Girls of Volin High

DAWN’S POV It’s been a year since my mother abandoned my siblings and me. While I am trying my best to keep my remaining family out from the street, adults keep telling me that that it’s too much for me to raise my siblings since I have not grown up myself. The thoughts of losing my siblings pain me. Even though we have different fathers, we share the same mother, and we’re no doubt siblings by blood. I can’t fathom the feeling of losing them too. I just can’t. “Dawn- are you okay? Are you nervous about going to a new school?” Arthur, my ten-year-old brother, asked me. “What makes you think I am nervous?” I asked while messing up his hair. “Because you’ve been playing with your breakfast. You always do that when you’re nervous or stressing out.” It’s this forsaken habit of mine that made my brother worried. “I’m fine. What about you? Are you excited to see all of your friends again? Also, where is Lily?” I asked about the whereabouts of my five-year-old sister. “Lily is trying to make herself pretty since it’s her first time going to the kindergarten.” I look at the time, and it’s almost time for the bus to be here. If Lily’s not here in 2 minutes, she won’t have any time for breakfast. “Lily! That’s enough. Your breakfast is getting cold.” Moments later, Lily walked out of the bathroom with a smile on her face. “How do I look?” I smiled at my little sister. “Like a gem. Now, eat your breakfast.” Lily went to sit on the chair and eat her breakfast. It didn’t take long for the kids to finish their breakfast. “Here’s your lunch. Make sure to finish it all.” I handed their lunch after they’re putting their backpack on. I grabbed my bag and reached out for the keys. “Thank you, Dawn. You’ve done so much for us.” Arthur hugged me before walking out of the apartment. Lily did the same thing and followed Arthur outside. “Wait up!” I said while locking the door. “Please watch for moving cars when you’re crossing the road! Do not take any candies from strangers, and also, you guys need to go home and don’t go anywhere!” Arthur nodded before taking Lily’s hand and get onto the bus. After the bus disappears among all the cars on the road. I decided to walk to school. Volin High. Never I expected to enroll in such a prestigious school that rumoured to be the home of geniuses in this country. I was as shocked as everyone else when my middle school principal told me that my name is on the list to be in Volin High through the scholarship program. I am sure that I’m on the correct route to the school, but- how come I never seen anyone from the school on the streets? Does everyone come here with the bus? Am I the only one walking to school? But paying for a bus is expensive, and I can’t use the money I have now as I please. “Student ID, please.” Asked a security guard when I was about to enter the gate. Ah, I almost forgot about that. A representative from the school did provide me with three sets of uniforms, a handbook, my locker key, and the student ID a few days ago. I gave the security guard my ID. “Miss Dawn Roman?” I nodded. “You may enter.” The security guard handed my ID back before letting me enter the vast school. Am I in the right place? How is this, even my life now? As I was walking along the long street of the road towards the school, a car suddenly honks at me. Am I walking in the middle of the road? “Thank you, miss.” The driver said before driving along. I smiled before continuing to walk towards the school building. Luckily I used to exercise back in middle school. If not, I would have been struggling just to get through this road. Finally, I have reasons to appreciate all the odd jobs I did. As I’m getting closer to the main school building, I finally met with a few students that went to the school. And my God- they seem to be coming from a family with a long-standing history. I- who was born in the slumps can’t even match with their high born self. “Hello, miss. Again, I’m sorry for honking at you earlier.” It was the driver from before. I smiled and waved my hands. “That’s okay, sir.” The driver got out of the car and went to the back to open the car door. I watched as a beautiful brown hair woman walked out from the backseat of the vehicle. “Mr. Kim- did you apologize?” The driver bow. “Good.” The woman smiled at me before walking towards the main school building. I can’t understand how there’s someone as beautiful as this woman even exists in this world. “Are you a new student in this institute?” The driver asked me. “Yes, sir.” The driver seems confused whenever I called him that. “Are you from the scholarship program?” I nodded. How did he know that? “I see. It’s uncommon for someone to call me politely. I am just a driver and not someone of status. It was refreshing to hear someone as courteous as you, miss.” Ah, it was weird of me to call him politely? Why? “The only person who ever called me that was the young miss. I’ve been working for the Sena family for many years- since the young miss is just a little girl. We’ve been through a lot.” The driver nodded his head while thinking back to his past. How did I end up listening to his story? “Anyway, enjoy your time here, miss-,,” I smiled. “Dawn. My name is Dawn. It’s weird to hear someone call me ‘Miss’ all the time.” The driver smiled back. “Of course- Dawn. Have a pleasant time here in Volin, Dawn.” The driver said before getting into the car and drive away. Well, at least I introduced myself to someone. That’s- “Cataleya! Where are you going? I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to- CATALEYA!” Ah, is this one of those lover’s quarrel? I should get going before I ended up listening to their argument. Thank God I manage to escape from that. Now, where should I go from here? I should’ve asked for a map from that representative. *** Since the bell just ran, its lunchtime. I feel blessed that I manage to find my classroom before the first