THE PUZZLE

The car wound it's way through the crowded street. "Mom, I don't understand, you made me pack my stuffs and now you are saying I'm starting a new school?". Ashley barked. Sally Jackson said nothing and kept on driving. "Mum, talk to me!". Ashley knew the reason for her mom's silence. Principal Jones reported that Ashley has to withdraw from Royal Academy for a reason Sally was disappointed at. Sally was at work when she received a call from Ashley's school that her daughter had engaged in a violent act, she stabbed someone. When she heard Ashley's side of the story, she knew that Ashley was an object of the victim's bully. Ashley had reported lot of times but no one paid attention to her because the bully was Karen Wright, the daughter to a famous man Nicole Wright, the founder of Wright aviation. Karen is still undergoing treatment while Ashley had to withdraw. "Baby, I'm taking you to a better place. A place where you can hide and feel safe". Ashley giggled "Hide?". She scoffed. "So, you are still thinking I was wrong?" Ashley cried. "Ash, I never thought you were wrong". Sally stated. "There's never a time you believe me". Ashley said feeling hurt. The car suddenly came to an halt. A very tall building stood before them. The building looked haunted from the outside. "JAZIELLY ACADEMY" That was the signpost Ashley first saw. "Get out baby". Sally said enthusiastically. "I'm doomed." Ashley said getting out of the car. "Be fast baby, the principal is expecting us". Ashley shook her head and got out of the car. She carried her things and went after her mom ★ "Welcome Mrs Jackson". A stout, chubby man greeted Sally warmly. His tuxedo bent over to the left and it made Ashley chuckle. "Good morning Mr White". Sally greeted with a smile. Ashley stared around. The office was well furnished. The wall fan did a great job. His desk was neatly arranged. On one side of the desk was a crest. JOHNNY WHITE. PRINCIPAL "Fill this form and sign down here". The principal said to Ashley Ashley stared once more at her mom before filling the form. After she had filled the form, she handed it to the principal. "Welcome to Jazielly Academy". He said to her. "If that's all, I'll take my leave". Sally said to the principal. Turning to Ashley, she said, "Be a good girl" "Thanks so much". Sally said once again to the principal. " Anything for you Sally". The way he called her informally, Ashley suspected that there was more to their relationship. ★ "What's your relationship with the principal?". Ashley asked her mom when they have left the office. Sally was taken aback by Ashley's question. "We are just friends". Sally answers "Just friends?" Sally kept quiet. Ashley must not be aware of anything. "Yes baby". Sally smiled. Mr White walked up to them. "Ashley it's time you let go of your mom". "I'll miss you baby". " Me too". Ashley gave her mom a quick embrace before she drove off. "So, mummy's baby, let's go in". She was taken to her dorm room and was introduced to Peach Fernandez who would be her roommate "Again?". Peach thought seeing the new girl. She was called by the Principal and he encouraged her to treat Ashley nice. Ashley began unpacking and arranging her things. To her, Jazielly Academy was for the dead. There was a knock at the door and Ashley went to it seeing Peach didn't make a move. "Ashley Jackson!". The lady called. The lady who appeared to be in her mid-to-late thirties, stood with an air of authority and poise. Her golden hair was styled in a neat bob, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her sharp, intelligent eyes. She wore a pair of wire-rimmed glasses perched at the end of her nose, giving her an air of sophistication and elegance. Her slender fingers, adorned with a few tasteful rings, grasped a leather-bound folder. She was dressed in a crisp, navy blue business suit, complete with a white blouse and a string of pearls, which added to her overall aura of professionalism and gravitas. Despite her polished demeanor, there was something in her eyes, a hint of warmth and kindness, that suggested she was more than just a stern authority figure. "Good morning". Ashley curtsied putting on her best behavior. " Can I have a word with you?".