"Welcome back ladies, now I have a very important announcement that I think will please you all very much." Mrs Smith – or Smithy to everyone in school - announced looking at the girls all staring at her. Young ladies from the ages of 14 to 18 were sitting in the auditorium, waiting to hear what she had to say. Deacon Miller was a posh private school for girls and there were only about fifteen girls in each class. In each year – freshman, sophomore, junior and senior – there were two classes, so there were thirty freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors all together. It was a very select and exclusive boarding school where the daughters of the richest parents attended. "You will find it very interesting and I think I shall tell you first…"
"This will be good." Fifteen-year-old Bulma muttered quietly to her best friend Chi-Chi. "They always give us 'interesting' news on our first day back. They probably redecorated the cafeteria or something equally lame." Bulma tossed her blue hair out of her eyes and already looked bored. Chi-Chi smirked at this comment and agreed, tucking her dark hair behind her ears.
"As you know, Deacon Miller has been a private girls school for hundreds of years well now that's going to change. Thirty boys are coming into each year group and will be equally spread into each class, meaning that there will be thirty in each class, not fifteen as it was before." There was an excited buzzing as the girls absorbed this news. "That is why there has been a new building built, so there will be a room for them to stay in, it has taken all summer to build it and it is now finally finished. The boys will be arriving at the beginning of next week." Smithy explained.
"Much better than a new cafeteria!" Eighteen whispered to Bulma and Chi-Chi who were both grinning delightedly. "I wonder if my father knows! I've never had boys at the same school as me! This is going to be excellent! I just hope my father doesn't pull me out of school! I will be most displeased! This is one of the best ever boarding schools!"
"You don't get it, do you?" Launch laughed, grinning manically. "This means that there will be boys! That means dates and French-kissing!" She squealed. "It means we have an excuse to put on make-up and spend hours looking in the mirror!" She flicked back her blond hair and grinned.
"Quiet!" Smithy yelled about the babble. "I know you must be very excited but of course there will be rules! You are not allowed to be in a boys dormitory after seven and –" She noticed the girls were all looking uninterested. "I'll talk about that in a minute. Of course your parents have been notified of this change and if they choose to take you out of school, then that is there choice." Smithy looked around at them.
Bulma grinned at her three best friends and then passed on sheets of paper, this was their timetables and dorm rooms. "Chi! I'm with you in nearly everything again and we're sharing a dorm again!" That was how the four girls met, Bulma and Chi-Chi were in the same dorm and then Launch and Eighteen were in the dorm next door. The four girls hit it off instantly. Bulma leant over at the other two. "Yeah, I'm with at least one of you in every subject!"
The four girls exchanged timetables in hushed whispered and it turned out that in every lesson, at least one of the girls was in the same class. There were four subjects that all four of them were in and they were Biology, English, History and German. "I'm glad they put us all in the same dorms again, I was scared they might split us up." Chi-Chi smiled in relief, "We can still have dorm slumber parties then!"
"We would anyway! Besides, Emily Reed – you know, the ex head-cheerleader? She's just left school? – Was in the same dorm with the same person since she started here so I guess we will be too!" Eighteen clarified. "I think they only change it if there's been a lot of trouble and arguments or the two of them are really disruptive together and stuff like that."
"Oh that's okay then." Launch smiled, she then looked excited. "We are going to have boys in some of our classes! I can't wait till next week!" The girls didn't actually start their classes yet, they just came a week early but were still on their summer vacation, it was so they could unpack and get re-used to everything again and so the freshman could find their way around. Also, it was for the girls to hold things like cheerleading trails and stuff. "I wonder why the boys aren't starting a week early. Surely there will be football trials and finding their way around."
The question was answered for them a moment later. "The boys visited the school during the vacation so they're pretty used to the area already and I want you ladies to help them if they get lost!" Smithy sternly looked at them all. "As for things like boys football, soccer, basketball etcetera, they will be held from the end of school till dinnertime and the weekends. Now, all go to your dorms and unpack and catch up with friends. I'll see you at mealtime."
The girls all scrambled out of the hall and hurried to the dorm house. Unoriginally there was Deacon House and Miller House, the girls were in Miller House and much to their happiness, it was on the top floor. There were five floors; the ground floor was the Miller library and Miller student-lounge. On the first floor there were this years freshman dorm and the freshman lounge, the second floor was this years senior dorms and senior lounge, the third floor was the junior dorms and junior lounge and the top floor was this years sophomore dorms and sophomore lounge, the biggest room had three beds. There were seven doors, which lead to their dorms, and then a final door, which led to the lounge, and then there were the stairs at the end of the corridor.
