The Night was dark as I sat on the Transit bus chewing a wad of Gum. I'm not one for introductions so I'll keep this brief, My Name is Leslie Steele; and just so you know I AM a boy, though my long black hair might imply otherwise. I am 13 years old, I play Guitar and I will admit it... I'm a bad kid.
Recently I got kicked out of my old school, for what I will not say; just know it was BAD. I live with my Single father and my little sister Samantha. I would call my childhood typical, the only difference I got in trouble a lot. Samantha on the other side was a goody-two-shoes. I used to hate her for ratting out on me but on reflection, it was for the best because if she ended up like me I would never forgive myself. The bus stopped at a stop as I stood up
"Last Stop, everybody out," The driver said looking at me as I walked out spitting the ball of chewed gum on the road. I heard my stomach grumble as I looked around the small town. walking and carrying my suitcase in one hand, my guitar case in the other. My gaze shifted seeing a diner open. The building had a 70's vibes to it, metal colored with green neon lights. I pushed the metal door open entering the near-empty building. I sat one of the tables as a waitress walked up in a stereotypical pink outfit.
"What'll it be?" The waitress asked as I looked over the menu. most of the food was cheap as I looked in my wallet.
"I'll take a chili dog, a side of fries and a chocolate shake, no whipped cream" I responded handing her the menu as she took it.
"It'll be right out" the waitress replied walking away before a laid back. Recently my father had enough of my trouble so he sent me two military-school. and From what I heard about military schools was that they were strict hells for children, nothing was worse than military school, I looked out the window up at the hill.
"This will be my last decent meal for a while better enjoy it," I thought to myself seeing the waitress come out with a metal tray. the smell of the food was making my mouth water as it was set down before me. I reached for the hot dog topped with brown meat. I reached for the mustard squirting the tangy yellow liquid on the food before taking a bite. I was without a doubt the best chili dog I've ever eaten. after polishing the tray I heard for the ketchup soaking the fries and devouring the crispy potato slices.
"Chili dogs and french fries, greatest invention" I started flicking a red fry into my mouth savoring every bite. I knew the Military school would not have good food so I had to enjoy this.
After eating the fries I finished it with the shake. thick and rich chocolate. I patted my stomach in satisfaction setting some money on the table, getting up leaving the diner. I felt a light drizzle on my black leather jacket.
"Just my luck" I whispered it started to rain. I began my hike up the steep hill. The walk was tiring and the rain turned the dirt into slippery mud. I tried my hardest not to slip. I kept every footstep steady. The Bus could not even bother to drop me off at the school. I hiked up the hill in the rain. taking a deep breath before finally coming to the stone building. The building looking like a military school as I read the sign carved into the stone.
"Calloway Military" The sign read embedded in the rock as I sighed. So this is hell I prepared seeing an intercom, pushing my finger on the buzzer.
"Speak" a voice ordered as a sighed.
"Yeah, Is this Col. Calloway?" I asked the voice trying to act formal.
"Speaking" the voice answered as I explained myself.
My name is Leslie Steele, I'm the new kid that's been enrolled here" I started hearing the shuffling of papers.
"What did you say your name was," The voice said as I repeated my name before hearing more paper shuffling.
"Yeah, you're not enrolled here," The voice said as a breathed a sigh of relief. This had to be a godsend. I know my dad enrolled me and by the way, he escorted me to the bus, he believes he did but If I could get out of it I wasn't complaining.
"-Oh wait according to this your application was sent to Grimwood's Finishing" The voice stated as I tilted my head down.
"Grimwood's?" I replied confused as The Col. informed it was a Finishing school for girls as a Punched the stone wall scraping my knuckles and drawing a bit of blood.
"You're telling Me my father enrolled me at a Girl's finishing school," I asked wanted confirmation. I swear he did this just to spite me. the only thing worse then a military school is an all girl's school, at least military school is manly. and I'll be stuck knitting and cooking with a bunch of chicks.
"Actually That was my mistake, I got your application but due to your name I believed you were a girl and send your form the Grimwood believing it to be a mailing error" Calloway explained as I took a deep breath.
"Well thanks for your time, where is this Grimwood's," I said letting go of the buzzer.
"Just up the hill" Calloway sated as I walked away seeing a building on top the hill. I had already walked up the hill halfway. I sighed continuing my hike dragging my cases. The walk was exhausting. as I nearly fainted, hiking up the muddy path trailing mud on my black cowboy boots. I wiped the rain from my eyes, reaching into my pocket pulled out a set of black sunglasses placing them over my eyes continuing my hike.
"I Made it" I gasped comping the second building on the hill reading the sign.
"Grimwood's Finishing School for G-" I could not read the rest overgrown with plant life.
"So this is Grimwood's look more like that castle from every monster movie" I stated as I dragged my cases to the door. I began to wonder why I even walked up here. I could have just rented a motel and stayed there but I felt some force pulling me to the building. pressing the doorbell a loud scary sound was heard. It was the loudest doorbell I've ever heard. an old woman opened the door. she had a hunched back wearing a Pink dress as I looked at her.
"Can I help you Dear?" she asked kindly as I breathed deeply.
"Yeah, are you Miss Grimwood?" I asked as she nodded I began to tell her about my walk to Calloway's and then having to hike up here in the rain all on a misunderstanding.
"Oh you poor child, please come in, you look terrible," Miss Grimwood said gesturing for me the enter the old building as she guided me to a wooden chair sitting down. my clothes were muddy and soaked. I sat on the chair. I set my cases on the ground.
"So are you going to call Mr. Calloway and get this whole thing settled?" I asked secretly hoping she would just let me stay the night then leave in the morning. I was dark and I wasn't going to walk down the steep hill.
"I Can't do that Leslie, you've been enrolled here for a whole year, so you have to stay here" Miss Grimwood explained holding a sheet of paper.
"What, It was a mistake, plus What If I hadn't come here" I countered.
"But you did, so you have to stay" She repeated as I groaned admitting defeat. I was cold, wet and tired so starting things with an old woman would be a poor choice.
"The Girls are eating Dinner right now, we can get you a plate" Miss Grimwood said as I shrugged.
"Actually, I ate on the way here" I explained as she shrugged.
"Come, Leslie, Meet the girls" Miss Grimwood stated.