To Fall So Deep

September came too soon, and suddenly it was time for fall quarter to begin. Nina was barely getting used to the idea of leaving her room more often, even taking walks around the neighborhood, but to suddenly start school and interact with actual people again made her anxious. With the help of an anxiety pill, that must be taken in front of either Kathleen, Corrine, or Leo to avoid drug abuse, Nina's nerves simmered down.

Why she needed to look at herself in front of the mirror was a mystery to her, because she still was not in the mood to put on makeup. But alas, she found herself in front of her vanity, brushing out her hair, staring at the uniform she was wearing: a skirt, pantyhose, white polo, and a thick cardigan with Ashford Academy's insignia sewed on the left side.

"Ate, are you ready?" Kathleen asked from the other side of the door.

"Yea," Nina answered. She grabbed her school bag, and made her way downstairs. Their father was nowhere in sight, only Corrine who looked almost unrecognizable in her professional clothing. During the summer, Nina would always catch Corrine in fashion tops, jeans, and dresses with her hair flowing down her back. But this morning, she was in slacks, a button up shirt, a tweed blazer, glasses, and her hair was in a tight bun on her head.

"Did you eat enough this morning Nina? You can take some granola bars and fruit to eat on the way if you're still hungry," Corrine suggested. Nina shook her head.

"I'm fine,"

"Oh, okay. Well, let's get a move on girls, or we'll all be late. And the boss lady wouldn't like that," Corrine said.

"Boss lady?" Kathleen questioned.

"The headmaster, Mrs. Talbott. She's not too fond of me, I'm afraid. I have to be on my best behavior these days or it could cost me a job," Corrine explained, unlocking her car. Nina and Kathleen entered the car as Corrine turned her key in the ignition. The radio began playing a top 40 selection of songs.

The drive to Ashford Academy only took 10 minutes. It was deep into the country side of town, and took up several acres of land. They were greeted by wrought-iron gates, beautifully decorated with vines and other vegetation. The school itself wasn't anything less than breathtaking. Ashford was an old educational institution, established in the early 1800's. As Corrine drove down the gravel pathway to the small parking lot, both Nina and Kathleen stared out the window, amazed by the expanse of the school.

"Corrine," Kathleen began, "you didn't tell us we were going to Hogwarts."

Corrine laughed, "I wish this were Hogwarts."

"There must be so many students here, how will I ever get to know anyone?" Kathleen said breathlessly.

"This is a big school yes, but there aren't quite as many students here as you'd think," Corrine informed. "You'll make plenty of new friends," Corrine looked at Nina through the rearview mirror, "you too, Nina. I'm sure you'll find people here that share the same interests as you."

The girls walked through the courtyard of the school, passing by students in the same uniform as they. Kathleen happily, and confidently trekked side by side with Corrine towards the main office. Nina on the other hand, hugged herself, trying not to make any eye contact with anyone.

The other students all stared at them as if they were the enemy. Staring, pointing, then whispering to one another. One girl in particular glared at Nina and Kathleen with a raised eyebrow. This girl was in no doubt beautiful. With long, thick, red hair, wispy side swept bangs, a cute figure, and an attitude to match, this girl was definitely a queen bee.

"Come on Jezabelle, I need to fix my lipstick," a friend of the queen bee said, pulling her arm.

"Did you see that scar on the girl's face? Poor thing. Didn't even try to hide it with makeup," the queen bee, Jezabelle sighed. She turned around and with her posse, walked away.

Nina knew her peers weren't just talking about them as new students, but the large gash on Kathleen's face. That made her nervous; what if people are terribly mean to Kathleen because of the scar? The thought dissolved the magic of the anxiety pill from earlier, and made Nina feel nervous.

"This way girls," Corrine said, walking into the main corridor.

"Woah," Nina whispered, as she looked around. To compare the beauty, and majesty of the school to her previous one, was like comparing The White House, to a WalMart-- no comparison.

Nina's attention turned from the school, to the direction of loud cheering. Nina spun around to see a group of boys walk into the corridor, as every student inside and outside clapped and cheered. Other students patted them on the back, a few girls fawned over them.

"Go Niall!" a student jeered. A blonde boy towards the front of the crowd, pumped his fist in the air.

"Ashford Academy!" the boy named Niall yelled, and the students cheered. "Let's make this the best football season, yet! The best season, led by our new captain, and my best mate, Louis 'The Tommoooo' Tomlinson!"

A roar of applause echoed through the corridor, as a boy with messy brown hair wearing a beanie, and holding a soccer ball, moved from behind his teammates to the front. More students patted him on the back, giving him hugs, and congratulations. Nina recognized him-- the busboy who dropped the bin of plates at the restaurant. Another boy, with a camera around his neck, lifted a DLSR to his eye. The boy's sleeves were folded to his elbows, revealing a tattoo on his forearm-- a set of chevron shaped arrows. He took a few photos of the boys. Louis and Niall posed ridiculously together, evoking laughter from the students around them. Nina almost laughed, but she held it in.

"They're funny. I assume they're soccer, I mean, football players," Kathleen corrected.

