel, if you didn't read the tag." He pointed to a paper sticker on his chest.
"Mir-" she stopped. It would take time for this to become natural. "Miles."
The boy next to her grinned, not deterred by her hesitation. "Okay, Miles. What do you wanna see?"
"I suppose whatever you want me to see."
He shrugged, his hazel eyes passive on the matter. "Okay then." He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "Want one?"
"No thanks." Her eyes then widened. "Why are you smoking? Won't you get in trouble?"
His eyes looked past hers. "Relax," he reassured her, taking a drag. "Do you see anyone out here?"
"Then why are you here?" It was a genuine question, but it came out more like an insult. She might as well have added asshole too.
"Quit acting like a girl," he said, throwing the cigarette bud to the ground, crushing it underneath the sole of his shoe. "Now I'm going to forget everything you just said."
Her mouth twitched before she nodded. Conflict. That was what she was avoiding.
"Now moving on to the tour..." he said, redirecting their previous conversation. "Right now, we're passing the Jasper Theater." He pointed to a large brick building made mostly of glass.
"We have a fall play and a spring musical. Some of the girls from St. Rosemunde do the female roles. Great way to meet girls. Better way to meet gay guys," he said in a snicker as they continued. They then approached the center fountain that Miren had passed earlier. "This is the founder's memorial statue." He motioned to the abstract water feature. "Students like to come here after school to chill. My band plays here. We're fuckin' awesome."
Sure they are, Miren thought, restraining from rolling her eyes. He did have that rocker vibe to him. "Legend has it that the statue will crumble if a virgin graduates." He laughed again. "It's been standing proudly for twenty years." Miren tried not to let her grimace show.
They walked across campus, passing the student hospital, library, and school store. They then entered the science hall. "This is where students take their science and tech classes. It didn't use to be this advanced, but that Wallace guy has been a big help."
The hall was a modern wonder. On the walls, the school colors, hung alternately. Stainless steel sinks, tables, and black cabinets allowed the rooms to rival that of any professional research lab. She was impressed.
They walked further into a separate building, the Sampson English Hall. It sort of paled in comparison to the science hall, but as she examined the bleak tea green walls decorated with dated scrolls of great dead poets and writers, she figured that had to be why.
The English hall then led to the math hall. "We have a ton of math classes here. No one graduates without taking Calc II." he walked ahead, hands in his pockets. "No worries, though. Teachers are super helpful. Explains why I'm doing half-decent." He eyed her as they walked on. "Looks like you won't have a problem. The principal says that you're at the top of your class."
She nodded. "I try."
With that, they were outside again. Miren looked at her watch. It was already nearing lunchtime. Axel was doing a pretty thorough job.
"Next up, the caf." He snatched her schedule from her hands before she could object. "Dorm room 301..." he mumbled before his eyes found hers. "We can move your stuff after lunch."
Miren shook her head in mild objection. "It's fine. I really don't have much."
Axel shook his head. "I wasn't asking." He opened the door to the cafeteria. "I wouldn't mind exchanging some words with your roommate."
She followed, feeling her nerves shift to another thing of focus. Or person. Who was this roommate of hers?
They walked into a space that resembled St. Rosemunde's refectory, save the True Cross of Jesus watching over them. There were similar dark wood chairs and tables, with their crest imprinted on the marble floor, and windows that hung high, from the floor to the better half of the ceiling. Beyond them, she could see a small courtyard.
School is school, she decided. They took their lunches, and he led her to a group of his friends. They eyed her before returning their confused glances at Axel.
"New kid," he said, without looking at them. "We're on a tour."
They began to greet her, but she sat down with little assurance.
Part of her was glad that she actually had someone to sit by at lunchâChara had a different schedule and she wouldn't want her to be dragged down by her Penelope-inflicted misfortune anywayâbut the other part wasn't too sure how she felt about their company. Or company in general.
Especially when they looked like the delinquents of the school. She nibbled on her turkey sandwich. The boys, in contrast, literally scarfed down their food.
After taking a long sip from his Gatorade, a bulky guy turned toward Miren. "What's your name?"
He was a little bit menacing, his pale and almost sickly skin and copper red hair made him look like an off-duty clown, but he was also the largest of the group. She tried not be intimidated as she answered, "Miles." She smiled a hopefully non-girly smile. "Nice to meet you."
"Clifford - but everyone calls me Cliff. And likewise," he said, outstretching his meaty hand. Miren shook it, shocked at how light his grip was. She let out a small sigh of relief. He didn't break her fingers. But Penelope broke her life.
Maybe boys were nicer than girls.