Two: Welcome to Dulwich Academy
688 Words
Scarlett stood in front of the towering black gates of Dulwich Academy, clutching the strap of her worn backpack.
The school looked more like a palace than a place of learning. Perfectly trimmed hedges lined the driveway, expensive cars pulled in one after another, and students dressed in spotless uniforms laughed as they stepped out.
For a moment, she looked down at herself.
Her uniform was secondhand. Although she had ironed it carefully the night before, it was obvious it wasn't brand new. Her shoes had been polished until they shone, but the tiny c***k on the side refused to disappear.
She took a deep breath.
"You earned your place here, Scarlett. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
With her head held high, she walked through the gates.
"You're the scholarship student, aren't you?"
A cheerful voice stopped her.
She turned to see a woman in a navy-blue suit smiling warmly.
"I'm Mrs. Harrison, the guidance counselor. Welcome to Dulwich Academy."
Scarlett smiled politely.
"Thank you, ma'am."
Mrs. Harrison handed her a timetable and a map of the campus.
"If you get lost, don't hesitate to ask for help."
Scarlett nodded, though she doubted many students would be willing to help someone like her.
---
The corridors buzzed with conversation as students admired designer watches, expensive perfumes, and the latest phones.
Scarlett quietly made her way to her classroom.
As she reached the door, she froze.
Every seat was occupied except one.
The seat beside a boy sleeping with his head resting on the desk.
The entire class watched as she walked over.
She had barely sat down when someone whispered loudly,
"Poor girl."
"She's sitting beside Ashton."
"She's finished."
Scarlett frowned.
Who was Ashton?
The answer came seconds later.
The sleeping boy slowly lifted his head.
Dark, slightly messy hair.
Sharp jawline.
Piercing grey eyes that carried equal amounts of boredom and arrogance.
He glanced at Scarlett for exactly three seconds before speaking.
"You're in my seat."
Scarlett looked around.
"There are two seats here."
"I use both."
She blinked.
"Congratulations."
A few students gasped.
Nobody spoke to Ashton Smith like that.
He slowly sat upright.
"What did you say?"
"I said congratulations."
She smiled sweetly.
"It must be exhausting needing two seats for one ego."
Silence.
The entire classroom went still.
Then—
Someone burst into laughter.
Another followed.
Ashton's jaw tightened.
No one laughed at him.
Ever.
Before he could reply, the classroom door opened.
"Good morning, class."
Their teacher walked in, instantly restoring order.
"As you all know, we have a new student joining us today."
Scarlett stood.
"My name is Scarlett Brown."
A few polite claps followed.
The teacher smiled.
"Please make her feel welcome."
Ashton leaned back in his chair.
"Oh, we will."
The grin on his face sent a chill down Scarlett's spine.
---
Lunch arrived quicker than expected.
Scarlett found a quiet corner beneath a large tree and unwrapped the simple sandwich Mr. Daniels had insisted she take before leaving the café.
She had barely taken one bite when a basketball rolled to her feet.
She picked it up.
A group of boys approached.
They all wore confident smiles.
At their center stood Ashton.
"Took you long enough," he said.
"I wasn't aware I was timing myself."
"My ball."
She looked at the basketball.
"Oh."
Then she tossed it gently toward him.
It landed in a nearby puddle instead.
The surrounding students gasped.
One of the boys muttered, "She's dead."
Ashton stared at the muddy basketball.
Then back at Scarlett.
She shrugged.
"Oops."
His lips slowly curled into a dangerous smile.
"You've got guts."
"I've been told."
"For someone who just got here..."
Scarlett stood, dusting crumbs from her skirt.
"And for someone who's been here a while, your manners are surprisingly terrible."
Without waiting for his response, she walked away.
The boys stared after her.
"What just happened?" one asked.
Ashton couldn't answer.
For the first time in years...
Someone had challenged him.
And instead of hating it...
He wanted to see her again.
Very soon.
Very often.
Scarlett Brown had just declared war without even realizing it.
- Writer
