The next day we didn't have lessons. It was the headmasters birthday and he was celebrating it in the school gardens with the students and teachers. He introduced himself and welcomed me. Annette, Tara, Alyssia and I sat on the grass and enjoyed the sun. Finally, hot weather. We sat in the shade of the trees when we got hot and gossiped about the others students. They're was a buffet on and the music teacher sang.
"Which teacher is that?" I asked as a manly looking woman walked past.
"Mrs. Reay, we're still not sure if she really is a woman or man," Annette said laughing.
We laughed along with her and continued our gossip. We carried on like that for the rest of the day. The sun started to descend and we watched the sky turn pink. The wind blew, making us shiver.
"Well, I'm going inside before I freeze," Tara said.
"I'll join you," Annette and Alyssia said, "You coming with us?"
"No, I'll join you shortly," I said.
I watched them walk across the gardens, arms linked. Suddenly there was a chill and everything seemed to get darker. I heard a rustle come from the trees behind me and I whipped my body around quickly. I scanned the trees and found nothing. But there was that uncomfirtable feeling that someone was watching me.
* * * * *
That night it was freezing despite the hot day. I still couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. I woke up and it was lighter than usual. I smiled at the thought of more warmth. I had woken up before everyone else so I decided to shower and get ready early. Miss Bradbury was taking some of us to the local village to look around and get out of the school for a bit. We were all sick of the school, including the teachers. I got dressed in my school uniform, careful not to wake Tara up. I sat on my bed and my science book fell off and hit the floor. The bang made Tara jump in fright. I laughed when I saw the expression on her face.
"You're scared far too easily," I said, still laughing.
"Well you shouldn't slam doors and throw books off the floor! By the way did Bradbury warn you about escaping the Quiet Room yet?"
"Yes, she told me not to do it again, and she scares me, so I won't."
I read my science book while Tara got ready. We sat talking until Miss Bradbury came around and knocked on our doors to wake us up.
"Come on girls, wake up!"
"We're up Miss!" Tara called back.
The door creaked open and Miss Bradbury put her head round the door.
"It seems Miss Brandon is a good influence on you Tara," Miss Bradbury said before closing the door.
As soon as the door was shut Tara threw her History book off it.
"Any need to be so violent?" I asked, giggling.
"Yes, I detest her."
"We all do."
We knocked on Annette's door and sat with her and Alyssia until it was time to leave. We had to pair up with our roomates to walk to the village. We chattered as we walked down the country lanes until we got there. We wandered around the little shops and dreamt about what the sweets would taste like. I loved shopping. Especially looking at all the clothes. There were so many different and unique combinations that could be made. Those of us that had little money were allowed to buy something. I went into the art shop with Tara and bought a sketchbook and pencil. We walked along a country lane talking when I bumped into somebody and dropped my bag.
"Sorry ma'am," a southern voice said as he bent down to pick up my bags.
"I-it's okay," I said smiling.
He was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. He had wavy honey-blond hair and when he stood up he was tall, lean yet muscualr. But his eyes were a most curious colour. They were bright red, which worried me. I looked at Tara to see if she had noticed but she was staring through a shop window. I turned to look back at this beautiful stranger. He handed me my bag and walked away, glancing over his shoulder to look at me. I was speechless.
