Knots, her mother and Mr. Markson entered the Lodging house. Knots found herself in a huge dark and drafty room. The walls were covered in portraits of stern older men. Knots figured that they must be previous head masters.

In the middle of the room there was a huge brown staircase. On either sides of the bottom of the stair case there were two long halls that were lined with doors. The inside of the building gave off an eerie vibe just as the outside did.

Just than a woman came waltzing into the room. She wore a dark green floor length dress and her gray hair was tied in a bun. Her facial features were harsh and not at all cheery. It was obvious she was trying to look like an elegant Victorian lady, and she pulled it off quite well, but she was too mean looking.

"Ah Ms. Brownfield."

"Hello Mr. Markson"

"Margaret, this is Ms. Brownfield. She will be Laurens advisor, as well as teacher."

"Ms. Brownfield, this is Mrs. Margaret James."

"How do you do Mrs. James?"

"Please, Ms. Mace will be fine."

"What the hell is going on with her!?" Knots thought. "Now she's going by her maiden name?"

"And who is this lovely pet?"

"Pet!? Who the hell does this woman think she is?" Knots was trying to figure out in her head.

"Well? Speak up child!" Ms. Brownfield said angrily.

" My..my name is Knots Ma'am"

Knot's mom cleared her throat loudly.

"I do apologize Ms. Brownfield, it's a childhood nickname of hers."

"Childishness is not tolerated at Winstons boarding School for girls. This is for lovely young ladies who wish to become sophisticated wealthy women. Now child, what is your name?"

"Lauren Rebecca Anne James Ma'am" she said with a curtsey.

Knots wished Jack was here. He wouldn't have let anyone talk to her like this. Jack was really protective of Knots. She liked that about him. He made her feel safe.

" Well, Margaret, Ms. Brownfield, Lauren" Mr. Markson said, "I must be off now. I have tons of duties as Headmaster to fulfill. Ms. Brownfield, why don't you show Lauren and her mother to her room, that way she can get settled, and Margaret can leave."

" Yes sir. Ms. Mace, Lauren, this way please."

Knots and her mother followed Ms. Brownfield up the brown stairs. When they got to the top there was a huge hallway filled with doors. They walked to the very end of the hallway and paused at a brown door.

"Well Lauren, welcome to your home for the next four years."