The Lady

The Second Friend

Year 1980

“And this is where you’ll sleep.” Mr Burnell showed the room.

Miles was staring at large room that contained 30-40 double beds. Miles was used to having his own bedroom. The space was much larger than his room back home, however, the beds seemed quite smaller.

Mr Burnell walked in the room and Miles followed him. He stopped near a bed and said,” Here. You’ll sleep with Kevin.”

“Who’s Kevin?” The question came harsh than Miles intended.

“Kevin is your classmate.” He took a pause. “Come on now, it’s lunch time. You’ll be having lunch with your classmates.”

Year 2000

“A girl?” Ander was confused. “What was a girl doing in boys’ school?”

“She was.. umm..” Miles rubbed the back of his neck. “I think she was a villager.”

“There are villages in this mountain? Cool.”

“Yeah,” Miles gave a sad smile.

Ander and Miles were taking a stroll on the school ground. Ander was excited to explore every corner of the huge structure. While Miles was in rather nostalgic state of mind. He remembered how much he hated coming here and staying here, without friends, family, among strangers.

Now coming back to Mount Winschell felt like coming back to house. He never thought the place would mean so much to him. He stood still admiring the structure.

“20 damn years,” he thought, “ And it feels like I’ve been here just yesterday.” He was surprised how a year of his life spent here would make this place so significant.

Year 1980

Miles was not used to having food by himself. Usually his mother would serve him and they all would have small prayer thanking God for the food.

Now as he walked in the dining area, holding the plate for lunch, he could see many unfamiliar faces staring at him. Miles wouldn’t dare to go near those mean looks. He has read stories about students being bullied at their school. Usually there a tough guy and a his g**g who are responsible for such situations.

He found himself a quiet spot. Far from where everyone else was sitting. Here he can have his lunch without any disturbance.

After a while, he saw someone’s footsteps stopping in front. He raised his head to look at the boy.

The boy was staring at Miles with a confused face holding a lunch plate in his hands. For a second, none of them spoke.

“That is my spot you’re sitting on,” the boy said.

“Oh I’m sorry,” Miles responded. He took his plate and stood up. “ I’ll find myself another place.”

There was enough space for both of them to sit, but Miles won’t argue. He didn’t want to face problems on the first day of school.

“That’s okay,” the boy said, “ I can just sit here, beside you. If you don’t mind.”

Without saying anything Miles sat down. The boy sat down beside him.

“Are you a new student?” the boy asked.

Miles nodded. “Why don’t you sit with the other boys, over there?”

The boy shook his head. “They don’t want me there.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m dark coloured.” The boy smiled looking at Miles.

Miles didn’t know how to respond to that. So he just kept silent. After a second he said, “Are they..

bullies?”

“You mean Travis and his friends. Yes they are. But not all of them. Some just stick with them to prevent being bullied.”

Miles looked at the big g**g sitting in the middle of dining area.

“I’m glad you’re not like them” the boy said. “ What is your name?”

“Miles,” Miles said. “Miles Wingrave.”

“Nice to meet you Miles,” the boy said, “ I’m Kevin.”

Year 2000

Ander turned around to see Miles who was staring at the building. He remembered how excited he was to come here.

When the heir of Wingrave Companies successfully completed his 5 years, it was decided that a huge amount would be donated to each school that he has studied in.

Ander, being his personal assistant, was responsible for keeping the list of these schools and the record where the money would be spent.

Few days back,

“St. Francis, Trinity, Harvard..” Ander said as he was reading the list, “Why would you change so many schools?”

“Before settling in US, our family used to move around quite often.” Miles said.

“Where is.. Mount Winschell?”

The name brought back many forgotten memories.

“Miley?” Ander’s voice brought him back to present.

“You wanna go to vacation?” Miles smiled.

“Let me guess,” Ander smiled, “Are we going to mount Winschell?”

Miles nodded.

Year 1980

The school didn’t had any lectures. Apparently the first day of Miles at school was a holiday.