subject started. Because I wasn’t one of the many students who came from a prestigious family, I didn't get a school tour. But the homeroom teacher did give me a map for my trouble. Little did I know that the map is also a bit hard for me to decipher. Because of how vast this school is, the map consists of 120 pages. While everyone is going to the cafeteria, I decided to stay in the classroom and have my lunch. Since there is no rule against me eating my meals in the classroom, even though the scholarship covers my lunch, it’s better to eat the lunch I made with my own hands. “Miss Dawn Roman?” I was about to have a bite of my sandwich when someone called my name. “Ah, are you the one from this morning?” It’s the same brown hair woman from this morning! Wait, I didn’t notice she is a senior. “Hello? Am I in trouble?” I asked while taking a bite of my sandwich. Because if I’m in trouble, I would like to have a meal before being punished. The brown hair woman chuckled as she walked into my classroom. “No, silly. Your homeroom teacher told me that you need a tour of our school. As the representative of this school student council, I am here to give you a tour.” Huh? A tour? But- “I shall wait until you finish that sandwich.” I take another bite before offering my senior a place to sit. “How was your first session of class?” She asked. “It was fine.” The woman smiled. Come to think of it, I don’t even know her name except for when the driver mentioned her family name. Why is her last name seems familiar? “If you think the school does not treat you well, don’t be shy to come to the student council room. We will be glad to help any students who are in need. Our disciplinary committee is one of the best.” She smiled. Is it just me, or everyone in my classroom seems to be glaring at me? Is it because I talked to a senior and even offered her a seat? “Excuse me, but what should I call you?” The brown hair woman seems surprised to hear me say that. “You don’t know who I am?” I nodded. Should I? The woman laughed before introducing herself. “My name is Charlotte Sena. Just call me Charlotte- I prefer it if you call me by that name.” The brown hair woman or Charlotte smiled. Wow- I have never seen such a beautiful smile ever. *** “Through this door is where our Olympic size swimming pool is. And through this hallway, it will lead you to one of our many indoor gyms. Every student is allowed to use the gym even on the weekends. But please make sure to inform the guards before using them.” I nodded while Charlotte is showing me around. I know this school is one of the prestigious education hubs in the country, but I didn’t expect it to be this well-equipped! This school consists of three central auditoria, four libraries, over ten academic buildings, five outdoor gyms, five indoor gyms, and a few recreation centres for the students who just want to release their stress after hours sitting for an exam. I was beyond surprised when Charlotte showed me a fully operational spa overlooking the school’s beautiful garden. “Any question so far?” Charlotte asked when we’re at the main building lobby. I didn’t even realized we’re here. “Where is the bathroom?” Charlotte chuckled and informed me that every floor has its bathroom. I just have to look for the signs. “Also, I’ve meant to ask- do you have any interest in joining an extra curriculum? Every student must join at least one of the school clubs.” Ah- I didn’t think about that. I used to be a member of the track team. Should I join the track team? Or should I find a new club to enter? Maybe I should look around before making my decision. “You don’t have to answer me now. The students can choose their preferred clubs within two weeks. But- if you haven’t register yourself in any clubs by the end of the time frame given to you by the school board, the school will choose your club randomly. It’s just how this school works-,” Charlotte leaned in. “It’s how the principal want these rich brats to be active in school activities. If not, they would be lazing around the spa or the entertainment centre.” Charlotte chuckled. “Charlotte! Hey- Charlotte!” Charlotte turned around to see who was the one calling for her name. “What do you want from me?” Charlotte asked with hostility. I can sense that this woman is not fond of this man. Wait- isn’t this the same guy who was making a ruckus with another student named Cataleya? “What’s with your tone of voice? Anyway, have you seen Cataleya? I’ve been searching for her. That woman is not in either her classroom or the cafeteria.” Charlotte crossed her arms while the guy waited for his answers. “I don’t have any information to give you. I am not Cataleya’s assistant. You could always try to find the principal if it’s urgent.” The guy sighed. “Charlotte- what is with the hostility? Is it because I choose Cataleya instead of you? You’re well aware that Cataleya has a better connection than the Sena family. It’s only business.” Charlotte smiled. “What you just said, describes who you truly are. It’s no surprise that Cataleya decided to end things with you. I bet that you’re having a hard time with your family since I’m sure Cataleya informed her parents.” The guy took a step forward but stopped midway when Charlotte reached for something inside her jacket. “Do not challenge me, Rodrick. You would know the consequences if you offended my family. If you even lay a hand on me, the Clarkson and Volin family won’t stay idle.” I- I just witnessed something that only happened in movies! If only I had popcorn with me. “Let us continue our tour, Miss Roman.” I nodded while the guy kept his eyes peeled on me. “Ignore him. It’s no use to indulge ourselves with someone who doesn’t understand human language.” This woman says such a thing without batting an eye. Maybe I could be as brave if I have the amount of money and influence as she does. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!