A/N: Hello people. Just wanted to say that this is my first time writing something like this. I don't know if it's good or not but I hope it entertains you.

Cheers! :)

Chapter I: You May Emerge From This More Dead Than Alive.

Running in the mornings around her neighbourhood, when the night's dew remained palpable in the air, was the best way to start the day for Paige McCullers. However, that day was going to be different. That day she was going to leave her home, her entire life, and head over to some remote boarding school.

Being the daughter of Nicolas McCullers, a well-known politician, meant the constant need to be perfect. In addition, he controlled every aspect of her life, as if his career depended on Paige always behaving like a perfect woman. She had to be the perfect socialite, attending to events her father required her to attend, constantly mixing with obnoxious rich people, and now she had to attend St. James boarding school.

Of course she wasn't perfect at all times, in fact she was far from it. She had been arrested twice; once for allowing her dog to drive her vehicle, and then for under-age drinking. And there was just one single thing she was really good at or really enjoyed at least; swimming. Apparently, St. James had the best swimming team in the country, so maybe it wasn't going to be that bad. Besides, her best friend Pru had studied there for a year, which meant she wasn't going to be completely alone.

Her parents decided to drive her there, instead of sending her just with security personnel. She'd appreciate the gesture, but of course her father was going to use this moment to promote his perfect family with the press. The thought of people looking at her like some strange attraction in a carnival, made her feel embarrassed. It didn't always happen the same way, but it always happened. Whenever they went out as a 'family', people would stare and quietly murmur things. She blamed mostly her father for being more in love with his political spectacles than he was with his family, but also media often portrayed them as self-absorbed, elitist snobs, which was untrue, well, most of the time.

"We're almost there. I'm expecting for you to behave yourself. As you know, this isn't a cheap school, so I want you to improve your grades. I won't allow for you to waste your time. Don't forget your swimming. That's why you're here, after all." Paige just nodded as she always did when her father gave her an order.

"You have to study very hard," her mother said strongly to her, "I don't want to hear about any boys, Do you understand? We're not sending you there to make friends anyway." Paige rolled her eyes as she stared out the window.

Finally, after what seemed to be an interminable journey full of Don't's, they had arrived to the campus and, as the expensive car entered through the massive gates, Paige could finally see the grandest of the school. It was situated at the foot of a mountain overlooking a river, surrounded by forest and lush landscape, and the buildings that complemented the scenery were old but immaculately maintained. It was full of parents with cameras snapping away, and annoying teenagers talking.

The Bentley stopped at the entrance of the main building, and soon, 4 bodyguards emerged from a black van that always followed along. One of the bodyguards opened the door for her and she thanked him with a nod.

As she walked to the door, she noticed a big billboard on the side. It portrayed six students, who actually looked more like models to her, wearing the school uniform and laughing as they walked side by side. -'Excellence is our guiding principle.' – It looked like a promotional picture of gossip girl and she hated it.

The press was there to cover the event too, and after a minute of flashes and fake smiles, the Principal's Secretary led them to the interior, not before people started to look at them. She hated it so fucking much.

The foyer had grand staircases and the ceiling was awfully high. There were trophies everywhere that showed the school was very successful in sports and academics. Down the halls there were banners, hanging from the ceiling, of the swimming team, hockey, football, everything.

Paige kept examining as she followed the woman until they reached another door. She felt adrenaline pumping harshly through her veins as the secretary knocked on the door twice. She wasn't a nervous person, but today she was feeling quite uneasy.

The room was a classic man's study; Old-world craftsmanship and antique furnishings surrounded a fireplace as a small old man was behind a desk, looking directly at them, and as he got closer, Paige could see him better; he was Japanese, grey hair, very slim, dressed in a grey suit.

"Good morning," The man stood up as he moved across the room, "How have you been, Congressman? It's so wonderful to finally meet your family. You must be Miss McCullers. I'm Takashi Nakamura, the Headmaster of St. James School. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Please have a seat." Paige instantly felt annoyed and rolled her eyes. Usually, when people called her Miss McCullers they wanted to get something out of her father.

"Thank you for receiving us, Dean Nakamura." Her father replied as he shook the Dean's hand.

"Please, don't mention it. You should be very proud, Miss McCullers. You were picked out of thousands of girls all over the world to attend this school," the man said as he faced her, then continued, "How you like the campus? It's beautiful isn't it?" Dean Nakamura stated.

Paige nodded, "It's all right, I guess."

After a moment, the man led them to the brown leather couches and she followed without complaint. As Paige took her seat, the Dean cleared his throat roughly and spoke again. "We have many things to talk about, and you must have many questions Miss McCullers. Please feel free to ask." He said as he took a seat.