‘An effective way to socialize’ as Mr Burnell had described.

Now as Miles was standing on the ground of Mount Winschell watching other children play, he couldn’t think of anyone to approach to. He couldn’t see Kevin among them. Travis and his group stood under a tree laughing about something, still giving the mean looks. Miles preferred to stay away.

He turned around and walked down to other side. Soon he came near the wooden fence that surrounded the school. Being on the top, the surrounding area appeared to be slopy.

Miles could see endless trees that covered a large portion of the mountain. The forest was thick, but lacked wild animals. On a little distance, Miles could see a huge lake which added to the beauty of surrounding.

Miles stood there for a while, watching birds drinking from lake and then flying away. This was hundred times better than playing on ground or getting bullied.

A sudden movement near lake caught his eye. He wasn’t able to make out properly, but the figure seemed to be human, more like feminine. Slowly the person made its way from behind the tree and now Miles was clearly able to see a young lady, dressed in white gown, flowing black hair, standing in distance. She was staring straight at him. Miles did not break the eye contact. They kept staring at each other for a while. Slowly her lips moved and Miles saw that she was smiling at him.

“Miles!” Kevin called out from behind. Miles turned around.

“You’re not supposed to be near the fence, it’s against the rules.”

Miles nodded.

“Come on,” Kevin continued, “let’s go before Mr Smith can catch us.”

Miles turned his head to see at the girl again, but she was gone. Miles was surprised how fast the lady had disappeared. He kept looking at the spot.

“Miles!”

Year 2000

“Miles!”

Ander called him out and waved his hand. “Let’s go,” he said, “We’re not gonna spend the entire day on the ground. I wanna see the other corners of school.”

Miles walked towards him. “You really excited huh?”

“You bet I am.”

“Okay,” Miles gave a small laugh. It was the first time, Ander noticed, that Miles smiled except for formalities.

“Let’s explore,” Miles said. “Where’d you like to go?”

“Umm.. let me think,” Ander said. After a second, he said, “ I would like to see your favourite spot in the school?”

“Fortunately I remember exactly where it is,” Miles said, still smiling. “Come with me.” He took Ander’s hand climbed the stairs of the palace.

After about walking for a minute in the corridors, they reached before a huge wooden door. Getting there wasn’t easy for Miles as he often got confused among the routes. Ander quietly followed him, still holding his hand.

The door was beautifully carved in various designs. Ander was fascinated by its beauty.

“What is this place?” he asked.

“Library.” Miles smiled.

Year 1980

“Library,” Kevin answered when Miles asked him about the room from where the lake was clearly visible. “I can show you the way, if you want. It is opened now.”

“Thanks,” Miles said.

“But, don’t you want to play?”

“Some other time.”

The library had a few people. The librarian, sat in a corner having his cup of coffee, reading newspaper. Miles looked around. Few boys, a year or two elder than Miles, were reading. As Miles entered a few of them raised their heads and then went back to reading.

Miles disappeared himself behind the shelves. The arrangement of shelves was no better than a maze. However, Miles made his way towards window by following the light.

Reaching the window, he was able to see the lake in a distance. It appeared to be more clear from here.

The sun was setting down and the sky was getting dark already. Birds made chirping sounds as they flew from one to another corner of the forest.

The lady perhaps went back, he thought. But it was strange for a young lady to walk in the forest and then quickly disappear into nowhere. Miles turned his head at the sound of librarian, “We’re closing.

Everyone leave.”

He gave a last glance at the lake and this time he saw her. Standing where she was earlier, and looked straight at Miles, with a strange smile. Miles moved closer to the window. The lady was still looking at him, then slowly, she moved her gaze lower.

Miles looked down, but recoiled quickly. The library was on the third floor, pretty uncomfortable for someone with acrophobia – fear of heights. When Miles looked at lake again, the lady was gone. Just like the last time, she disappeared into thin air.