Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice or any of its characters. All credits go to the creator, Tachibana Higuchi.

"Months before I'd stood on that same roof with a different boy and leaped into the darkness toward my destiny. But this time I wasn't jumping alone."

After I finished reading that excerpt, it suddenly dawned upon me that sometimes it was good to not be alone. But sometimes, it is; especially in my situations.

The more people I involve in my life, the more troubles I have. I didn't realize that I was so immersed in my thinking that I didn't even hear Hiriko, the head maid of the house call out to me.

"Miss Sakura?" said Hiriko, with a worried tone.

"Yes? I'm sorry, just got lost in my own thoughts" I said, as I smiled apologetically.

"Don't worry, it's fine. However, if you're not busy; your mother is calling you into her office."

"I see, well then. It is best that I be on my way then" I said, closing my book.

As I walked out of my room and into the hallways, I wondered what my mother had to talk to me about. After an incident that I was involved in four years ago, we didn't exactly have what people would call a "close mother-daughter" relationship. The only times where she would converse with me is if she had to talk to me about the family company where I was to take over when I become of age. But other than that, we seldom talked.

Before I knew it, I was right in front of her door. Right when I was about to knock, her door had opened.

"Mikan", she said while nodding; a signal that showed that she acknowledged my presence.

"Mother", I said as I gave her a strained smile.

"Come in, I need to speak to you."

As I walked in, she motioned for me to sit on of the leather sofas.

"I'm aware that you know that you are to take over the company in roughly 4 years"

"Yes"

"And because of this, I believe that the schooling method we have for you is not satisfactory enough for you"

For the past four years, I have been homeschooled, simply because the schools that I was in always had some sort of trouble that was directed towards me. So my parents believed that it was safer for me to be homeschooled for a couple of years.

"What are you implying, mother?"

"I'm implying that I believe it's time for you to go to a real school" she said simply.

I didn't expect to hear that. And I guess it was pretty evident on my facial expression because I heard her sigh.

"Mikan, I know it's sudden and that you're obviously worried about what might happen to you. But I don't plan to send you off to a school that isn't the best. A school that has the best academic curriculum, and the best security too. And plus, the students there are most likely going to have a future that is somewhat like yours. So don't worry."

"I don't mind but-"

"Honey, just trust me on this. Your father and I believed that you going to this school will be an enriching experience, and most importantly, you're going to be safe"

I was surprised to hear her voice so motherly. When she said I was going to be "safe" it seemed as if she was trying to convince herself that I would be.

After a certain incident that happened four years ago, she seemed to harden herself against any emotions. Her tone towards me seemed to always be so curt, and business-like. Something must have happened that made her change her tone towards me.

"What school would I be attending?" I said

"Alice academy" she said simply

I wasn't oblivious to know that Alice academy was one of the most prestigious schools in Tokyo. Only people that were the best, or the richest could be admitted into there. However, that didn't mean I wasn't wary of that school though. I was pretty sure that the school was filled with rich people that had the mentality that they were better than everyone else.

It was as if mother had read my thoughts when she said, "Don't worry. Everything will be fine when you go there. Now I have to go to a meeting soon, so do you have any questions?"

Even though it was phrased a question, it was obvious that there was going to be no room for questions. So I just said, "No, none at all" and faked a smile.

Perhaps it was mother's intuition or something, but my mother seemed to have realized this and said, "I forgot to mention, your friend, Hotaru, is also attending that school. And she will be your roommate as well"

At the mention of Hotaru, my smile immediately became a real one. Hotaru Imai was my best friend, but I haven't seen her since two years ago, since she left to Alice Academy.

"When will I be leaving?" I asked

"Tomorrow at 9 in the morning, I recommend that you start packing your things right away. You are dismissed." She said while walking out of her office.

I remained in the office for a little bit, thinking about the things she told me. And I couldn't help but wonder what was going to be in store for me in Alice Academy.

The beginning line that was italicized was an excerpt from the book "Cross my Heart and Hope to Spy" by Ally Carter.

I hope you guys liked it so far! I'd appreciate it if there were reviews and constructive criticism to make my writing better :D Since it's my first time and all :3