“I’m so sorry,” I said, holding up my hands. This girl narrowed her eyes at me, and if looks could kill, I would have been dead right there on the spot. She lowered her voice and her fists clenched by her
side. The color drained from her face, making her appear even paler than she already was. I’d learned a long time ago, even before I was a Slayer, to sense signs of aggression and she was visibly throbbing with anger.
“Who the hell are you?” she hissed. Then, her friend grabbed her arm and nodded towards Mrs. Thorpe. The pale, messy girl’s gaze turned from me. For a moment it had seemed as though I was the only one who existed in her world and every part of her was focused on me but as soon as she saw Mrs. Thorpe her intensity softened.
“This is Elsa Carpenter. She’s a new student here and I’m showing her around. Elsa, this is Julia, who I’m sure doesn’t need reminding that we’re always meant to be welcoming to new people.”
“Welcome to Angel Academy,” she said through gritted teeth. Then, a wicked smile appeared on her face. “I’m sure when you start your studies, I can show you around properly and let you know how this place works.”
The threat in her voice was not thinly-veiled at all and I was annoyed that before I’d even started here properly I had already made an enemy. I wasn’t averse to conflict, because in the orphanage we were all territorial, but at least there I had the superior footing, as I had been there for the longest time. Here, I was a stranger, a newcomer, and I didn’t want to fall into the trap of being picked on. I apologized again in a conciliatory tone, as I and Mrs. Thorpe walked away. Julia continued gazing at me. I assumed she was plotting some way to get back at me for this accident.
“Julia is one of our brightest students. She can be difficult at times, but deep down she’s a good person,” Mrs. Thorpe said.
I wasn’t sure I could trust her judgment in this matter. I was also worried about getting into direct conflict. I had the power to kill vampires. I wasn’t supposed to use my gifts on mortals, and I remember now why I had always kept to myself. I hoped that not everyone in this place would turn out to be like her.
Chapter Three
After showing me a few more rooms, Mrs. Thorpe took me outside and showed me the gardens. They were filled with all manner of floral species as well as interesting ornaments. Birds swooped down and landed on feeding bowls and there were a few people studying amid the sweet-smelling flowers. Beyond the garden was a thick forest and it looked an idyllic scene, like something out of paradise. The view had a calming sense and I knew I’d be spending a lot of time out here.
“I’m sure this is quite different from the city view you’re used to,” Mrs. Thorpe said.
“It is, indeed. It’s so beautiful.”
“Well, it’s here to try and help remind people of the natural beauty of the world. The Angel family has always tried to cultivate a good sense of wellbeing and as the world has advanced they have tried to keep this place as basic and natural as possible. While we do encourage the use of technology to make studying easier, we also like them to take a look around at the world and not lose sight of what truly matters. We think it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of the world and one of our main principles, and one of the things we like to cultivate here, is a love of learning.
One of the things that stood out about your application, was that you were educated by nuns, rather than going through the public school system. We often find that people who have learned through less traditional means are more amenable to our methods and show a better passion for learning as an art in and of itself, rather than learning as a means to an end. We all want our students to better themselves, of course, but it pleased me to learn that you wanted to amass knowledge so you could help set an example for others in a similar position to yourself. Sadly, it seems that as time has marched on, some of the values we hold most dear have been left by the wayside. I’m sure someone as young as yourself wouldn’t notice this sort of thing, but when you get to my age you start to see the dividing lines between the generations.”
“I don’t know, I’ve always thought I have something of an old soul. I think most people now, only want to learn information they think is relevant to them, rather than getting a well-rounded education. That’s why places like these are so important. It’s just a shame that they can’t cater to everyone.”
“No, well, if we did we’d only become like regular schools. We have to keep our student body selective so that we can maintain our standards. It’s sad to admit,” she sighed, “but we can’t help everyone. Only those who want to help themselves.”
“Well, I’m glad that you’ve decided you can help me,” I said.
“Of course, I think you’re going to be a very good addition to our academy. Now, when you get home, pick out the courses you want to study and we can arrange for you to join the classes. We don’t keep to the traditional school year, so you can jump right in and if there’s anything you don’t understand I’m sure the tutors or your fellow students will be willing to help you.”
I thanked her profusely for all her help and hoped that if I ever had to deal with the administrative side of the academy I could speak with her rather than the headmaster. She led me back to the lobby; thankfully I didn’t have any more unfortunate encounters with other students and it wasn’t too long before Arthur came to pick me up.
*
“Well, how did it go?” he asked, as we drove past the angel fountain and made our way home.
“It was just like you said, more of a formality than anything. I got in and all I need to do now is pick what I’m going to study. It seems like a good place, very peaceful, with a couple of exceptions.”
“Exceptions?” he asked, arching an eyebrow. I told him about the bad vibes I got from the headmaster and about the incident with Julia.
“That is unfortunate, although I’m sure they’re not as bad as they seem now. Headmasters in places like these are like absent gods. I’m sure you won’t even have to interact with him, and as for this Julia, well, you’re a resourceful young woman and I’m sure that you can handle her. I shouldn’t think there will be too many challenges standing in your way. Just focus on your studies. When you leave, you won’t ever have to face any of your fellow students again. Are you looking forward to it?”
“I am, actually. I like that the emphasis is on learning rather than getting good grades. You should have seen the library there; I think it would be a dream come true for you. Speaking of which, how were your books?”
“Oh yes, very enlightening. I managed to procure a very rare book filled with herbal remedies that was written centuries ago. It’s so interesting to see the recipes and the drawings that were made by hand. I doubt it has much interest to anyone but me, but it was fascinating to read. I also have one book about owls, one about the flora found in the south of England, and a book about the art of forging weapons. There’s so much knowledge in the world and it’s so disappointing that I won’t ever be able to know it all.”
“No, but you know more than most people,” I said.
“This is true,” Arthur accepted. “As do you.”
I gazed out of the window idly. “I wish my parents could see me now. Do you think they’d be proud of me?”
“I’m sure they would be.”