St. Mary's Academy of the Gifted Book 1

    The morning started off like most mornings.  I procrastinated getting out of bed while my reserved twin got up early and got dressed.  Nana Maria called up to us not to be late for breakfast and I dragged my carcass out of bed.       "Mornin' Nessa," I said slipping into a pair of blue jean flare pants.  I pulled on a navy blue t-shirt that said "Squad Goals" on it in gold foiling writing.       She let a small giggle out as she noticed I had my t-shirt on inside out.  I quickly remedied the problem and held out my hair brush to her with a pleading look.  She let out a tiny exasperated sigh but took the offered brush.  I sat on the floor and enjoyed the feeling of her brushing my unruly dirty blond hair.  She stroked her fingers through it as she French Braided my hair.  I was not sure what today would hold for us but I liked to be ready when we descended the stairs.     "Girls, we are waiting on you for breakfast," Nana Maria called up the stairs again.     "Coming," we hollered back in unison.     I slid on my black tennis shoes and down we went.  Once we went down for the morning we would eat our breakfast and then start our lessons which would be followed by chores and finally lunch.  Free time usually did not arrive until the early afternoon.  As we came down to the second landing I could see Papa Alejandro standing next to Nana Maria.  They stood hand in hand waiting on us.  A little alarm was going off in my head.  This was not the usual.  Usually we would lope into the breakfast room late, take our place beside my brothers, and eat while we were read the riot act for being late.     Today no such thing happened.  The four of us walked into the breakfast room and sat at the table.       "Where is Zach, Stephen, and Clarissa," I asked curiously as I heaped three slices of French toast on my plate.     "With Rosa," Papa said quietly.     "Rosa is here," I said excitedly.  "I would have been on time if I knew we were getting to see Rosa."     My sister perked up a bit hearing Rosa was home.  Rosa was Alejandro and Maria's oldest daughter.  She was ten years my senior.  She was like our big sister.  Since she had gone away to college it made things hard.       "You'll have time to see Rosa.  Oh my, slow down Katherine or you'll choke on that," Nana Rosa said looking pleading for help at Papa Alejandro.     "Mija slow yourself.  Rosa took the boys and Clarissa to town.  You will see her soon.  Now settle yourself.  We have an important discussion to have," he said softly.     I sighed but did as I was bid.  I hated to disappoint Papa Alejandro.  I was a constant disappointment to Nana Maria.  She always told me how I would never be a lady but it killed me when I upset Papa Alejandro who was always so gentle and kind with me.  For my sister Nessa it was backwards.  She lived for the praise given by our Nana Maria.  She always had a kind smile and word for her which made me feel badly for upsetting her all the time.  Once we were done with our breakfast Papa Alejandro directed us into the sitting room.  His face looked at his wife lovingly as if he was struggling with some news.       "Girls, it has just been us for a long time now.  We have never hid anything from you.  However, I fear we may have neglected to share something with you that has come to pass," Papa Alejandro pulled us close under each of his big strong arms.  "When a Supernatural from a powerful family comes of age they used to be schooled on their upcoming responsibilities to our world.  However, now we are citizens of the USA things are different.  This morning we received letters for each of you inviting you to study at St. Mary's Academy for the Gifted.  It is a school for other Supernatural students of influence," Papa Alejandro said gently rocking us in his big arms.  "The world is not as simple as it once was mijas.  Now you must go and learn how to fit in.  Your parents also wrote to you niñas and us stating it is their greatest wish for you to attend."     I drew back slowly and looked at Nana Maria and Papa Alejandro, "You guys will come with us right?"     He shook his head slowly, "No mija.  We must stay here and take care of the boys, Clarissa, and the grounds.  You and Vanessa are to go with each other.  I called to see to the arrangements and unfortunately we don't have much time.  We will have to go to town today and get the necessaries for tomorrow we will start our journey to the school.  The school is in a small town North of Nashville called Clarksville."     For once in my life I was speechless.  Nana Maria must have noticed because she threw her arms around me and patted my back gently, "It is ok niñas.  You will have each other and we at the end of the term you get to come home for the holiday!  We will pick you up with your siblings ourselves.  So you see it will be for a few weeks and then you will be home for a spell.  After the holiday you will complete the next term and then come home for the entire summer.  Think of it as an adventure," Nana Maria exclaimed trying to push tears back from her eyes.     I was still a little shook.  We had been to town often enough but we had never been permitted off on our own and never had we spent the night outside of our own little manor.  "Do you really want us to go," I asked searching their faces.     "Ah---, mija come here.  Let Nana Maria walk with Nessa while we talk.  She looks as if she could use a walk," Papa Alejandro said softly ushering out Nessa and Maria.  Once they cleared the room he pulled the big oak doors closed.     "Ah, Katherine.  Mi gato.  I have no say in you going.  It is your parents wish that you go.  No, I don't want to see you go.  I will miss you greatly, but one day you as the oldest will take your place in our world and to do that yes you need to go."     "But Rosa and Miguel did not ever go away to school like this," I half said-half asked.     "Because my love your family holds much power and mine has power but not near as much as your family. You will in time come to understand with much power comes great responsibilities.  Your roles unfortunately were cast for you before you were ever born.  No matter what though Nana Maria and I will always be here for you.  We will serve your family until we are no more," his eyes sparkled with wisdom and I already felt lost without him.     "Now little muppet, I need you to be strong for your sister.  If you listen deep down you can feel how heavy this is for her.  You will get to school and make many friends but your sister is not as outgoing as you are.  You must promise me to watch out for her.  Don't let anyone come between you two," he said sternly.  I sat for a moment and settled myself.  I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing... in... out... in...  I sank deep within myself and then I found it the string that tied me to Vanessa.  I followed the string like a life line and I could feel the heavy weight of uncertainty that surrounded her.  She was drowning in her own feelings and doubts.  I pulled myself out along the string that led me to her and came back to myself.     "I promise papa.  I will keep her safe and content while we are away," I promised solemnly.     "That's my girl.  I know you will take the school by storm," he said proudly.       " Did you say we were going shopping," I asked with my eyebrows arched ending on a light note.     He laughed, "Si I did.  Let's go find your sister and Maria.  We should head to town soon."