AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"So what's with this place?" I ask. I'm hoping one of them reveals something about this school that will help me understand why the hell I'm here. My bet is on Ashton. Sophia seems wound too tight and may snap if forced to break from her script.
"The Court or the school?" Ashton clarifies.
"Both."
"What do you already know?" She spins around in front of us, brushing her hands along the branches of the willow tree that drape over the path.
"Only what I was told when I arrived. No phones. No computers. That they do random checkins. All to make sure we're safe and being our best selves. Whatever that's supposed to mean."
Ashton chuckles. "Oh, you had the Dr. Kendall welcome package. Nice."
"It's not a bad message," Sophia says, in an attempt to defend ... the school? Dr. Kendall? Seriously? If Sophia's proper and reserved self is the example of "transformed" then I'm all set.
"The school is an elite institution that helps us reach our best potential. With an education at Blackwood, students become some of the most sought after collegiate candidates," Sophia explains as if reciting from a teleprompter that I can't see.
"Translation," Ashton interjects before Sophia can continue. "We're here because our parents failed at being parents and needed someone else to step in and take over. Every single one of us is at Blackwood because no one else wanted us." Sophia opens her mouth as if to argue, but Ashton stops her with, "Even your parents couldn't handle the pressure." This shuts Sophia's mouth with an irritated snap.
Ashton turns to me. "Privacy's a big deal around here. No one will ask who your parents are, or why you're here. At least most won't. You can tell us if you want. But we get it if you don't. Whatever you did, it doesn't matter. Not to us."
As much as I appreciate her candor, Ashton still isn't making complete sense. Obviously this isn't a typical boarding school. I guess I never thought it would be.
"Okay," I reply in contemplation, taking it in as best as I can without prying even though I want to. "So explain the Court. How the hell do they expect people to get around without getting lost?"
I've already lost my way. We've passed three different gardens. One featuring a fountain with a mermaid shooting water out of her mouth. Another with a white wooden gazebo in the center of a patch of daisies. And another with hammocks hung within caves of hedges. It's like I've tripped into Wonderland. And I'm apparently surrounded by its main characters. Just waiting for the Mad Hatter to make an appearance, but I suspect there's plenty of crazy to go around this place.
"Look toward the building you want to get to, and don't lose track of it as you follow the paths that will take you there," Sophia instructs. "And watch for the little signs posted along the way in case you get turned around."
"The dumbasses who designed this didn't make a circular path along the perimeter that connects all of the buildings. Not on the Court side anyway. But walking around the drive on the outside takes forever. It's like they want us to get lost. Sick fucks."
"You shouldn't walk in here by yourself until you get used to it," Sophia advises.
"And never alone after dark," Ashton adds dramatically, her brows raised in emphasis.
"Why?" I practically scoff at her ominous tone. Everyone is seriously overreacting with this staying safe bullshit. We're in a garden, granted it's a twisted and messed up garden. But it's not like we're in Detroit.
"It's just easy to lose your way." Sophia dismisses Ashton's words with a pleasant smile.
Ashton continues as if Sophia hasn't spoken. "Things happen in the dark. Some good, but mostly bad. So don't wander alone. Newbies get lost out here all the time. You can hear their cries in the dark. Super creepy."
"Are you trying to freak her out?" Sophia scolds, blinking at me nervously. "Don't listen to her." Now I can't help but be a little freaked out. "The path is paved with luminescent stones, so if you stay on it, you'll find your way."
"It only lights up the path, not the places where you can get lost," Ashton argues. She is seriously confusing.
"The Court's actually really pretty when they decorate it with twinkle lights and lanterns for the balls." Sophia's face brightens at just the mention of it.
"Which only means that they could light it up all the time if they wanted. It's proof they're fucking with us!"
"Balls?" I question. "As in Cinderella?"
Sophia beams even brighter at the question. "We have a themed ball each month. Everyone dresses in amazing costumes. Sometimes the Printz-Lee students attend too." She leads us through a line of giant topiaries shaped as animals and teacups that eventually opens into a yard littered with tables shaded by colorful umbrellas.
"It's the school's way of keeping us sane. So we have something to look forward to each month while we're stranded in the middle of fucking nowhere," Ashton explains.
I stare at them with wide eyes, not understanding why a costume party is something to be excited about. It sounds ridiculous to me. "Does everyone have to go?"
"Yes. But trust me, you'll want to," Sophia gushes.
Ashton nods in agreement but understands why I asked. "If you don't go, it's because you got busted for something. And the alternative sucks way worse than getting dressed up and dancing for a night. Again, translation, there are ways to make the balls more fun." She winks at me and takes another hit from her vape.