"Yes. We have the best team in the region. You girls should go to a football game. Full energy, lots of school spirit," Corrine suggested.

"I'd like that. Yea, Ate? We should go once," Kathleen said.

"Maybe," Nina answered.

In the office, the girls sat down on comfy chairs by a desk filling out the usual paperwork, while an office attendant stapled their welcome packets together. A girl walked around the corner, and to the office attendant. The girl was one of the few non-fair-skinned students Nina noticed at the school. The girl had jet black hair that fell in loose curls down the middle of her back. She had big, round, dark eyes, and was wearing a nice plum colored lipstick.

"You called for me Miss Hendricks?" the girl spoke. She noticed Corrine, "Oh, I professor Dela Vera! I didn't recognize you,"

"Good morning Leina, did you have a nice break?" Corrine asked.

"It was splendid. I have you for English again. I'm so excited. Your class last year was my favorite," Leina exclaimed. Corrine blushed. The office attendant looked at Leina through a thick pair of glasses.

"We have two new students today, and they will be needing an escort to their homerooms soon,"

"No problem," Leina smiled. "Hi, I'm Leina Sharma," she held out her hand. Kathleen took it first,

"Nice to meet you Leina, I'm Kathleen and this is my sister, Nina."

"Hi Nina," Leina said.

"Hi," Nina said, shaking Leina's hand lightly.

"It looks like you girls will be taken good care of. I have to go to my classroom now, to prepare," Corrine explained, "I'll see you girls later. Have a nice first day. I'll see you in class, Leina."

"Bye Professor,"

"Bye Corrine," Kathleen waved.

The office attendant gave the welcome packets to both Nina and Kathleen, and their class schedules to Leina.

"Looks like you're all set. I'll take you to your homerooms now," Leina said. Kathleen and Nina followed suit.

The girls were back in the main corridor before making a left turn and down the halls where students walked towards their respected classrooms. Corrine was right, for such a large school, there weren't as many students and hallways were not too packed. There were paintings on the walls, and glass cases displaying trophies and awards.

"Where are you girls from?" Leina asked.

"California," Kathleen answered.

"That's so cool. I've always wanted to go," Leina mentioned. "What brings you gals to the other side of the world?"

"We came to live with our dad," Kathleen said.

"Ah, so Professor Dela Vera is like your step mom?"

"She's not our mom," Nina interjected.

"Professor is one of the best here. Most of the student body loves her. Her teaching methods are kind of nuts, but blimey, she makes you want to learn," Leina continued, "just so you know, there are plenty of clubs and school activities for you to join. I'm on the school's decathlon team. If you're into academics, you should definitely join."

"Academics, that's Nina's thing. She's super smart," Kathleen said. Leina's eyes widened.

"You should join! We're having tryouts at the end of the month," Leina informed. Nina shrugged.

They turned the corner and stopped in front of an open door.

"This is your stop Kathleen," Leina said, as she handed Kathleen her schedule, "have a good first day of classes. If you need any help, come find me, or ask the other students."

"Thank you Leina," Kathleen smiled. She looked at Nina, "I'll see you later Ate. Maybe at lunch?"

Nina nodded, "Uhm, let me know if you have any… problems, okay?"

"I got this Ate. You, let me know if you have any problems." Kathleen poked her sister, then gave her a quick hug. She waved goodbye and entered the classroom.

"It looks like we have the same homeroom Nina," Leina said, looking at her schedule. "You can stick with me if you'd like. Show you the ropes?"

While Nina would prefer to be alone, she wanted to feel better. Her therapist emphasized that she make at least one good friend, and to stay busy. Leina seemed like a nice girl, and she offered to help Nina out.

"I'd like that," Nina nodded.

"Well then, let's get to it," Leina grinned.

Together the girls walked up the stairs, and into a long hallway lined with classrooms. They reached the end of the hall and entered a classroom where a few students-- including the queen bee, were already seated. Leina and Nina sat at the edge of the class right by the window, near another girl with long brown hair, and a large black bow.

"Oi, Elissia, meet Nina," Leina said. The girl turned in her seat-- it was the waitress from the restaurant. Does every employee at that place attend Ashford, Nina thought.

"Hey, I know you!" Elissia exclaimed. "You, Professor Dela Vera, and your whole family came to my restaurant over the summer!"

"Oh yea, I'm Nina,"

"Nice to meet you again, I'm Elissia Vitale,"

"Ah, so you've been to Vitale's Place. A lot of students at Ashford actually work there," Leina informed.

"it's cos the family business is insured by a prestigious law practice in the city. And so my dad hired the owner's son and his friends when they came walking in asking for a job," Elissia explained.

"And speaking of the devil," Leina began. She gestured with her head towards the door, and in came a group of 5 boys: the two Footballers, the boy with the camera, the boy with the dark hair that Nina recognized from the restaurant, and last but not least, the boy with the green eyes.

Fuck.

Notes

I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! It's a little slow starting, I know, but I promise it'll pick up!! Don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe, and reccomend to others if you think it's worth it.

Thank you!

-Erica Jaine <3