"Not really. I think I know everything I need to know." said Paige bored. She just wanted to get it over quickly so she could go look for her friend Pru.

"There's nothing better than a well-informed student, I always say." The man smiled so big it almost looked artificial, "Then, as you already know, you are allowed to go home during holidays and you can call your parents when you like. You're also allowed to keep your cell phone, under a few conditions of course. It cannot be taken to classes and they must be turned off during study hours and after lights-out." He said looking directly into their eyes.

Paige drew a deep breath and sighed heavily. "That sounds fine by me."

"You're will be trained by Coach Fulton. She's one of the best swimming coaches in the country, honey." her mother said smiling at her. Paige knew she was pretending to care about her, as she always did in public. Then, when they were alone, she would be cold.

"Indeed, and we are aware that your daughter is a wonderful swimmer and her grades are perfect. I'm sure her swimming will improve very much after training with Coach Fulton." Replied the headmaster as he looked at her father.

Paige just sat with her back straight, not knowing if he was serious or if he was mucking her.

"Even though I have to warn you, you'll face a lot of competition here. You'll need some good technical skills. I can guarantee that." The professor said, looking proud.

"Excuse me? Are you saying I'm not good enough?" Paige asked in a sort of snobby tone, placing a strain her auburn hair behind her ear.

"Of course not, I'm sorry if you misunderstood me. We encourage our students to be competitive, but they must learn how to play in the right way." The man assured smiling widely. "Competitiveness is important because it inspires people to excel and exceed expectations. I have great expectations of you Paige, and I'm looking forward to see what you'll do for the team during your senior year."

Her eyes opened wide in surprise. "I'll try my best then."

"I was certain you'd say that. We're very happy to have you here," The Headmaster stood and grabbed a file from his desk and handed it to her.

"The folder has a list of all your classes, a map of the school and other information that you may need; Names and numbers of your counsellors and coaches, rules and regulations, excreta." The Dean explained nicely as they stepped outside the office. "Mrs Rivers will give you your dorm and room keys. Just you and your roommate each have a copy of your room's key, so."

"Wait, no one mentioned a roommate. Am I going to have a roommate instead of living on my own?" she asked, panicking a little and looking at her mother.

Her mother raised her eyebrows, "She is sharing her room? We specifically asked for a single room. I don't want any distractions." She said laughing.

Dean Nakamura nodded, "I'm so sorry about the inconvenience but we couldn't get around this, we have no separate rooms this year." He said. "I'm very sorry for the inconvenience but your roommate is a wonderful young woman, she is actually the best swimmer on the team."

Paige shrugged, "Whatever. I don't care." She said.

Her father turned to Dean, "Is this girl a Christian? I do not want my daughter to be roomed with someone without morals. Are her parent's here? I'd like to meet them." He said. It made Paige exhale in frustration.

"Her father is Lieutenant General Wayne Fields; a man to respect with the fullest of honours and her mother is a lovely woman. I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about." The Dean said calmly, "Now, you'll be in room number 9, in the Riverfront hall dorm. That is the senior's dorm. We do not start classes until Monday, so you are free to go hang out around campus. Light's out is at 11:30 on week nights and 1:00 am on weekends. Breakfast starts from 6:00 until 8:00, lunch is from 11:00 until 12:30 and dinner is from 4:00 until 7:00. I know the layout of the campus might be a little confusing, so for the first week of school you won't be counted tardy to your classes but after that first week you will be counted." The Dean explained.

She did not say a word as she followed and listened to the man. The school was bigger than she had expected and teenagers passed, talking excitedly, beside her. She hated to be sent here, but at least it was better than being home with 2 strangers.

After a few minutes, they reached another office, smaller than the one the dean used, where a woman gave her the school's uniform; striped tie in blue and white, a solid white blouse, a very dapper blue blazer with white piping, and a blue pleated skirt. At least she was allowed to wear any kind of shoes as long as they were black. She also received her swimming team uniform, a blue training suit and team supply needs.

When everything was sorted the Dean made a young looking teacher take her to her dorm, while he talked to her parents. His name was Mr. Fitz and he was the dorm master assigned to Riverfront.

"Let's go. The other students are there already...You're really going to like it. " Mr. Fitz said, looking apologetic.

She just nodded, trying not to show how angry she was.

"Are you alright? You don't seem very excited." He said.

"Actually, yes, I'm perfectly alright." she said, feeling how anger welled up inside her chest.

"Well, I don't know why you're so down. But you can talk to me if you need to OK? After all, I'm going to be your dorm counsellor and teacher. All I can tell you now is that it's get better. Make the best of this experience." He said as they walked to the main door.

What the hell was he talking about? She could do nothing but smile at his cluelessness.

