Immortal Academy

    It is funny how quickly life changes. For years I have lived my life in the Fae realm under the watchful eye of not only my parents but countless advisors, staff, and well everyone who lives in this kingdom. That doesn't mean my life has been easy. Growing up my life seemed great until it was time I went off to school with the other Fae Children. That is when we knew something was wrong. While the other kids where excelling learning their craft, I wasn't. I couldn't. Magic comes easy to the Fae and while everyone else was mastering magic and spells at a young age, nothing would come to me. I would try to conjure anything and everything to make myself feel like I belonged, but it was useless.  I was useless. Soon word spread about how the princess's daughter was a dud and whispers were heard all across the kingdom. Soon my parents pulled me out of school and I was sent tutors to help with my studies. My father believed it was because I was half vampire so he began trying to help me hone my vampire skills. That was unsuccessful as well. Quickly we understood that I had no sort of powers at all. I began studying people and their character, I was quick on my feet and could befriend anyone. I threw myself into the politics of our world, even though I did not possess the ability of the Fae I was determined to prove myself as a good leader and role model so hopefully they would accept me as their queen one day.      As I am looking into the mirror I see that scared little girl staring back at me. For the first time in my life I will be traveling out of the Fae Realm to go to the one place I have no business going to. Greenlake Prep. My parents believe it will help me understand the magical creatures of this world and make me a better leader for our people. They themselves attended as do all the immortals who wish to leave their mark on the world, whether good or bad. I take one final look at myself and then peer around my now empty room. You can still see the remnants of my childhood left behind. The light pink walls, the canopy bed made nice and neat, stacks of small stuffed animals fill the corner. I will miss this place. It makes me feel safe, it feels like home.  "HONEY! The car is here you're going to be late!" My mother's voice breaks me out of my trance as I make my way down the stairs. Both of my parents are waiting for me at the bottom of them. My Dad is already trying to hold back his tears.  "Oh baby" my dad Erick sighs  "I am going to miss you so much, You make sure you call me and your mother everyday! No excuses. Do you have all of your things? What about a jacket? It gets awfully cold there. Do you have your mace?!" The look on my face told him his answer. "Damn it Charlotte, I told you to pack it!" he storms out of the room clearly digging through random drawers until he completes his mission of finding the mace. "He will be just fine dear" My mother looks as composed as always, grin on her face, hair kept immaculate. She is beautiful and everything I wish I could be.  "Mom, what if I don't fit in? What if they make fun of me you know for being... normal" Her look instantly changes from one of endearment and love to one of authority.  "You have a duty to yourself and your people Char. To be a great leader you must act like a great leader. You will be fine. The schools administration knows about your condition. You will be taken care of accordingly." There is that word again.. condition. Like I have some sort of a disease.  "Oh come on Katrina." My dad enters the room pouting. "She is just nervous, no need to give her the leadership speech again." He smiles while handling me a bag filled with mace. "I found three cans. If you need more you just send word home and I will send you some immediately!" He bends down and kisses my forehead.  "My baby girl all grown up. You make me proud Char." Uh oh here come the water works again.  My parents could not be more different. My father's features are very prominent. Tall, jet black hair, strong muscular build, but for as hard as he is on the outside he is as caring on the inside. My mother on the other hand is very petite, long blonde hair, and tiny features, but every much as a strong leader. They both just want the best for me, that is clear to see, but they go about it in two very different ways.  "Ok dear, It's time" My mother takes my hand and leads me out the front door.  My dad begins loading my bags into the trunk of the car. "Char, I want you to have this" my mom says as she hands me a small engraved compact mirror. My first thought is this is beautiful. I quickly shoot my mom a quizzed look. "Whenever you feel lonely or that you miss your family just think about where you want to be the most. It will connect you to us so you never feel out of reach. I love you Charlotte. Go do me proud." With those words she hugs me tightly and I can feel the dampness on her cheek. She lets go of me and I walk over to the car.  "Please be safe angel." My dad whispers while he strokes my hair. "I don't know what I would do without you." I lower myself into the car and take one last look at my parents. My dad has my mom wrapped up in his arms while she is silently crying. The car slowly stars driving away and I clutch the bag of mace my father gave me.  "Hopefully, I won't need this" I think to myself as I shove it into my backpack. I lay my head on the back of the seat as the world drifts by. This will be a long trip and as I think about all the time I have to spend by myself it won't be nearly as long as this school year. My eyes start getting heavy and I nod off into the most peaceful sleep I've had in days.