Aurora Heroux

MAYA'S POV So ...... This is the so call prestigious academy my parents has been dying to enroll me in? It looks like the public school I've been going to since elementary, junior and my freshman year of high school. What's so special about this one anyway? Monarch Women's Academy. An academy with such tremendous history to back up its horrendous fee. Why do they even willing to spent a major amount of money for me to be here? Well, from the looks of things, this academy is for the 'I'm better than you' girls of this town and probably from other countries as well. But having a new headmistress, she change the tradition and this academy finally accepting students from the less famous school like mine. But still, why change it now? I sighed when I finally arrived at the front gate. "New student? Follow me please." I was shocked when a young woman in a steampunk maid outfit greeted me. Since I don't know where to go I just followed her. "What's your name?" She asked. "Maya Clementine." She nodded and lead me to a group of students who look as lost as I am. The maid earlier looks at everyone before smiling wide at us. "Seems like everyone is here. My name is Tyra and I'll be your guide today. On behalf of the school administration and government, we welcomed you to Monarch Women's Academy. This is a place for young girls to find solace, find your true self or rather if you prefer, a place to call as your second home. We, in Monarch, cherish the sisterhood bond we share with everyone." Sisterhood bond? What is this school government? I never heard such thing before. This school is something else. "Don't you just wish you could die here? I mean this is the most prestigious academy in the entire country!" Said a girl beside me. "Which year you in?" She asked. "Year 2, high school. How about you?" I asked. "You transferred her as a year 2? That's odd." She said. She completely ignores my question huh. Well, that's expected. If only she knows how annoying my parents can be. They're the reason why I'm here anyway. "This school is my parent's dream. Since I only have two older brothers, they want to make sure I enroll as soon as the headmistress announced it. Even my brothers helping them out in order to get me inside." I sighed. The girl chuckled. "Well, welcome to Monarch Women's Academy. My name is Stella Flame." She smiled. "Maya Clementine." She offered her hand. "Nice meeting you Maya." We both turn our attention to the maid. "It's nice of you to join us, Miss president." Stella chuckled. President?! Her?! "Looks like my 'mother' is calling." She waved before went to Tyra's side. "My name is Stella Flame and as you heard before, I am one of the three student government presidents. The other two will be joining us in the welcoming party for the first year student." Hold on, this is new. Three presidents for a student government? Is it the same as student council? So this welcoming party, I can't join them? I sighed. I felt someone touched my shoulder. "I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner. Follow me. I'll show you to the administration office." Tyra apologized and asked me to follow her while Stella continues her speech. "May I ask some questions?" I asked the maid. "Yes, you may." She replied. "Why does the student government have three presidents? Isn't that odd?" The maid chuckled at my question. "As you can see, this academy consist of the kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. To keep track of every school's activity and events, the first headmistress thought it might be wise for the student government to have more than one president. That way, they could help each other." When we turn to the corner, I sighed heavily when there's more long stretch of road ahead of us. Just how big is this school. "But, in this academy, it's not the president's who's on top of the food chain." Food chain? "You mean there's someone has the same level as the headmistress? A student?" Tyra nodded. "She's in my class." She informed. "You're a student?!" She chuckled. "Of course I am a student. I'm only wearing this uniform because the president asked me to." She sighed. "Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, my classmate. She's a Scion or descendant of a notable family in English." Scion huh. "What does a Scion do?" I asked. "She's representing us student. With her well-mannered and charming looks, she's a celebrity among student, an idol if you prefer it that way. The kindergarten, elementary, middle and even high school student look up to her." She sounds like a goddess to me. "She congratulate everyone, she welcomed the new student, she even presents herself if there's a representative from other schools, or the ministry of education came to this academy." "Basically the president is her guard dog?" I blurted out. Curse my mouth! She stopped walking and face me. "You can say that." I sighed in relief when she didn't get mad at me or something. We finally arrived at the office and she introduces me to the staff. Seems like the staff here looks more like the student's servant than someone who runs the school. Don't tell me! "Does the Scion rule this school?" I asked. "She does. With the presidents of course. The teachers here are only the advisors or the person who's responsible in teaching the student. This school motto is to produce independent girls who will be ready for the outside world when they graduated. Running a school is simply like running a multi-billion company." She chuckled. "Of course I will be the worker of those girls who succeed in the future." I chuckled with her. "Oh. I'm sorry for being insensitive. Here you go." Did she hand me my schedule and umm... a ring? I look up to her. "This is not an ordinary ring. It's a symbol of you enrolling in this academy. Of course, you have our lavish uniform but this ring can be used outside of the academy let's say if you want to buy something using your student