Chapter 1 – Oriental Gift shop
Welcome to the world of champagne and caviar, butlers and Bentley's, private schools and Prada. The world where finishing schools were still an option, parents were diplomats and where schools had 'interpretive uniforms'. That was my previous school in New York, where my father was the British Ambassador to the United States Government. As for 'interpretive uniform', it was a ridiculous concept where the student population would wear a specific style, colour or pattern for a week before it changed again. Now that my father had been transferred back to London, I hoped that we would be here for a few years, at least so that I could finish my education in one place. That one place was the Henry Addington Academy in Kensington London; my new home. From what I could gather from my welcome tour, Henry Addington was a British prime minister from about the 18th century and 'The Academy' was a school for the elite. In teenage terms that meant diplomatic brats, people with money and very clever, scholarship kids. As my mother and I walked around the surprisingly extensive campus, I felt the eyes of the entire student population of 327 (now 328) bore into my skull, into my black Hermes handbag and new Louboutin heels. My mother, in her pastel pink tweed suit and matching accessories, looked the part of a diplomatic wife as she asked all the right questions to the chaplain. I couldn't fool anyone; I was impressed by this new school. The library was to die for, the facilities state of the art and even the maroon uniform wasn't all bad. Perhaps it wasn't going to be all bad.
Xxx
I was not usually one for first day of school nerves, but as I got dressed into the Henry Addington Academy Uniform, I finally understood what the huge fuss was about; highly unflattering, impractical and unfashionable. I stood in front of my mirror, glaring at my reflection and at the maroon combination that I was forced to wear. Laughing, I muttered to myself, "At least it isn't interpretive."
Nerves came in waves as I contemplated each aspect of the new experience that I was facing. Never before had I been concerned by that childish distress: What if no one likes me? The doorbell brought me out of my pathetic thought patterns.
"Emma!" yelled my father, "It's for you."
I was certainly surprised when, having been in the building for less than 24 hours, I had a visitor. My visitor was dressed in the same maroon as I was, with his white shirt hinting at the muscles underneath and hair slightly scruffy. He somehow managed to make a maroon school uniform look hot. I may have swooned a little. And a lot more when he lent casually up against the door frame. "I'm sorry," I said, confused, "Do I know you?"
"Hey." He smiled, holding out his hand, "I'm Peter Pevensie. I saw you walking around campus yesterday and figured your first day might be easier if you had a familiar face."
Butterflies raced around my stomach as I shook his extended hand, a sudden warmth radiating off his fingertips. My cheeks flushed as his grey-blue eyes met mine, his expression kind, welcoming. I smiled, "I'm Emma. Emma Crowley."
He started, "You're Emma Crowley? As in The Emma Crowley? Your father is the new Foreign Relations minister?"
"I didn't realise it was that big of a deal…" I replied cautiously, "Do I have a reputation or something?"
He smiled, "Oh no, only in my family. Our parents worked together years ago. My father mentioned that you would be arriving soon."
"Pevensie?" I repeated, racking my brain, "I think your father stayed with us in New York a few years back."
"Sounds about right… Now about that tour guide offer." He smiled again, "It's for a limited time only…"
I nodded, "That would be great… Thank you so much." Looking down at my uniform, I turned a full circle, "How do I look?" I braced myself for something brutally honest.
"Well, you'll probably get told off about the length of your skirt, but it looks good on you." I must have looked shocked, because his words were soothing, "No I'm serious. You look amazing… For someone in this school uniform."
"Thanks. And the shoes?" I trilled, displaying the black heels. "They're not too much?"
He shook his head, "Nope, most girls wear shoes like that, although usually they're very garish." I laughed and caught his eye. I held his gaze for a few seconds, taking in the calm disposition of his face. A curious look swept across his face as he stared into mine. A clatter from the living room caused us both to jump and my dad strolled into the hallway. "Emma, it's probably time to go. You don't want to be late on your first day."
"You say that every time, Daddy." I rolled my eyes as I slung my bag over my shoulder. I kissed his cheek. "See you later!"
xxx
We walked down to the lobby of our building, where a small group of maroon clad people stood waiting. "Yo, Pete!" I stifled a giggle at the extremely well dressed 'Eton'-esque who was attempting New York gangster. Peter heard my giggle and raised his eyebrow at me, "Sorry…" I whispered.
He shook his head and leant in, whispering, "Laugh all you want, it's actually quite amusing."
We approached the group, of mostly guys, which was slowly growing and Peter greeted them all.
"Yo, Pete? Who's the bird? You bangin' her?" One of them, with a backwards snap cap, asked, staring at my legs, eyes slowly taking in my petite frame.
"Charles, lose the chav… You sound ridiculous," Peter said, knocking the snap cap off his head, "Everyone, this is Emma. She's starting at H.A.A. today; she just moved here from New York." I smiled and waved.
'Charles' looked impressed, "Oh my god, are you like American?" He was putting on the most stereotypical Malibu accent. I drew myself up to my full height, which wasn't very tall and replied, in the most English accent I could muster, "No. My father is a British diplomat…"
He started at my words and sprung to attention.
"My apologies," He stuck out his hand, trying to act suave. "I'm Charles… you can call me Charlie." He winked as I shook his hand, "And if you need anything…"
"Alright, Charles," Peter glared, "No need to hit on her, I'm pretty sure Emma doesn't look for wannabes." He introduced me to the rest of the group and then turned to three people sitting down.
