The walk to the auditorium was a long one, but I was so enthralled by the liveliness around me, that I hardly noticed it. I could feel winter in the air and the thought of it warmed me. It is easier to be happy when the world around you is gray and frozen; it gives you illusion that time has stopped and that happiness is no longer forced. I watched Jack as he strolled through the dying grass- he was quiet now, pensive. He seemed so much older than the others, as if the youthful leader was only an act and once it faded, an old man stood lonely and defeated. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught David examining me, a knowing smile lingering on his lips and his eyes shining with discovery. I glared at him reproachfully, but he only smiled more largely and winked.
Around me I heard the familiar chatter settle into silence. Edenton Auditorium stood glaringly in front of us, devoid of all natural beauty, with gargoyles that seemed ready to jump off their stone pedestals to grab an unsuspecting student.
"Welcome to l' Inferno" whispered Racetrack. I looked at him, startled to see his usually sarcastic smile replaced by an expression of gravity. The group climbed the steps slowly, each person nervously checking their uniforms. Once inside the group split into two groups: boys to the left and girls to the right. No intermingling is right. I thought. This must be the most enforced rule on campus. Feeling the tension in the air, I turned instinctively to look at Jack, who catching my eye, smiled reassuringly.
The room seemed to tremble as a large wooden door at the front of the room slammed open. A woman of medium height and medium weight appeared, dressed in what could only be described as a black militaristic suit with silver buttons.
"Silence!" she boomed. I looked around, no one was talking. Her cold blue eyes flashed as one by one she searched our faces. "Due to recent events," someone snickered and she slammed her hand on the podium, " Due to recent events, I have decided it was time you all were reacquainted with the Edenton Disciplinary Code." She raised her hands." Everyone STAND! Take out you manuals and begin." The rustling of papers could be heard as everyone pulled brown manuals out of their pockets and opened them to the first page. I didn't know we were supposed to have them. I could feel panic rising in my throat when the girl next to me pressed an extra book in my hands. I looked at her thankfully and she leaned in and whispered, "Compliments of Jack." I blushed and turned to the first page.