Back To Where I've Never Been

Part 14

The main building is accompanied by two smaller ones on either side, all connected by the same stone paved walk I'm standing in. I notice the walk is teeming with students in the same uniform as me, more than a few of them are throwing curious glances our way. I shake off my stupor, trying to ignore the fact that they just witnessed me gawking at the place like the tourists I saw in Times Square. Benjamin chuckles beside me and grabs my hand, leading my towards the front doors. They are about two stories high and arched to create the dome affect seen in cathedrals, both of the heavy wooden doors are open, allowing us to join the stream of students heading inside.

He doesn't say anything as he leads us through the crowd of people inside. We are in what seems to be a large hallway, the high arched ceiling following the same of the doors. Even though the hall is large, it feels a bit clausterphobic with all of the laughing and chatting students miling about. I don't see any lockers but I also don't see any students with bags or books. Where do they keep their stuff? I wonder. Even rich kids need things like notebooks and pens, right? I realize then that I forgot my own bag and supplies. I glance over at Ben, realizing that he is carrying a sleek looking leather backpack over one arm, the one not holding my hand. He catches me looking at him and hits me with that boy next door smile,

"We'll go to the office and get your schedule sorted. You'll probably get a student aide to show you around too. I'd do it but I have a student council meeting during first period."

"Ok" I say, though it didn't seem like he was asking for my approval of his plan. The office turns out to be behind one of the many heavy looking oak doors lining the hallway. The marble floors and chandeliers of the entrance is traded for a cozy looking front office. Several chair line up against a wall, facing a high desk which has a kind looking older woman behind it. I have to look at her for a few minutes till my mind comprehends what she is doing. She's knitting. She's acutally legitimately knitting something, leaning back on her comfortable looking office chair, smiling at a few students who are busy filling out some papers on her desk. It's such a weird juxtaposition between the opulence of the front hallway that I nearly laugh out loud. Benjamin pulls out all of his Rodenheim charm,

"Matilda, how are you this morning?" He asks, by the way he speaks and leans over her desk, I can assume he knows the office lady very well. If this was Lincoln or Camden, I'd assume it was because he's been in trouble enough to build a relationship but with Benjamin I can guess it's more he just knows all of the important players in the school. He's the type to cover all of his bases. My theory is proven by the warm greeting she gives him, putting down her knitting to give us her full attention.

"Why, if it isn't Benjamin Stewart. You are not a student aide, so I can assume this is the anticipated Ms. Violet?" I stop walking towards her desk just long enough to realize that of course she knows who I am. I suppose the whole school does by now, I know enough of my uncle to know that he would want to control the rumors before I even arrived at school. The same way grandmother and Landon are with their announcement at the company this morning. With a sigh I hop over to the desk, giving Matilda my best I'm-a-sweet-lil-angel smile. It's the one I've seen Thyra use whenever she wants something.

"Hello," I pause, unsure what to say. She already knows my name so It's not like I can introduce myself. Thankfully, Ben takes over

"Yep, this is my niece. She's starting with us today, you have everything for her?" Matilda smiles at me kindly

"I do, just a second dears." She rummages around her desk before unearthing what looks to be an ipad, the case is in the same navy as my skirt of scarf, with the schools emblam on it. She hands to me.

"The text books for your required courses are already in there. We were able to find ones equivelant to the common core subjects you were taking at your former school. You should be able to graduate on time with no problems." That's why no one was holding text book. Reaidng my expression, Matilda nods and explains