CHAPTER 3
SILVER
Well, I can already tell that Donovan will not be a contestant for my future husband, even if he is one of the hottest guys I've ever seen. Hopefully the others aren't complete assholes. I had enough of that from my ex, Riley—he turned out to be a total jerk. Sad really, since we dated all through high school, but after I lost my family, he didn’t even stay with me for a week. Said I was too emotional and depressing to be around. So yeah, total winner there.
I finish getting ready, then head out to meet Headmistress Bell in the library. Even with all the drama that just occurred, I’m ten minutes early.
“Ah good. You’re here, and on time. Let’s keep that up, shall we? Now, follow me—there is still much to do before dinner.” She must have an important date; she seems very concerned about her dinner.
I follow her to a back door at the far end of the library. She knocks, and then runs her nail along the middle of the door. I hear a clicking noise before the door swings open.Huh, how neat. They must have high tech stuff here.We enter a dark lit room, before walking up a staircase toward another door. This one looks very old and has a unique key to open it.
“This is where we will get your history books on your bloodline. We haven't had a Forest here in quite some time. I believe it was your great-great-grandmother who last attended, after losing her family in a tragic accident.” She pauses and turns to me. “I was sorry to hear about your tragedy as well, but sometimes blessings can come from the misery. Remember that, Silver.”
She continues to walk but I’m frozen in the doorway. Straight ahead, there is a portrait of a beautiful woman who looks just like me. Same dark red hair, pouty lips, and silver eyes. If it wasn't for the outrageously old-fashioned outfit, you would think I was looking at myself. Even Luna, my twin sister, didn't have my eyes; hers were more blue. I move closer to the portrait and see a name plate below.Elena Forest, 1919. Wow, that seems like so long ago. I wonder why Gram never mentioned that her mother had attended here...
“She looks just like you. Your bloodline is very powerful, Silver—you will do well here. Now, I’ve found the journals you will need for your History class. They are the personal diaries of Elena Forest. I’m only permitting you to have the first one. When the time comes, I will give you the rest. Now let’s get back to the front. The dust in here is affecting my allergies.”
I don’t get a chance to respond. She pushes me out the door, before slamming it tight and locking it once more.
“Headmistress, why was my great-great-grandmother's portrait in there? It seems odd. Was she important?”
“In time, you will learn many things, child. But not today. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, so let’s not waste time with frivolous things such as the past.”
Wow, that was vague and not helpful in the least.
She claps her hands, before heading back down the spiral staircase and out the door to the fluorescent lighting of the library. I dutifully follow behind, though I can't help but feel excited to explore this place. I love to read; I always have.
"Silver, come on! We're going to be late. I promised Mark we’d get him before we hit the mall." Luna looks at me impatiently.
"Just one more page, okay? It's so good... You know how I am when I read Caroline and Susanne’s stuff.''
She misses my last word as she turns in a huff and walks out of the room. We may be twins but we couldn't be more different. She would rather jump up and down in a short skirt than sit for hours reading a phenomenal book.
I finish my page, then walk downstairs so we can go shop for prom dresses.
"Took you long enough! I swear, if there aren't any dresses left in my size, I'm going to murder you. Or better yet, I'll dye your hair purple with yellow spots. Bye Daddy, love you." She turns and gives our dad a kiss on the cheek, before snatching his credit card.
"Have fun, pumpkin," he says to her, before leaving the room. Well okay then, bye Dad...
Pulling into the mall parking lot, I'm already over this shopping event. Luna and Mark have been arguing non-stop. I am so sick of their constant break-ups.
“You know what, Mark? I’m done for good this time. You can find your own way home!” Luna screams before slamming the car door, and stomping toward the mall entrance. She looks over her shoulder at me and glares. “Well, are you coming?”
I feel my eyes start to water thinking back to that day. Dress shopping was a nightmare, but I would give anything to do it again with her.
"Silver, are you coming? We have much to do and we are running late," the headmistress calls.
Ah yes, her important dinner. If she wasn't watching me so closely, I would roll my eyes.
"Yes, sorry, let's go." I give her my sweet as apple pie smile.
I haven't had a chance to explore much yet.I wonder if there’s a library in the cottage?Taking one final glance around, I follow Headmistress Bell out the door.