"These are my siblings, Susan, Edmund and Lucy." They scrambled up and waved as he introduced them, "Guys, this is Emma Crowley."
Lucy, who must've been about 10 years old, gasped and ran forward, wrapping her arms around my waist, blabbering at a mile a minute, "Oh Peter, can she come to school with me today? I want to show her where I go to school? Can she come round for tea later?"
Peter took her hand, prising her from me, "Lucy, I'm sure Emma is very busy tonight…" Her face fell. I crouched down so she could look me in the eye, "Tell you what Lucy. I have a box of 'Jouer' dolls that I haven't played with since I was your age; how about I bring them around tonight and you can see if there are any that you'd like." Her eyes lit up and I looked up at Peter, adding, "If that's alright with you."
He smiled in return, "I'm sure Lu would love that." I stood back up, "You really didn't have to do that, you know?"
'Alright," Susan smiled, "Shall we get going? We don't want to be late."
Lucy insisted on holding my hand as we walked towards the school which was only a few blocks away. Peter walked next to her and we chatted over the top of her head as she bounced along happily.
xxx
As we reached the elaborate gates of the school, a limousine pulled up. Everyone turned to look at it and my jaw dropped. A few girls waited by the door, excitedly tittering.
"Is this normal?" I asked, turning to Peter.
He wasn't there.
Instead he was walking towards the limousine door, which had just opened. First I saw a pair of overly embellished, sequined black heels and some girls nearby sang their greeting.
"That is so tacky," I said to no-one in particular, "Who is she?"
Lucy tugged on my arm and looked up at me solemnly, "That's Peter's girlfriend."
I felt a lump in my throat as I desperately tried to redeem myself, "Oh, sorry - I didn't realise..."
Susan laughed, "Don't worry; I think so too." My eyes widened as I watched the girl seize Peter and snog his face off in front of pretty much the entire school. All the girls surrounding this mystery girlfriend sighed, as if it were the most romantic thing they'd ever seen. Susan and I sniggered and I asked her through my laughter, "Who the hell is she?"
"Her name is Lea Edwards, but it's pronounced like Lay-a. Don't get that wrong; she'll kill you. Her dad, like, invented Pop Tarts or something, so her family is super wealthy and she is super dumb." Susan looked sadly at her brother who appeared to be getting his face eaten off.
"Oh. My. God." I laughed, "She is like, totally, Gretchen Wieners."
We collapsed into fits of giggles again. As she walked towards us, clinging to Peter and a group of equally plastic girls following closely, I took in the rest of her appearance. Her skirt, although regulation length, was clearly designer and had a tacky tassel hanging from one of the belt loops. Her blazer was covered in supposedly fashionable patches, badges and embellishments. Her bag was fluorescent pink and her face looked like she'd tripped and fallen into her makeup tray. She looked like an oriental tourist shop, with a sprinkling of Claire's.
Peter, or rather Peter-and-Lea, was about to walk passed us when he spotted me and remembered his promise of tour guide. He took Lea's hand and pulled her over to us, "Lea, sweetie, there is someone I'd like you to meet. This is Emma Crowley, she just moved into the building."
She stared at me with great distaste and I smiled to prevent myself from snorting, "You know that your skirt is above regulation length."
I couldn't hold in my comments any longer, "You know that your bag is last season's sample sale."
She reacted over dramatically and the audience stifled their laughter. Even Peter had struggle keeping his face straight and winked at me when I caught his eye.
Walking right up to me, she glared into my face, "I don't know who you think you are, but I am top dog around here. Get in my way and I will make your life hell."
"Wow, I'm terrified," I retorted sarcastically, having dealt with Queen Bees in America. This one looked like she was dressed by a three year old. Peter stepped between us, "Whoa, whoa, ladies. C'mon, Pooh Bear, let's get to class…"
Lea glared at me for a moment longer, before allowing him to lead her away.
Lucy folded her arms, "Peter! You're supposed to be showing Emma around."
He looked back at me, eyes apologetic and I nodded, understanding his plea. Lea snapped her fingers, "Susan, you can show the new girl around."
"But Peter," Lucy shouted after him. I crouched down quickly to quieten her.
"Lu, it's fine," I took one of her hands, "Now you go to class, okay sweetie."
The young girl walked off sadly, but met up with her friends and together they skipped over to the junior building.
Susan smiled after her, "C'mon, I'll show you to the main office."
We linked arms and walked towards the school happily, "So, why is he with her anyway?"
She laughed, "It's a very long story."
A.N. This story has been floating around my brain for almost two years and I was finally able to write the first chapter. I've decided to set this in the modern era, just because I think it would be interesting, however I like the idea of 'Diplomatic' parents as it makes more sense for later on. For the purpose of this story, Peter (and Emma) are 17 years old; Susan is 16, Edmund is 14 and Lucy is 10. I know this is quite different to the books, but it (again) makes more sense for later. I know in this chapter, Emma comes across as quite bitchy but she's the sort of character who would always be on the wrong side of 'The Plastics' so would take no prisoners when it came to dealing with them.
Also, I should really be studying for finals and not starting a new fic, so please forgive me if I don't update for a month.
Another also, as this is slightly AU and there will be a lot of focus of introducing characters and setting up scenarios, I thought I'm mention that they will eventually go to Narnia... just not yet.
P.S. My best friend sort of Beta'd the first draft of this years ago, so thanks to her. I can't spell her username properly though.
PLEASE READ, ENJOY and REVIEW.
C.I oxox