Chapter 1
The colossal colonial-style mansion stood before them like a death sentence in the firmament. The sunset behind the place just accentuated even more the orange brick tones and highlighted the enormous clock in the middle of the construction. And just to add more intimidation to the scene, the bronze plaque proudly announced to be “An All Ladies Academy Since 1915”.
“Our parents finally did it” sighed Samantha gazing upon the haunted mansion. “They sent us to a boarding school”
“Welcome to La Mansión, sis” Liv chanted, doing her best to light up the mood while they both stood ten yards away from the main entrance, still awestruck and unable to walk in; or unwilling at least.
Samantha drove her lacrosse stick across her shoulders and crooked her head “So, how long before we get expelled?” she smirked towards her older sister with a knowing expression on her face.
“No” Liv remarked “We promised our parents our best behavior” she settled down her violin case on top of her other luggage.
“You did. I was only nodding to the song I was listening to, while being scolded”
“Nice” Liv said sarcastically resisting the urge of rolling her eyes while an older lady made her was towards them.
“You must be Miss Samantha and Miss Liv; I presume”
“In the flesh” Sam answered coolly.
“I’m Miss Curiel, Head of Discipline. I also oversee the dorms” she stretched a hand showing a skeleton key with a number in it “Room in the first floor for Miss Samantha” she handed the chain marked with a 125 in it.
“And third floor for Miss Liv, as far away of each other as possible, just as requested from your parents” Curiel announced with a hint of satisfaction in her tone.
Sam leaned into her sister to mumble mischievously “Bet you mom arranged it so you wouldn’t have to take care of me”
“Indeed” Curiel said after overhearing her.
Sam just frowned at the old lady.
“You…sort of walked into that one” Liv laid a hand on her shoulder.
“I know… she has a sense of humor, scary…” she looked at her wary, as Curiel made her way inside the dark entrance.
“Come along, ladies!”
Once their eyes readjust to the dim light they glimpsed at the large halls that expanded in front of them. In every wall, there were portraits of past generations.
“Supper is served in an hour. Breakfast is at seven sharp. Classes begin at eight thirty” Curiel walked fluidly in the aisle, barely needing to lean into her cane. “No boys allowed” she quickly added as if though boy carried a lethal disease that could infect the academy “And curfew is at ten” she finalized turning around triumphantly once they had reached the main room. “I believe that is it ladies” she cracked a smile that was framed by her wrinkles. “I bid you goodbye and good luck”
And suddenly they were both alone in the middle of the mansion, being stared down by the paintings and unfortunate inner design decisions of ornamental animal heads.
Just when the wood squeaked under their feet did Samantha smiled widely looking at her sister “Oh, we are going to love it here!”
