“Mister Carter, welcome, I was awaiting you. Please come, sit down,” the man downright beamed at me. I couldn’t exactly tell his age because of his glasses, but he was probably in his early 40s, still kept himself young. His smile was disgustingly wide, and I could feel the insincerity from the floor downstairs. No one could be that happy to see me here after I had come barging into his office with a scowl on my face that was only growing by the second. I knew what I looked like, and it certainly was intentional. 

I didn’t know what my mother did to get me into this place, and to be honest, I didn’t want to know, but I knew that they could not have simply accepted me. There was no reason to. From what I got, most people here were either filthy rich, extremely talented when it came to music or just nerds that got here on a scholarship. Or just everything together. I was none of the above, so there was no place for me here.

I was standing there a little too long, so decided to I make my way to the nearest chair and flopped down, obediently as I am. The principal’s smile didn’t falter a bit, he was most likely not human after all.

“My name is Livingstone. Let’s see. Classes start tomorrow morning as usual. Here,” he handed me a few pieces of paper, “is all the information you will need. Your timetable, a few instructions on all the rules you must follow and everything our school is offering of course. In advance, appearance is of great significance in this school.” Oh, here we go, “I can’t let my students run around the school, looking unkempt so, I advise you to do as everyone around you. You can at most leave the first button of your shirt unbuttoned and always wear every piece of your school uniform when in class. You may wear your own clothes outside of class, except if I deem them inappropriate or damageable to our school’s reputation. Also, you’re not allowed to wear the school uniform outside the school grounds, when there’s no need to, since all your actions will be unnecessarily linked to our school.” He’s not beating around the bush, huh. “No need to furrow your brows at that, I am quite tolerant when it comes to clothing.”

“So what, you also want me to take out my piercings and have a normal hair colour for you to not be ‘unkempt’? That’s bullshit, not doing it.”

“Language Mister Carter. And no, I intentionally did not mention these. As I said, I am quite tolerant. I want my students to be able to express themselves, but they are to look presentable while doing so, and I am sure that everyone can do that. I’m certain you can do as well, right?”

“Right,” I scoffed while keeping my eyes narrowed. That’s new.

“Now that everything is clear, may I have a chat with you?”, he seriously was asking me that.

“Do I have a choice?”

“No,” he smiled and then his face changed to a solemn glare. “You are probably aware of the fact that your mother is my acquaintance. So, when she came to me with the request to take you in after telling me all about you, in all honesty, I was surprised. I’m sure you’re aware that this school takes education very seriously, and I know that you’re probably not used to be in this environment. However, I still expect to see you on your best behaviour starting today. I trust your mother that you will not raise a hand against another student, otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed here in the first place, but if I notice you adopting violent actions or hurting someone in this school, I will not just stand by. Something like this will not only result in your probably wanted suspension but also the police being involved. That’s my biggest request for you: Keep your temper under control. Do you understand?”

What’s with the mood change, suddenly? Since he was waiting for my answer, I just nodded.

“Great. Now, you will share a room with a roommate, like everyone else. Here’s the key, the room number is 466 on the 4th floor. Should I escort you there?”

“No need,” I answered while standing up and turning around to walk away.

“Make sure to come on time to your lessons tomorrow,” he waved his goodbye and smiled again. Like hell I’m doing that.

I started walking, taking large steps through the door and shutting it behind me. Loudly. Which also was very intentional. The students around the office, 5 in total, looked at me shocked and wide-eyed as if I just killed their fucking cat. “What’re you staring at?” I hissed, and they immediately turned away. A growl escaped my mouth. I wasn’t in the mood for this shit.