Jennifer
The last thing that could have made this morning any worse was the school’s discord server going off like it was a ticking bomb.
There was a new channel, and it had caught every student’s attention.
Some Chad thought it would be real funny to post anonymous updates on new students who’d found their way to Mountain Hill Academy.
Or forced there, which would be more apt in my case.
I sat in the cubicle, my hair still damp from the hurried shower I had taken this morning.
In any other life, I wouldn’t be hiding from a bunch of obnoxious, pretentious, bitchy young students who’d nothing better to do than spend their family money and gossip from noon to night.
But, when in Rome, you either did what the Romans would do or you just hid from them.
I preferred the latter option.
“For Christ’s sake.” I rolled my eyes, reading the message on the anonymous Let’s Get To Know Each Other Thread.
It felt like I was in a revamp of a teen high-school drama show, only the characters were each more insufferable than the last.
Hey, Mountain Hill-ers, the chat thread read.
In true newbie fashion, our latest incumbent has a dark past of her own. Oh yes, she’s a girl in a sea of men, my darlings!
Seems she has a thing for ink and secrets, and if that’s the case…
Who knows what else is up her kitty?
Looks like our little princess has a dark past hidden beneath her designer outfits and perfectly coiffed hair.
Word on the street is that Jennifer is from the wrong side of the tracks!
Yes, you heard that right; she’s not from the pristine world of penthouses and private schools like the rest of us. Oh no, she’s a commoner!
And that’s not all, it seems like Jennifer used to be a wannabe tattoo artist before her parents sent her packing to her aunt's place.
Can you imagine? Our sweet little Jennifer with a tattoo gun in her hand instead of a Chanel purse?
I mean, we all have our rebellious phases, but this is next level. It’s like she’s trying to be the next Kat Von D or something.
Sorry, Jenn, but you’re not fooling anyone with that preppy facade.
This scandalous revelation is bound to hurt Jennifer's chances at making friends.
After all, who wants to hang out with some common girl who's into inking skin?
Stay tuned, darlings, there’s bound to be more dirt on our little Jenn coming out soon.
I feel we may know more about a tramp stamp pretty soon!
Hugs and Kisses,
Centauri
Okay, first of all, who the heck was this Centauri?
And why the hell did they have it out for me when I was doing my best to just pass off as a nobody?
Honestly, I didn’t need any friends. I didn’t even want them.
But this would officially propel me into a kind of limelight I did not choose or ask for.
I knew this school had seemed too good to be true.
The day my aunt brought me here, I’d thought the place was literally the most beautiful building I’d ever laid my eyes on.
My aunt and I stepped out of her fancy Maybach. In true Wednesday Addams fashion, I’d donned an all black skirt and a matching shirt with long sleeves.
This was nothing but the demise of Jennifer Jameson anyway.
The girl with her creative fire and her passion for weaving stories with ink.
She was being sent here to die.
That was what my aunt meant when she considered me from behind her owl-rimmed glasses, not unlike a witch looking at her next victim.
“I’ve had to pull quite a few strings to get you admitted to this place, Jennie. I expect you to be your very best self.”
I’d almost replied with a “What if I don’t?” before I read the dark, dimly-lit message in those eyes.
She knew I would obey her because I had nowhere else to go. No one to turn to.
My parents had as good as cast me out.
So, on the day before I finally began my time at Mountain Hill, I got an exclusive tour of the grounds.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the Gothic-inspired architecture.
The towering spires and intricate stonework made me feel as though I was stepping into a medieval castle.
It was like something out of a fairy tale and a dark one at that.
The entrance was flanked by two massive wooden doors, each adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures.
I stepped inside and was enveloped by the warmth of the stone walls and the soft glow of the stained-glass windows.
The floors were polished to a high shine, and the air was thick with the scent of old books and history.
Albie, the little bespectacled boy who was giving me the tour, led me to the main hall. “We have vaulted ceilings with chandeliers dating back to the Baroque period.”
We sure did. The pompous prick. He spoke as if he owned the school—but then again, his father was a pretty influential bloke on the board.
The chandeliers cast shadows on the walls lined with portraits of the academy's founding members, each one seemingly giving me death-glares.
I couldn't help but feel small in the presence of such grandeur. I was a fish out of water.
There was solace, though, in the breathtaking view outside the windows; the academy was nestled in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by towering peaks and a shimmering lake.
“That’s Lake Mirraw,” Albie continued. “We have many PE classes there during the summer.”
Mirraw sparkled in the sunlight, and the mountains seemed to stretch on forever, their peaks shrouded in mist.
Albie showed me the dorms next.
They were just as impressive as the main building with their pointed turrets and ivy-covered walls.
I wanted to sit down and grab a bottle of cola or Dr. Pepper or anything to just have this tour end. But it went on and on and then some.
Albie led me through the students’ common rooms, continuing his droning lecture.
“The students' rooms are spacious and airy, with tall windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.”
“Where’s the library?” I asked, unable to take it any longer.
He spluttered at being caught out of turn. My aunt frowned at me, and I fell silent. Insubordinate, in her eyes anyway.
“You will find the central library stretched across the tenth and final floor. They are filled with ancient tomes and leather-bound volumes.”
He did not stop there. “We use the latest technology for all our classes, so you will only be required to visit the library for supplemental readings.”
“Is there anything against my going there just because I want to?” I asked him, my voice dripping honey.
My aunt glared at me once more, but I was beyond caring.
Albie coughed and walked us through the grounds. I had to admit it. There was a sense of magic here—something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
My aunt’s goodbye was a brief affair. She knelt down once the driver had unpacked my lone suitcase and gave me a brief peck on the cheek.
