He walks out of the room and to the left, followed by Aria. They walk until they reach what looks like a lobby. It is flashy and expensive, with white elegant sofas and glass coffee tables. Fake plants and two storey glass windows included, with a glassed-in reception desk opposite. Aria looks around as she follows him, astounded. Their shoes make slight squeaking sounds on the marble floor There are two flights of tiled stairs, which they walk up. The top is of the stairs is a carpeted corridor. The corridor is long with couches and fake plants, strategically spaced out along it. Wooden double doors line the white walls. The first door they walk past has a window with wooden blinds. They walk past slowly. It is silent. They continue walking when he looks over his shoulder and slows.
'This is the Headmistresses office. If you have to come here you've either been really good or really bad. I assume you know the tiled room was the lobby correct?'
'Yeah I figured.' Aria shuffles along.
He chuckles and keeps walking. They get to the very end of the corridor before they stop in front of mahogany double doors with black handles. Aria looks at Jackson as he turns them heavily. He pushes both doors open enough to just walk through.
'After you' he signals to walk in and Aria does. She gets only a few steps in the room before she stops, astonished. It isn't called the mahogany room for no reason. King size canopy bed and two night stands, huge dressing cupboard, kitchenette, bathroom, wood fire place and two glass doors leading to two small balconies. Jackson walks to the kitchen and opens the fridge, while Aria stands still.
'Well...' Jackson says, puzzled.
Aria is startled but looks at him.
'...There's only a frozen meal in here but its better than nothing, it'll be restocked tomorrow'
'Restocked?' Aria frowns
'Yes, the maids clean and restock your kitchenette everyday.'
'Wow this place is loaded.' aria mumbles to herself.
'What?'
'Oh... nothing'
She walks to the bed and strokes the mahogany frame.
'This is beautiful. Really, it is. But I can't stay. Its weird and... not right' Aria shakes her head.
Jackson turns from his spot next to the fridge. 'That doesnt matter. If you want to live, staying here is your best option.' His face is hard and uninviting.
'How could you possibly know that? You dont even know me...' Aria is flustered
'Because...' Jackson cuts her off 'You are reckless and unable to look after yourself; If you could, you wouldn't be here.'
Arias mouth hangs open. How dare he say that!
'Excuse me! You dont know the slightest thing about me! I can take care of myself, I'm not a immature little child.' She spits back at him.
'Then why would you be in the forest at dusk? That contradicts your statement.' Jackson replies smoothly before moving toward the fire. He picks up a box of matches from coffee table in front of it and flicks it against its packaging. Once lit, he tosses it onto the wood already placed in the fire place and it catches immediately. While he is doing this, Aria thinks about what to say next.
Aria goes to speak, but is interrupted by him again.
'Why were you even there?' he asks.
She thinks hard. 'I- I cant remember...'
Jackson looks at her and shakes his head. 'Hes and asshole' Aria thinks.
He puffs out a breath of air and continues, 'Anyway, even if I wanted to let you leave, the Headmistress has forbidden it. So, if you really are as mature as you seem to think, then wake up and realise that this is your only option.' He carefully folds his arms.
She glares at him, disgusted. She moves and sits on the edge of the bed, her elbows resting on her knees and head propped up on her hands. She sits like that for a few moments before Jackson speaks again.
'You look funny sitting like that.' He says, his tone is serious. Aria looks up at him.
'Fuck you...' she says, moving out of her "funny" position. She stands and continues, '...You're such an obnoxious...'
Suddenly, the headmistress appears in the doorway. She coughs a little to get their attention. Aria stops speaking.
'Hello there you two. Its good to see you've settled in Aria'
'Yeah, definitely.' Aria smiles sarcastically at Jackson but his facial expression doesn't change.
The Headmistress continues, 'Jackson there's a formal banquet on tonight to introduce Aria to the warriors and some of the executives. Would you please get her ready for a 6pm start?' She smiles sweetly at Jackson, who finally grimaces.
'Uh, sure thing...' Jackson says, feeling awkward.
'I'll see you at dinner!' she waves and leaves.
'There's a dinner for me?' Arias in awe.
'Apparently so. Dinners are quite fun and it'll be too for you to meet everyone, especially the Warriors' he looks at her before he walks to the cupboard.
'There are warriors? That's a bit medieval don't you think?' Aria rests her back against one of the bedposts, her back turned to him.
'Its just a name I suppose. The fittest men in the school form a sort of leadership council.' He says, not looking at her.
'Yeah I guess it does, its still a weird though.' She says.
Jackson reaches the large wardrobe and pulls the doors open
'I guess this dinner is okay...' Aria say, her back still turned.
'yeah?' he says.
'Yeah. I haven't eaten in a day so...'
He cuts her off again. 'We only have half an hour so let's get going.'