ID. Just let the store scan your ring and the academy will pay half of the expenses." Tyra explained. Is that for real?! Half of my expenses will be paid by the academy?! Hold on, that reminds me. "About the uniform. Umm.. as you can see, I can't afford them yet. My parents said they will pay for that by next month." Tyra handed me my uniform. "Your name was ON the list of student who will get the uniform and any of the school supply for free. You have good grades." I'm literally shaken up! Finally, being a bookworm have its perks! "Follow me. You need to change to your school uniform." I followed her and she showed me a curtain. I went inside and changed into my uniform. When I'm done I turned to the full body mirror and turn around. Black blazer with a white button-up shirt. To spice it all up, I have to wear a red plaid skirt and a red tie! "Don't forget these. In this academy, the official footwear is this platform heels. Except if you have PE." This is so awesome! I never knew a school uniform could be this dope. Thank God mom taught me how to wear heels. When I walked out, Tyra gave me a thumbs up. "Now, let's go to your classroom and a short tour of the school." She smiled and lead the way. "As you can see, this is the school administration building. On the second floor is where the staff room is and the headmistress private office." She informed before we walked out of the building. "This is the square. From here you can go anywhere in the academy ground high school section. If you have any business to go to the kindergarten, elementary or the middle school section, you may use the car provided by the academy." She pointed at the several black limousines. They even provide the student with limousine?! Jesus Christ! "If you turn to the left, we have the gymnasium, outdoor court, and indoor swimming pool. We only use the outdoor swimming when it's summer for summer classes or summer activity." She informed. "And if you turn to the far right, we have the school auditorium. School assembly or any official event will be held there. It can fit all of Monarch's student combine. Approximating, six thousand student and extra seats for the visiting guest of course." My old school auditorium can't even fit all of its students and to add the guest? That is huge! "Since you commute to the academy, there's no need for me to show you to the dormitory section. But if you do have some business there, you may take this pathway. It will lead you directly to the dormitory." She started to walk towards a building not far from the square. "This is where your lesson will be held from now on. Oh yes." She abruptly stopped and face me. "This pathway will lead you to two places. The cafeteria and a mansion. The mansion is where the Scion and the student government had their meeting and you can say it's like their private club room." Tyra explained. "If you wish to see the presidents or the Scion, you will have to make an appointment with the soeur." The what? She gave me a paper. "This paper contains the soeur class and picture." I thanked her and we proceed to enter the class building. "Third floor is where the laboratory at. The second floor will be the senior's classroom, where I am. The first floor is for the juniors classroom and the ground floor, where we are now for the freshman. As you can see, there's no one here because of feet all in orientation. Follow me." We both walked along the empty hallways towards the double door. "This door will lead you to the clubrooms, well if you decided to be in any club this year." We walked back in and she closes the door. We went up the grand staircase and she leads me to my classroom. "This is your classroom." Tyra knocked on the door and waited for someone to let us in. "Mrs. Topaz. I'm sorry for being late." This must be my homeroom teacher. "That's okay Tyra. Thank you for assistance. You must be Maya Clementine. I'm Mrs. Topaz, your homeroom teacher. Please, come in." Tyra excuse herself and waved me goodbye. I followed the teacher's footstep and instantly all eyes on me. Jesus. I never knew that my class will be filled with so many 'princesses'. Some of them I knew from the television I watched every day! "We actually have a commoner in our classroom? Mrs. Topaz, that's absurd." Ugh! I never felt so humiliated like this. Commoner? My first day and I already have a nickname. "Settle down. Don't be rude to our newcomer. Maya, please introduce yourself." I nodded. "I'm Maya Clementine. Nice meeting you." I smiled. Some of them smile back at me but that foul mouth snob from earlier didn't. "Do you have any hobby or hobbies?" Asked the person in front of me. "I do like to draw," I said truthfully. "Which school are you from before coming here?" Asked another. "Collins Public School." Some gasped. "Isn't that a school for the poor? How can you even afford coming here?" Asked the foul mouth. "I have my ways," I said while Mrs. Topaz muffled her snicker. "That's enough. You may have the seat at the back Miss Clementine. That's a nice counter back." She whispered the last part at me. I walked passed the foul mouth and I noticed her intense glare of death. I ignored her and went to my seat. Well, at least the table in this classroom match the one in my old school. "If you please turn on your monitor." Say what now? "Oh Miss Clementine, you may find a little slot beneath your table. Use your given ring and we can finally start our first class." Mrs. Topaz informed. I look for the slot she mentions and I use my ring. It fit perfectly. My eyes widen when the once smooth surface of the table suddenly gave birth to a touchscreen monitor. "In Monarch, we don't use textbooks. We use that. It's one of the many changes made by the headmistress. Mrs. Topaz will give you a touchpad after class later on. That touchpad will be for the classes outside of the classroom." Said, my neighbor. "I'm Ophelia Jenkins." She introduced herself. "Maya Clementine.." she smiled