There was a new girl coming to Spence. We had learned about it just last week when Mrs. Nightwing had held a meeting to tell of her impending arrival. She had droned on and on about how the girl was coming here fresh from India and grief. She repeatedly told us of how we were to help her in her bereavement, behaving with the Spence ideals of grace, charm, and beauty.

That night I laid awake long after lights out wondering about this faceless girl. Gemma. I tried out the name on my tongue stretching out the sound. I wondered not about what Mrs. Nightwing had said, that she was of good family, well bred, but about the things left unsaid. The color of her hair, her height, her personality.

As the week wore on I quietly seethed as I imagined this girl as everything I was not: beautiful, distinguished, graceful. She took shape and form in my mind and thus became my worst enemy before our first meeting.

So it was the night, finally, that Miss Gemma Doyle was to arrive. Rain lashed at the windows violently but the girls of Spence were safely caged within. We all waited anxiously, speaking in hushed tones, all wondering about this foreign thing about to be thrust into our midst.

My mind was not on the conversation but on the girl. I would not allow myself to be replaced. I had fought tooth and nail for my present position as reining queen of Spence. I told myself I was worthy of this position, battling against the small insistent voice in my mind that taunted me, saying I was inadequate.

My thoughts were broken when the doors of the parlor were flung open. Mrs. Nightwing strode confidently into the room, a black-cloaked figure following closely behind. Every girl in the room craned their necks to catch a glance of our new classmate.

"Girls, I'd like you to meet the newest student of Spence Academy. This is Gemma Doyle. Miss Doyle is joining us from Shropshire and will be in first class. She has spent most of her life in India, and I'm sure she would be happy to tell you stories of their many quaint customs and habits. I trust you'll show her a proper Spence welcome and acquaint her with the way things are done here at Spence."

I turn to size her up. She is not at all what I expected, I think. Her red hair is is a little darker than the color of flames. Freckles dot her face. She has wide shoulders, strong shoulders. I smile a little bit to myself. No, this girl will not take my place, I am sure of it. I yawn loudly and turn back to my friends, confidant.

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