"Home sweet home." Bulma opened the door with her key and sighed in relief. There was a beautiful view of the sea - yes, the school was by the ocean – outside of the white windows. There was two large beds on either side of the room, a shelf above each bed, two wardrobes, a dressing table an two night stands and a bookcase, the girls were then allowed to bring what they liked, Bulma had brought a television and Chi-Chi had brought a large stereo and her dad was sending a sofa and Bulma's mother was sending a mini-fridge. "I've missed this place! It's my real home! Over the summer we only went to Tenerife, Greece, London and Rome. How dull."
Chi-Chi nodded and then opened the door, there was a man with a trolley, the staff had an elevator but the students weren't allowed to use it. He had twelve bags on it and he looked so tired. "Bulma and Chi-Chi?" The two girls nodded and took their six bags. "Now I have to go get next doors." He disappeared down the stairs.
"Poor Jeff." Chi-Chi laughed, he was a young lad at seventeen and was Smithy's son but he lived in the staff building with her and was home-schooled, now it was likely that he would be attending the school. "Oh goodie, all my stuff! Let's unpack." She dropped her night bag which had some of her stuff in it but it seemed that she didn't need it tonight since they had arrived early on the train so they had time to unpack.
The two girls spent the rest of the evening unpacking and got some help from Eighteen and Launch who had finished early – they hadn't spent an hour doing air guitar on their beds to the latest CD –, the four friends were giggling when a loud bell rang out, calling them to supper. They had four 'meals' a day. There was breakfast, which could be oatmeal, toast, cereal, muesli, or a cooked breakfast. Then there was lunch, salad, cooked lunch, sandwiches, and baguettes, that sort of thing. Then there was dinner or tea, which was cooked, things like jacket potato with salad. It was a proper meal and then there was supper and they could have tea or coffee or hot cocoa, milkshake, smoothie and cocoa pops or a sandwich or some biscuits. You get the idea.
"Boys. We're having boys at school." Launch sang as she skipped down the steps. "Gorgeous, rich boys. Boys. Boys. Boys. Yay for boys!" Eighteen, Bulma and Chi-Chi all laughed and rolled their eyes. "Well excuse me for being excited about boys being at school!" She laughed cheerfully. "Nothing can spoil this mood!"
The Next Morning
"Post!" Chi-Chi yawned, hopping out of bed; two letters were pushed under the door. "Bloody hell, my dad didn't waste time! You have one too, from your 'rents." She glanced at the clock. "Breakfast in an hour. That's okay then. We have time." She ripped open the letter eagerly and read it out.
Dearest Chi-Chi
Mrs Smith sent me a letter about this new situation this morning and I wrote a letter straight away. Though if you're reading this on Tuesday, then I got it yesterday morning. I know you're a sensible girl so I trust you to behave yourself. Make sure you behave yourself and have a great term. No French-kissing! Whatever that means.
Sorry this letter is short but nothing much to write except I miss you already!
Love you baby,
Dad.
PS your couch is on the way! I sent it yesterday, its hot pink, just like you asked – and squishy.
Bulma burst out laughing. "I love your dad! He is so awesome!" She opened her letter and read it out, clearly and confidently as if she was reading a script or a piece of writing.
Bulma,
So you have boys at your school now, eh, eh? Lucky you, I bet you're loving it! As long as your grades stay perfect and you stay out of trouble, I don't mind that. Just to let you know that we're okay with it! Your father says he doesn't want to hear about you being pregnant, don't worry I've reassured him that you're not that type of girl.
Love, Mom and Dad xx
PS Give our love to the girls and your fridge has been sent.
Chi-Chi chuckled. "You're mom is great! She's like one of us! She obviously trusts you enough!" They both froze, as there was a shout of annoyance next door, they hurried next door and knocked. Eighteen answered looking furious. "Eighteen, what's up?"
"Listen!" She snarled.
Dear Eighteen,
We heard that boys are now coming to your school; I bet you're pleased! Be careful and don't do anything dumb. Good news! You're brother is going to your school! I heard ages ago but didn't say anything; I didn't want to spoil the surprise! He'll be coming on Monday, have fun!
