"You're in high school now Diana, the responsibility of upholding the Cavendish name to the highest standard should be your top priority, am I clear?"

…

"Yes, auntie."

The same request, no, demand looped repeatedly in Diana's ear, even as she began to wake up has . When it came to Aunt Daryl, nothing is more important than keeping the Cavendish name to her so called "highest standard." Her mother would always joke about how her sister can be quite stuck up, but after Diana experienced living with her as her guardian for years, it wasn't so funny anymore.

Still, Diana couldn't blame her, the stress of fulfilling the role as the Head of the Cavendish definitely takes a toll on her, dark circles often seen on her auntie's face in the morning. Diana, while being quite an avid coffee drinker herself, cannot compare to the liter (according to her estimates) her auntie drinks on the daily. Even with potential caffeine addiction, she was often cranky, snapping at Diana suddenly in normal conversation if it meant discussing about the honor and integrity of her surname, or when Diana did not obtain the highest score during exams and assignments

Diana looked up at her marbled ceiling and sighed, it would be her first day of high school today, but Aunt Daryl at least gave her the choice of what school she wanted to attend, very reluctantly might she add.

"Luna Nova? Why that rundown place when there's much more appealing schools in this area?"

Daryl didn't put the newspaper down when Diana walked inside the dining room, but the mention of the school caused her to reveal the frown that was usually etched on her face. Diana couldn't help but let a small grin form, but replied in a composed manner.

"Because mother was also a former student of the school, as well as other descendants of the Cavendish line. I promise that my studies will come first as well as keeping the Cavendish name intact." Also the fact that while Luna Nova may not widely known in the busy streets of London, the school's history of producing some of the highest quality medical professionals such as her mother is undeniable and kept in records for anyone bothering to read it.

Daryl peered at her, as if she was actually thinking of considering Diana's request, she was no stranger when it came to Luna Nova, she was even a former student at the institution.

Finally, Daryl let out an audible sigh, "Very well."

The words made Diana want to jump up in joy, but she knew very well that would lead her to being disowned at that very spot.

"Thank you, auntie."And with a courteous bow, she left Daryl, cheering silently in her head.

The very fact that her auntie even considered thinking about her request surprised Diana, let alone agreeing with it. It created in Diana's mind newfound respect for her, even if there were some strings attached when it came to her attending there.

"And remember Diana," Diana froze in place when she heard her auntie speak, "The Cavendish name is top priority, I don't want any distractions to get in your way."

Diana internally groaned but nodded politely, not daring to engage in any type of Cold War with Aunt Daryl of all people, "Of course."

She checked the clock, reading 5 a.m. Not that she was worried about late, the school was in the western outskirts of London where the location was less prominent and traffic was less hectic, plus her driver would be fired personally by her aunt if it led to her having a small blemish on her attendance.

So she stared up at the ceiling, recalling conversations with her mother about Luna Nova

"Mama, I don't really like school…" a young blonde-haired girl pouted

Bernadette Cavendish looked down at her daughter, who was sporting an adorable yellow sun dress, but it can't compare to the pout currently plastered on her face "Why not, love?"

"No one wants to play with me…" Diana was on the verge of tears

Bernadette's expression morphed to an understanding smile and crouched down to soothe her daughter, "Don't worry dear, maybe they're just shy."

"S-Shy?" Diana looked up

"Indeed, I was like you when I first started school, it seemed that no one wanted to be my friend."

"Really?" Diana managed a small smile

Bernadette nodded and kissed her forehead, "It wasn't until I went to Luna Nova where I met my best friends. "

Suddenly Diana looked up and grabbed her mother's face, Blue eyes staring at each other, Diana's having a look of determination, "I want to go to Luna Nova! I'll make meet my best friend, and we'll always be together!"

Bernadette chuckled and pulled her daughter in for a hug, "That's still far away, dear. For now, try making friends while you're here, then you'll get really good at it. "

"Really? "Diana asked

"Of course, now come, you can help me with dinner today." Bernadette lifted Diana to her feet and walked towards the kitchen

Diana's face brightened and followed her mother, "Okay Mama!"

Diana sighed while covering herself with her blanket, blocking the bright sunlight attempting to which Diana wished at the moment would turn off. It was so much simpler back then, or at least her mom made it sound so easy, go to Luna Nova, make friends have fun, puzzle pieces fall into place without any effort needed.

It wasn't even that Diana didn't have friends, she always had Barbara and Hannah to count on. Hannah being the harsher of the two, yet Diana would never doubt the genuinely of their friendships. However, there was something that was lacking when it came to those two, as cliche as it sounds in her head, she wanted a friend that she can talk about cute boys while painting each other's nails. While it's always a pleasure to discuss daily news over tea with the two, it felt too professional and not as laid back as she likes, almost as if they're talking with a Cavendish and not Diana. She can't help but feel that special friend her mother promised when she reached high school was only her childish expectations going too far.

She sighed once again and looked at the clock, 5:30

"By the Nine, half-an hour, wasted." she groaned.

Now she'll have to waste another 30 minutes being scolded by her Aunt Daryl about lazing in bed. Before finally getting up to get ready for school, she looked at the portrait perched on her desk, with a portrait of her and her mother, Diana's joy beaming from her face while her mother's much more reserved but kindness and love still illuminating from her face. Diana allowed herself a small smile, grabbing the portrait and gently squeezing it against her heart, warmth radiating from her fond memories.

"Maybe it will be today mother, you were always sly when you wanted to be." She slowly put the portrait back in its place before staring fondly at it,

"I still miss you, I love you, mother."

Lied about the first chapter, wanted to create something for Diana too. Promise next chapter will actually get somewhere