Chapter Four

A New Beginning

My transfer to Plymouth was arranged rather speedily after the last incident with my Aunt, and I must say I was very glad. I was looking forward to the prospect of attending a new school and just being away from my plaguing relatives. My Aunt organised for me to attend Ludlow's All Girls Boarding School, which was situated a couple of miles from the City Centre, and she was to take me there herself by train. In all my eleven years I had never travelled in a train before, which was a totally new and exciting prospect for me. I couldn't wait!

After the fight between me and Jake, he hardly ever spoke to me after that. In fact, all three of my cousins endeavoured to ignore me altogether. The teasing and punching ceased, and even the spiteful tales they used to invent about me to my Aunt had seemed to have come to a complete and final halt, for which I was very grateful. As a matter of fact, the next ensuing months from that June to the end of August were the happiest I had ever spent in my Aunt's abode. I was left alone to do as I wished. So I read, studied and dreamed. I dreamed about my new way of life which was about to begin for me in my new school at Plymouth. Although I was very shy around people, and currently had no friends of my own that I could play or share my heart with, I was looking forward to meeting new people and perhaps even making a friend or two.

I wondered who I would share my dormitory with. How many girls would there be to a room? Would they like me? Would they accept me? Would they make me feel welcome and wanted? I had never known the sweet feelings of acceptance and warm welcome all my life, except in Miss Hope's Sunday School class, which was different. What if they didn't like me? What if I could never make a friend? All these questions and doubts filled my mind as I tried to imagine what my life would be like in my new school, and amongst strange and new people. I must confess, it troubled and concerned me at times, which I suppose was only natural; but most of all I was looking forward to it, and was ready and raving to go weeks in advance!

The summer just seemed to fly by as I busied myself with preparing to go away. A lot of people hate packing and making arrangements for going away, but I revelled in it. Why? Because it was the beginning of a new way of life for me, and I was desperate to begin living it!

Reflecting back, not a lot of pomp and ceremony was made the day I left for Plymouth. It was all done very quietly and matter-of-factly. My cousins didn't speak a word to me, not even to say a simple 'goodbye.' The only one who wasn't quiet to begin with was my Aunt, who mumbled and grumbled that she had to go to all the fuss and expense of taking a troublesome little bother like me all the way to Plymouth, and reminding me several times of the fees she was paying for me to live away at this boarding school. I made no reply, but blocked out her groaning and complaints as best I could. After all, it was her choice to send me away, and she hated having me at home with her anyway, so I don't know what she was grumbling about. I guess she just hated having to spend out all that money on someone she didn't love or really care about, but was willing to do it (no matter how begrudgingly!) just so long as I didn't have to stay a day longer with her and her family! But she had to ensure I received a decent education, she had promised my father she would before he died, and she was my legal guardian worst luck, after all.

My Aunt was quiet for the train journey, much to my delight. I spent those happy hours admiring the beautiful scenery as the train sped past, or reading a book or listening to music on my MP3 Player. The time passed by quite pleasantly for me, and inside I felt a growing excitement as we drew nearer and nearer to our destination. I would be lying to say I didn't feel somewhat nervous at the prospect of meeting new people and living in a different environment amongst unfamiliar faces. But it did thrill me all the same. It was a strange sensation.

As the train pulled up into Plymouth Station, I could hardly contain my excitement as I clung to my luggage and followed my Aunt onto the platform. We squeezed our way through the throng of people which crowded the station, and it was a struggle at times to keep my Aunt in sight, who strode on ahead of me not bothering to once turn and see if I was behind her. I just about managed to keep up, although my suitcase weighed me down and my smaller legs found it an effort to keep up with my Aunt's strident steps. At last we made our way through security and found our way through the building to the car park. Once there, my Aunt dialled for a taxi on her mobile phone, whilst I took that opportunity to set down my suitcase and catch my breath. The air was fresh but damp, and dark clouds were gathering in the dull sky, but I didn't care. We had arrived and were nearly at my final destination, and that was all that mattered.

We didn't have to wait long for the taxi to arrive, which was a blessing as it began to rain just as we entered the vehicle and drove away. Once again I was ignored for the entire length of the journey, as my Aunt chatted away to the driver. I couldn't help but smile as I listened in to their conversation:

"Julia is my niece," my Aunt began. "Her parents died when she was a baby, and I've been looking after her ever since."

Sure you have, I thought sarcastically as I gave a silent snort of incredulity.

"She's ever so intelligent, and works so hard at school, but I felt that the school back home wasn't good enough for her to complete her education in, and so I felt it necessary to look for a really excellent school with the highest values and best of reviews for Julia to finish her schooling in. It wasn't an easy decision to make, especially as I have three children of my own back home whom I would love dearly to do the same for them, as I think their education is so very important; but I just can't afford to send them all to the best school, you know. It costs far too much money, it's ridiculous."