The weather outside was cold and gloomy, but she loved it. She followed the young man through the campus. She was able to see the sports complex, the chapel, and the indoor Olympic pool. They walked paths and gardens until they got to the building where her room was located. Her dorm was right in front of the river and the landscape was just beautiful.

"This is it." Mr. Fitz said as he opened the door. "Everybody wants to live in this dorm. You're lucky!"

The interior of the building was as amazing as the landscape. With a ceiling as high as the trees outside, pillars running the way up, bookshelves everywhere, couches, and amazing paintings.

"Well, this is very nice." Paige said trying not to look overly excited.

"There are 26 people living here with you. All of them are seniors. The school selected a person compatible with you to be your roommate." He said, as Paige giggled amused.

"What? Is this one of those zodiac deals?" She asked rolling her eyes and unable to control her laughter.

Mr. Fitz was about to say something when a girl yelled at the top of her lungs, making both of them jump back in fright.

"Ohmygod! You're here!" Paige immediately recognized the voice. It belonged to a young and pretty Korean-looking girl. It was her best friend Pru, without a doubt.

Paige narrowed her eyes and glared at the girl, "What the hell Pru? Do you have to scream like that all the time?"

" I'm sorry... I got excited to see you, and I guess I forgot you're a bitch." The girl said frowning, but still smiling.

" I'm happy to see you too!"

"So, do you want a tour or do you want to go straight to your room? Oh, I must warn you, it is kind of a mess now. All your boxes and stuff are there so you have to clean it or miss fucking perfect Hastings will flip."

"Could we leave the tour for later?" Paige replied calmly.

"Where are you parents?" Pru asked sounding concerned, but cool.

"Don't know."

" OK, I need you to be honest here! How do I look in this uniform?" Her friend asked jokingly.

"Honestly...You look beautiful," Paige said smiling.

"Why thank you, my friend. Now let's go to your room, your majesty."

Paige worked on memorizing the path to her room as the two of them walked through hallways. She had never shared a room before and she felt her muscles rigid with tension. Once reaching their destination, Pru grabbed her wrist tightly.

"Wait. Before we get in, you have to be aware that this place is far from what you're used to, OK " She warned Paige with high-pitch voice. "But at least you'll just have to share a bathroom with your roommate." Pru lifted an eyebrow, as she opened the door.

Even though the room was untidy, she noticed that the bedroom was beautifully decorated, so different from the rest of the dorm; a big French window framed a nice view to the river. Walls painted in white, light wood floor, two light wood wardrobes separated by a mirror, brushed steel twin beds with white goose-feather duvets. It looked simple, but quite nice. In fact, she loved it, but the lack of privacy, and the inability to have a quiet day sounded horrible.

"What the fuck? This place is too small for tow people. My bathroom is the size of this room. I can barely move without bumping into something." Paige stated as she looked around.

"I knew you'd say something like that. Do you want me to help you?" Pru asked sitting on one of the beds.

"Don't you have other things to do?"

"No. I am so bored. Plus, you have like 2 hours before Spencer comes to check up on you." The shorter girl said as she closed the door.

"Fine, if you want to."

"Cool! So which side do you want?"

Paige pointed at the bed nearest to the window and started unpacking and arranging her belongings. Pru helped her as they talked about the school's life and Pru's new crush. Spending time with her best friend was so nice. Pru was her only real friend and seeing her there, helping, made her realize she had missed her.

After what seemed like an hour, the room was almost ready, at least the half that belonged to her. Pru had been lying on her bed for most of the time. She was such a death weight but Paige was still grateful she was not alone.

"Did they tell you who your roommate is?" The small girl asked her intrigued.

"Kind of, and apparently she's compatible with me. What the fuck does that even mean?" She replied as her friend laughed.

"OMG...Who is she? I never thought there would be someone as weird as you."

"Ha-ha...very funny!" Paige said sarcastically, "I don't remember her name, but she's supposed to be the best swimmer in here."

Pru gasped in disbelief as she dropped a magazine she had read, "No... You're sharing a room with Emily Fields?! Wow...just...wow!" Pru smirked at her, her voice raising an octave. "Oh my god, Paige, your parents are going to freak out. Like for sure."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You'll see what I'm talking about. Just make sure they don't find out or you are out of here. That's all I got to say," she added in a don't-get-caught voice

"I'm sorry Prudence, but can you get any more fucking cryptic?

"I'm sorry but it's not my place to tell you."

"Whatever. Can we get out of here? I need some air and you're making me nervous with the crazy talking." Paige said impatiently and gestured towards the door.

As she opened the door, she noticed her palms were sweating. She gripped the knob tighter and swallowed. What could be so horrible about her roommate? Something inside of her told her she should just run away from there.