It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's truer that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power. We are so lost in meaningless juggernauts that the power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.


Closing the open page of my history book I sit and ponder the meaningless assignment my teacher gave. Scanning my eyes over the rugged book I take in everything about it, the crisp pages from when I spilled my soda over it, the binding on the back barely holding on by the small piece of tape attached. I reach down to grab my notebook, when it's in my grasp I multitask by grabbing a pencil as well. It was going to be a long stumbling block tonight, and to be honest I wasn't looking forward to it. I check the clock on my bedside to see 10:32 in a bright red flare. I set my pencil down, feeling the tension release from my grasp and relax my writing hand. My eyes felt tired and heavy, so heavy that I could probably fall asleep at my desk. Though, I felt satisfied that all my homework was complete and that I didn't have to stress about it in the morning.

I put all my belongings back into my bag and head into the bathroom to change. I wash my face with a soft washcloth then proceed with brushing my teeth. Hearing the door open and slam shut. Stepping out of the bathroom I find Mae sitting on her bed in a mute silence. I only recently transferred to Spencer Academy from Umass Amherst (an honors high school). I do miss my old school and friends but getting accepted into Spencer Academy was a big step, and a step I couldn't refuse. It has been a full week since I left and so far Spencer's had lived up to its popular reputation.

Going to an all-girls school changed the way I study, live, and generally interact with the world. I originally decided to go to UAH because I was tired of the co-ed private school I went to for middle school. I was tired of school that revolved around boys, make-up, and who was 'cool' instead of academics. Not only were classes at UAH smaller, more intense, but learning didn't end at 3:30. We had our teachers in the dorms with us (or living nearby on campus) and our classmates to study with on our halls. One of the best things about UAH is the traditions that come with it being an older school. So many things we did were steeped in tradition and the knowledge that every girl to go through that school had done the same things. Yes I did miss UAH but I looked at Spencer Academy with and open eye as UAH taught me to become more sure of myself as a person and more confidant in my opinions and knowledge.

I kind of wondered what Mae was thinking about. Her brow glistened with vitality as her lips frowned and pouted outward. I walked over and sat next to her, "what's wrong?" I politely asked. Her deep blue eyes shot forward, little did I know, she had be crying for a while.

"Guys are such assholes!" She quipped.

"You can vent to me if you want," I added with a half-smile. Mae turned and faced me, wrapping her arms around her legs then sighed. I don't know why I felt bad, it wasn't me who had been upset. I guess I liked Mae and could see us becoming closer as friends.

"It's this guy Tyler," she began, "he's such a player! It amazes me at how good his acting is. I mean he certainly had me fooled." She spat in a vexation of anger.

"What did he do?" My brow shot up with curiosity.

"He's taking Hailey Roberts to the Fall Fest." She said while wiping away a tear from her eye. I felt bad for her, really. "Don't cry," I said while wrapping my arms around her, "if that Tyler guy can't realize what a great girl you are then he isn't even worth your time. Any guy would be lucky enough to take you out." I added with a wide smile. Mae turned her face to hide the laughter but we both ended up laughing anyway.

"I know you're right Beca, it just hurts to see him taking her. I really thought he was gonna ask me to go with him. I guess only a fool can dream." Mae shyly stated. She looked abashed by it all.

"If it's any consolation I don't have a date either," I pointed out.

"Yeah, but you're new still. Everyone can't stop talking about the 'new girl'; it's only a matter of time before you get asked." She said dolefully. New girl? She made it sound like I was a new product on a shelf that everyone wanted.

"What exactly is the Fall Fest?" I questioned.

"The Fall Fest is a fun event to new and returning students at the beginning of the school year and encourages participation and interaction among all segments of the students here at Spencer's." She paused then continued, "They have free food, performances by student groups, recruitment of students into student organizations, and education of all students about Spencer's unique and special student culture. It's really fun; I went last year when I arrived at Spencer's." Mae pointed out. It was only last year when the tables were turned and Mae was the 'new girl'. I guess she liked that kind of attention.

"Sound's fun, are all the students required to attend?" I asked.

"No. You can choose to go or not. But, I recommend going because you get to meet new people and utilize the different programs the school has to offer." Mae added.

"Mae, you don't need a date to go to the Fall Fest." I pointed out.

"Yes I know, but it would be nice for once to get asked to something," Mae murmured.

"What do you mean?" Pondering over Mae's statement just didn't make sense. Mae wasn't unattractive, she was just the opposite. She was thin, tan, and had long auburn hair. Who wouldn't want to go after a gal like that?

"My entire time here at Spencer's I haven't been asked to a party, dance or fall-fest." Mae laid down on her bed and cuddled with her stuffed frog (who I learned was Mr. Pepper). "It seems like all the guys have much higher standers and I guess I just don't fit into those categories." She added over the muffle sound of her soughing.

"Staying true to yourself in a world that wants you to be someone else is one of the biggest accomplishments." I said well-disposed. Mae looked up and smiled back at me.

"You know, I like you. You're not like all the other stuck up bitches around here." She mentioned. Mae had made it clear that she didn't care for the girls here, even some of the guys. Coming from an all-girl school I was around the contemptible cullion of how girls acted. I guess I was just use to it by now.

I returned a smile to her then leaned over to switch the lamp off. The room filled with a silence that intimidated me. I never really liked the darkness; it made me feel more vulnerable, as if something was coming to get me. Pushing those thoughts out of my mind I pull back the covers and slip into bed. Feeling the soft sheets against my pale skin warms my body up with vibrations. It made me feel heavy and limp; so I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Beep! Beep! Beep! No. Not yet. I'm not ready to wake up...

Forcing my sluggish eyes open was the cruelest thing I could do. Laying like a limp noodle I reach over to turn off the buzzing alarm. Mae was still sleeping—nothing could wake that girl up. I grab my robe and wrap it around my body, "Mae…time to get up." My voice sounded rugged…like I'd been smoking for years—the thought disgusted me. "Mae, get up!" I shout a little louder. She moans and barely opens her eyes, "5 more minutes," is what I made out of her jumbled words. Taking matters into my own hands I head into the bathroom and grab a plastic cup, filling it with cold water to the top. I turn the facet off and position myself by her bed. "We're gonna be late for class, get up. This is the last time I'm gonna tell you," I say while rolling my eyes. I hated playing 'mommy'. Mae whines and covers her head with the blankets.

Suit yourself.


Author Note; Thank you so much for reading chapter one!

I have pictures on my profile of the characters in this story.

Please R&R and if there are any errors please let me know so I can fix them.