And you dare to call me a liar?

"That's a very noble thing for you to do," replied the driver, who spoke in such an evident tone of admiration that I really battled with myself to keep my rising feelings of indignation to myself. "To put your niece first before your own children commends you as a very unselfish and caring Aunt. You're a very lucky girl to have such a kind Aunt," he said, directing this last statement to me.

Huh! Sure I am. "Yes," was all I answered meekly.

At that moment my eyes met those of my Aunt's in the front mirror of the car. I saw the red tinge in her cheeks deepen and she immediately averted her eyes, and did not speak another word for a full two minutes.

Surely you don't feel guilt, Aunt? I didn't think you were capable of such an emotion! I bit my tongue, just in case it said something I would later on regret. I had come not to trust my own lips. They had proved apt to say things I had never planned or thought myself brave enough to utter.

It seemed hardly any time at all before the taxi pulled up outside the large iron gates, which read 'LUDLOW'S ALL GIRLS BOARDING SCHOOL' in cold, grey letters arched above the top. I gazed in wonder at the majestic, red-brick building that loomed tall, stately and suddenly somewhat ominous beyond the closed gates. My heartbeat quickened as I slowly got out of the car while my Aunt paid the driver. I suddenly felt very small as I gaped at the wide and large building, which seemed to stretch round in a half circle around the school grounds. To the left I could see a tennis court, and beyond that a very large field, which appeared to extend right to the back of the school. It all seemed so huge, so immense, and I felt so very tiny and insignificant in comparison. Despite it all, I felt rather proud to be coming to such a grand establishment, and excited and hopeful about the future. It certainly seemed to be a very promising one!

The taxi drove away and together my Aunt and I made our way up to the foreboding gates. There was a small metal machine on the wall by the gate, with buttons next to what appeared to be various named departments of the school. My Aunt seemed to know what she was doing anyway, and pressed a button next to the words 'RECEPTION.' I heard a buzzing sound, and then a female voice reply, "Hello, reception."

"Hello, my name is Mrs. Roland. I'm here with my niece Julia Evans who has recently been enrolled at this school. I believe we are expected this afternoon?"

There was a slight pause before the woman replied, "Yes, Mrs. Roland we are expecting you. Just one moment and I'll open the gates for you."

Then there was a momentary silence followed by a loud creaking and grating noise as the gates slowly opened to allow us in. Breathing in deeply, I followed my Aunt forwards towards the school. We made our way straight ahead, to where we ascended several steps to a blue door at the very centre of the building. Above the door was a large sign which read 'RECEPTION' in bold, black lettering, and we went in.

Upon entering, there was a long built in desk in front, where a smartly dressed woman who looked to be in her late thirties was sat. She smiled at me as I uneasily walked in – a warm, understanding sort of smile which immediately put me at ease. It was as if the warmth of her smile melted away all my doubts, uncertainties and fears.

"Good-afternoon," she greeted in a pleasant voice. "You must be Julia."

Nodding, I replied that I was.

"It's lovely to have you with us, Julia, and I hope you will be happy here."

I refrained from saying that I hoped so, too.

"I'm sure I will," I replied, in a more confident tone than I actually felt, despite the friendliness I had received. I was still a little nervous about being with strangers.

"You'll find us a very friendly bunch," the woman continued. "Very soon, you'll feel part of the family. For that's what we've all come to be. From the teachers here to the pupils – we're one, big family." She smiled again. I think she could sense my awkwardness. I had never been much accustomed to talking to people before. "I'm Mrs. Heath, and I'm the Receptionist here. My colleague will be along in a moment to show you to your room."

"Thank-you," was all I could manage to say.

What took place next all happened so fast, it left my head spinning. My Aunt filled out a form, signed some papers and exchanged a few words with the Receptionist. I was looking around me and observing the crazy amount of doors this room seemed to have which appeared to lead to a variety of different corridors, which in turn led to another variety of apparently different rooms. I began to wonder if it was possible to get lost in this place, when another woman appeared.

"This is Miss Cardew," came the soft voice of Mrs. Heath. "She will show you to your dormitory, and show you around the place. Miss Cardew, this is Julia Evans."

"Hello, Julia," said Miss Cardew with yet another friendly smile. I didn't know there could be so many pleasant people. "If you follow me, I'll show you to your room."

I was about to turn to my Aunt, when I saw her turn from the desk and walk from the room, without even a word of 'goodbye.'

Well, goodbye and good riddance! Was all I thought as I watched her descend the steps and walk away, out of the school and, thank goodness, out of my life.

I walked over to Miss Cardew and followed her through the door at the far end of the room, as she led the way up the staircase, chatting to me the whole time.

I didn't know that such happiness was possible until now. At last, I had begun to live my dream. It was as though I had made a fresh start and was living my new beginning!

Please R&R, Readers! Thanks! x