Written by mom
We both send our love xx
Bulma and Chi-Chi laughed sympathetically and thought of Seventeen being at Deacon Miller. That'd be fun, not. Then suddenly there was a scream and a sob, Launch was crying furiously, holding a letter. "What's up?" Bulma gaped. Launch just shook her head and handed her the letter. Bulma cleared her throat.
Launch,
I have been notified that the opposite gender shall be attending your school on Monday. I am disgusted at this; you are coming home immediately and shall be attending Our Lady Of Sorrows instead. You will enjoy it there; you shall be away from your snob friends and hormonal raging boys. I shall come to collect you tomorrow at midday.
Sincerely,
Dad
"That's harsh! We're not snobs!" Eighteen sighed, she then noticed the three girls staring at her and she quickly changed her tune. "That's so unfair! You can't leave! It'll just be us three! Thee without four, it's not fair! Look he sent it yesterday that means his coming today! You cant! Let's go see Smithy!" The four girls stormed to Smithy's office, still in their PJ's.
"Hallo girls, what's wrong?" Smithy smiled, tapping furiously on the computer. She then saw their crestfallen faces. "What is it? What's wrong? Has something happened?" The story soon spilled out. Smithy shrugged, looking sad. "Well that is misfortunate, I was afraid that this may happen but there's nothing I can do!"
"Can't you insist against it?" Launch sobbed, shaking furiously. "This is the best school I've ever been too! The teachers help me in classes and are nice! I'm good at lessons and I have great friends. Please, can you try to make my dumb dad see sense? Please, please, please. It's the first proper day back! I've been looking forward to it for ages and ages; I was counting the days for the summer to end! You can't make me leave now!"
Smithy bit her lip nervously. "I don't know. Your dad knows best!" She saw the four sad faces. "Okay, okay. I'll talk to him when he gets here. Is that okay? Do we have a deal? I'll try my best but I'm not promising anything."
The girls sighed in relief and impatiently spent they day by the beach, trying to get an early tan. Eventually midday rolled around a black limo pulled up in front of the school. Launch stood there nervously, her lip quivering. Smithy welcomed her father and looked nervous.
"Launch. In the car, right now."
"No father." Launch shook her head defiantly, her legs shaking. Her father looked shocked. "Father, I love this school. I learnt a lot and I have great friends. The teachers work us hard but are so nice. It's the best school I've been to. Don't make me leave now."
Launch's father choked on his own saliva. "Is this what the school has taught you? Bad manners? Disobeying your father? I pay a lot of money for you to go to this school and this is how you repay me?"
"The secret weapon should be here any moment." Bulma whispered to Chi-Chi and Eighteen, standing close to Launch whose lip was quivering. Then suddenly, an even bigger limo appeared next to Launch's father. The three girls smiled whilst Launch and her father looked confused.
Suddenly a beautiful woman stepped out of the car. "Mom!" Launch gasped, rushing to her. "I haven't seen you in ages, please don't let him take me out of school." She hugged her mother tightly. Her mom hugged her back and walked up to him.
"Hello Wilfred. I'm Launch's parent too and I say that she can stay here. If you don't let her and stop paying for her, then I'll pay her for her instead. One way or another, she's staying. I got a call from her friends, they told me about the situation, it seems Launch is well liked at this school and she gets excellent grades. You're going to take that away because of a few boys? Ridiculous. The school aren't exactly going to let her get pregnant are they? So what if she has a boyfriend? She'll have to have on eventually."
Launch's dad paled. "But-"
"If one parent allows her to stay then she is allowed to stay." Smithy announced, looking pleased. Launch was very bright even though she was a bit ditzy in day-to-day things. "Perhaps the three of you would like to come to my office…" The three family members disappeared inside.
An hour later, Bulma, Chi-Chi and Eighteen were sitting in room 26M, flicking through the TV channels when suddenly Launch burst in. "I'm allowed to stay! Isn't that brilliant?" She laughed hysterically and collapsed onto the faded pink carpet. "Dad said that in that case, I can stay at mom's for summer and stay here for the whole year, like at Christmas, unless I want to stay with mom! If I ever live with dad, I have to go to 'Our Ladies', well I'm definitely staying here!"
Three girls cheered. "I think this causes for celebration!" Eighteen searched for some food. "The next best thing is that the boys are coming on Monday!" Review Please!