She’d be coming back later to settle into her post as the headmistress.
Yep, my aunt was the primary person leading all affairs in this pretty little jail that I’d been committed to.
Headmistress Agatha Jameson.
Her lips were as cold as her soul.
“I will be watching you,” she whispered into my ear. “Remember, I am part of this academy, and I will not tolerate insolence. Please behave, or you will go back to where you came from.”
Honestly, I wanted nothing more, except that I had nowhere to go to.
My parents had abandoned me. I didn’t have enough money to get a place of my own or to perfect my craft.
I considered my suitcase, counting my lucky stars she hadn’t wanted to check what I’d brought to school.
For inside, among all the supplies and the few scraggly uniforms, there was a tattoo gun and some vials of ink.
I knew this was like sneaking a blasphemous text into church, or some such shit, but this was my life.
I couldn’t go a singular day without knowing my tattoo gun was by my side.
It would mean the death of my creative spirit.
The only thing that was still keeping me going.
I watched Aunty Agatha climb back into her car and drive away, never once turning her head, never once asking me if I’d be okay.
This was a golden opportunity for someone like me.
A nobody, essentially. I wasn’t worth questions like, “Are you going to be all right here?”
That was expected. This was the best thing that could have happened to me. That’s what everyone would tell her.
She was doing me a great, big, fat favor, and I was to feel nothing but gratitude.
And then, a wiry little boy ran straight into me and pulled me into a hug. I jumped back, a scowl on my face.
“Hey, what the hell d’you think you’re doing?”
“Hi!” He beamed at me. He had bubblegum blonde hair and a round face. Pretty—almost effeminate.
I ignored his greeting and picked up my bag so I could follow Albie back to the dorms.
“I’m Sandy,” he said, falling in step beside me.
“Leave me alone,” I replied, not turning to consider him for a minute. I wasn’t here to make friends.
God willing, I’d find some customers away from the school grounds, save enough money to rent a place, and get the fuck outta here.
“Hi, leave me alone!” he continued, unfazed. “We’re roommates!”
Oh, hell no.
Wasn’t it bad enough that I had so much to deal with? Did I really need little Mr. I-poop-sunshine to read bedtime stories to me?
I ran to catch up to Albie. Sandy followed, panting along like a puppy.
“Hey, can’t I have any other roommate? Or maybe, I could stay alone? I don’t need a big room. Hell, I’ll make the attic work.”
Albie did not look my way when he spoke.
“Rooms are assigned by dorm leaders. They’re allocated on a per-year basis. Looks like you and Sandy can only change next term, if you’d still want that.”
I swore under my breath.
Sandy had caught up.
“Hey,” he continued chattering. “Listen, I know you think I’m some pansy, but I’d like to be your friend. I can show you around this place!”
I wanted to break into a sprint.
“Thanks,” I replied with gritted teeth. “But I’m gonna be fine on my own.”
“You sure? Want me to come up to the dorms with you and help you get settled in?”
I stopped in my tracks and turned to him, using every ounce of my breath to not scream.
“Thanks. You’re sweet. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to sweet and pretty much all forms of human interaction. I need some time to myself if I’m gonna survive here.”
He nodded immediately. “Cool, I’ll see you at dinner, then!”
Man, this boy would not give up.
But upstairs, in my room, I had a moment of peace, a season of calm before the storm would begin.
The room was beautifully decorated with a mix of antique and modern furnishings that gave it a unique and charming feel.
There were two four-poster beds draped with rich, deep-red curtains that gave the room an air of romance and elegance.
I stared at the posh study area, equipped with a vintage desk and chair.
It looked like one of those film sets where rich kids met up for late-night study sessions or early-morning coffee breaks.
Everything about this place felt unreal, disconnected from the world I knew.
Even for me though, I had to pass a wan smile at the little beverage station, where my insufferable new roommate and I could brew tea or coffee.
It’d be useful; I couldn’t deny that.
The best part, however, was the terrace that opened out from our room, overlooking the stunning northern end of the academy.
I stepped out.
The view was absolutely breathtaking, and I knew that I would spend many hours sitting out there, lost in my thoughts and the beauty of the landscape.
I gazed out at the mountains. I couldn't help but wonder about the dark history that was rumored to be connected to North Hill.
There were whispers of strange happenings, hushed stories, victims who’d been paid to stay quiet.
But with so many rich assholes around, maybe this was just a way to add to the exclusivity of the academy.
My musings were cut short when a loudspeaker in the room crackled to life, announcing that it was time for dinner.
It was almost military in its precision, and I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as I made my way down to the dining hall.
But I was excited, too, even if it was only a little spark. I knew that the adventures and mysteries of Mountain Hill Academy were just beginning.
The next morning, I adjusted my skirt to make it a little short, fixed the rhinestones on my belt, and untucked my shirt.
Taking my kohl stick out of my bag, I worked on my lower lash line till I looked like a goth punk from outta town.
Something had stirred inside me. If Centauri wanted the real, from-the-other-side Jen, they’d get her.
I was done with my primal urge to fit in. This was my place, too. I had to survive here.
There was no way I could do that being anyone but me.
Oh, did I mention?
I’m the only girl in this beautiful, huge-ass prison. Yup, that’s me, an X among all the Ys.
I rushed out of the bathroom, hoping against hope I could make my way out through the meandering hallways to Classroom 4.
Unfortunately, there was someone right outside, and as I stumbled over a wet floor, I fell straight into a pair of very toned, beautifully-muscled arms.
But I got sucked into his eyes, so hazel they could have belonged in a forest at twilight. A hunter’s eyes.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”
Comments (4)
See all