and she focuses her attention on the class. Well, at least there's someone who's friendly around here. The class went well. My decision to study before the class even starts to pay off. I was amazed that they actually paid attention in class. Usually, in the movies, the snobs always being lazy and sleep throughout the class. This scenery is different. When the lunch bell rang, I decided to skip it because... well.. my parents said they don't have enough to spare for me. But my older brother did prepare some sandwiches for lunch. I took my sandwich from my bag and was about to eat it when Ophelia stood beside my table. "You're having sandwiches lunch? I was hoping we could go to the cafeteria." I smiled. "I can't afford to go to the cafeteria. You may go. I'll have my lunch here." She kneels down and rests her chin on my table. "Ummm.. anything else I could help you with?" I asked. "I'm bored. That's all. So let's go to the cafeteria. Don't worry about payment." She offered. "How about this. I will accompany you to the cafeteria. I'll have my lunch there. Okay?" She nodded and stood up. I wrapped up my sandwich and followed her to the cafeteria. It's a different scenery now that's it's lunchtime. The hallways are filled with student snickering, talking to each other. Even the freshman floor filled with students now. "Good day, Ophelia." Said a student we walked passed. "Good day." She smiled. "Good afternoon miss Jenkins." This girl even bow! "Good afternoon." Ophelia seems popular. Maya! What have you done to yourself! You're following a popular girl like a loyal dog! "New student, Ophelia?" One of them asked. "Yes. My new friend." She even introduced me as her friend! We didn't even know each other that much! I don't think my heart can take this. "We finally here," Ophelia announced. "This is the school cafeteria?!" I asked out loud. Where's the counter for the student to get their food?! Where's the lunch lady?! I looked around. "What are you looking for?" Ophelia asked. "Well, the counter. How do you order food here?" I asked. "Well, we took a seat anywhere we want and a maid will come to take your order. Come on I'll show you." She took my hand and lead me to an empty table. We actually holding hands now! I'm sure some of the students just gave me a death stare. "Sit." She offered. I did as told and like she said, a maid actually came to our table and even present a menu book! She ordered her food and the maid look at me. "Oh, I forgot to mention. All the food in this cafeteria is paid by the school. So you can order anything you like for free." Ophelia informed me. Free?! For real? I'm sure my parents didn't pay for my tuition that much did they? "Don't worry. The food you consume will not charge your guardian. The Scion paid for all the food consumed by the students here." Jesus Christ! She does?! God bless her soul! "So I can order anything?" I asked to confirmed. "Yes." She snickered. "Well. I want to order like she does." The maid nodded. "I'll be coming back with your drinks shortly." She took the menu and leave us. "Didn't Tyra told you about the cafeteria? Well since the current Scion is the academy representative and gave her approval for the school to finally accept students from a public school applicant, she created this new law and even change the academy's cafeteria system. She's very considerate if you ask me." The maid came back with our drinks and dessert. "Will the Scion having her lunch here then?" I asked. "I'm not sure. The last time I heard from her, she went to Africa for her sister's wedding. But she probably comes back around this week." It must be nice to be filthy rich. "Here you go." The maid came back with our food. My eyes widen. I have never seen such fine art in form of food before. "Enjoy," Ophelia said while we start to eat. My first bite of this exquisite food was divine! "What is this?" I asked with my mouth full." Ophelia chuckled. She swallows before opening her mouth. "A lady shouldn't talk with her mouth full. The first rule of Monarch." I swallowed hard my food and gave her a toothy smile. "It's pufferfish." I froze when I heard what she just said. With my mouth full, I look up to her. I don't have the guts to swallow. I might be drop dead any second now. "Don't worry. The chef here is certified to prepare this dish. It's one of my favorites." She continued to eat her food. I might as well join her, right? I swallow the food in my mouth before someone hit my back that instantly made me choke on my food. "Stella! She was eating." Ophelia said before going to my side and offer me a glass of water. I wipe my watery eyes and turned to this mysterious girl that nearly lead me to my death. She looks familiar. "Oh hey! It's you. Ummm... Maya right? Remember me? We met this morning." She smiled. Oh, yea. One of the three student government president, Stella. Wow, with her hair down like this she's practically a walking model! She took a seat next to mine and smiled. "You look like you saw a ghost." I don't know how to react to this. Why does the student government president even sitting next to me? I feel like the students shooting daggers with their eyes, the hatred they send to me with their eyes. Wow. "Lobster pot pie and a glass of Chinese tea please." She ordered her food. The maid nodded and left the table. "So, how's the orientation?" Ophelia asked. "Good. Luna will be joining us shortly." Luna? Is that the other president? I wonder who's the other president. "I'm sorry to inform you but you have to visit the freshman class tomorrow for morning announcement. I know it's my job but I have to pick some errand to do for the Scion." Stella smiled. "Fine. I'll do it." Will Ophelia do the morning announcement? "I'm sorry but, why?" I finally said something. "Why? Hold on. You didn't tell her, Ophelia?" Stella asked. "Maya, she's one of the presidents." My eyes widen! Ophelia is the third student government president?! Seriously!!