My Aunt, Valerie

First Day

GLORIA’S POV

Today is my first day attending the academy, and last night I couldn’t sleep properly. Maybe I’m exaggerating, and I shouldn’t be worried about anything, but it’s hard to keep calm knowing I probably took someone’s spot on the waiting list.

“Are you nervous?” I look up to Raven, who seems concerned about my well-being.

“I’ll be lying if I said I am not. What if the students don’t like me? What if I get into trouble? What should I do?” Raven smiled.

“You’re part of the Forest family. There’s nothing you should be worried about. I’m sure no students at the academy would do anything stupid enough to tarnish their family reputation. Even if they tried to act high and mighty, tell them to f**k off.” Raven immediately covered her mouth.

“I shouldn’t say that to a fifteen-year-old. Please do not mention what I said to your aunt. It’ll be our little secret.” Little did Raven know what Valerie was standing behind her.

“Did you curse in front of my niece and proceed to teach her to lie to me?” Raven's eyes widened before she turned around.

“It’s not what you think. I was playing around.” Aunt Valerie scoffed before walking towards her seat.

“I’ll be sending Gloria to the academy today. Lawrence said he wants to be with his sister on her first day to the academy.” Really? But where is Lawrence? Maybe I should get to his room and-

“Lawrence?” I called out when he was standing at the entrance to the dining hall.

“You look good! Are you excited to send your sister to school?” Raven smiled at Lawrence, who only nodded her head.

“Where did you get those clothes?” I asked since I don’t think Lawrence has had that kind of formal suit before.

“Lawrence told the head maid, and it turns out that the head maid has a grandson of the same age. Lawrence then asked the head maid if he could borrow the suit. That reminds me that we should get the children some formal attire. We should go to the mall this weekend, Raven.” Raven agreed.

“Why didn’t we think of that? You’re right. Sooner or later, the children would have to be exposed to the public as part of the family. Your art show is around the corner; why not we bring the kids along?” Huh? Art show?

“Hmm- that’s a good idea.” Huh? That’s it? Won’t they ask about my opinion about this? Is it because I am not an adult that my opinion is not valid?

“What do you think, Gloria? Do you want to go to any formal event with us?” Oh- now that Raven asked me, I don’t know what to say.

“I think it’s a good idea.” Raven smiled at my answer.

“If you’re worried about what others might say about you, remember that your mother is Cleo Forest. You may have never seen her being a forest before, but no one could forget the impact Cleo had made before. Even Valerie couldn’t compete.” What? Even my aunt Valerie couldn’t compare with my mother?

“What type of person is my mother before?” I asked. Raven smiled before she turned to Valerie.

“Cleo was someone who will fight for the truth and the one who always uphold justice to those who were oppressed by people who are greedy for more power in their hands. It’s a shame that my father doesn’t like the idea of Cleo marrying your father. I blame the old man for forbidding me from meeting my older sister.” It seems aunt Valerie has finished her breakfast.

“Are you done?” I shove my breakfast inside my food before nodding my head.

“That was not lady-like, Gloria.” Raven shook her head while smiling at me.

“I’ll be waiting at the car, right Lawrence. Do clean your mouth and make sure that you have everything you need.” Valerie turned her back to me and walked out from the dining hall with Lawrence.

“I hope you’ll have the best day at school, Gloria. Oh! Here’s the number you should call if there’s an emergency. There is my number, Valerie’s, and also the head maid.” Raven handed a piece of paper to me before getting up from her seat.

“Good luck today, Gloria. If only I don’t have an early meeting today.” Raven hugged me before giving me some words of encouragement. It does help me to be at ease.

After exchanging my goodbyes, I went to the living room to grab my bag. While I was making sure that I had everything, the head maid greeted me, and she too gave me words of encouragement. She must be worried since I told her I didn’t sleep at all last night.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” The head maid sighed before waving her hands as I left through the front door. As I was walking towards the car, I couldn’t help but notice Lawrence was doing something with his hands, as if he was trying to tell our aunt something.

When I got inside the back seat of the car, I watched as Lawrence wrote something in the notepad that Raven had given him. I didn’t expect that my brother is telling me anything.

“Good luck? Aww, Lawrence- when did you become such a smooth talker? Not long ago, you were like baby chicks following me around.” Lawrence blushed in a deep shade of red.

“Gloria, we decided to hire a private tutor for Lawrence. It’s best if he still receives education even though she doesn’t want to go to school. Do you have any objection?” I shake my head no.

“I know it’s for his good. But- isn’t that going to be expensive?” My aunt didn’t say anything.

“Don’t worry about the fee. Everything is being taken care of. All you have to do now is learn and enjoy yourself by making friends.” Friends? Am I capable of making friends?

What if the same thing happens all over again? I don’t know if I can handle it well.

***

“Students, today is such a special day because we have a new student transferring into our academy. Meet Gloria Serrano.” I smiled at my new classmate before introducing myself. The students seem friendly, but who knows, it might just be a facade they out in front of the teacher. I need to be wary about everything

“You may have a seat at the back.” I thank the teacher and make my way towards the back seat. As I was comfortable, the person sitting next to me smiled and offered his hand.

“My name is Tommy. Welcome to the academy.” I smiled before shaking his hand.

“Nice meeting you, Tommy. My name is Gloria.” This guy, Tommy, smiled before telling me to focus on what the teacher was saying. It was him who suddenly talked to me, though.

“Miss Bradley! How many times do I have to tell you that time is gold. This is your fourth time getting late to class.” Whoa- who is that?

“Sorry. My alarm didn’t work this morning, and I did my best to come to school as fast as I could with caution, of course.” The teacher sighed before telling the girl to go to her seat.

“Miss Bradley, we have a new student joining us today. As the class leader, you should show her around. When you have the time.” But the dean gave me a tour himself, though. Should I say something?

Maybe I shouldn’t. It would be weird to say that the dean gave me a tour himself. What if people find me uncomfortable?

“Oh- I’ll make sure to do that.” The girl smiled at me before taking her seat. I have no idea how fast time flies away when you’re having fun. I don’t know if it’s because one of the students here saw me days ago with Raven, and the dean or my new classmates are genuinely friendly.

“Hello. My name is Emma Bradley. You can call me Emma. I am the class leader, and I will show you around the school. But before that, should we go to the cafeteria? I am a bit hungry since I skipped breakfast today.” Should I decline her offer?

It would be weird to say no, though, since I am new. I nodded my head before following her closely as she showed me the rooms that I might use in the future.

“Why didn’t you decline my offer before? I know the dean had shown you the academy ground himself not long ago. I saw you and the dean together with the infamous Raven Forest.” Does everyone know the name of my aunts?

“It wouldn’t be polite of me to decline the offer of someone I just knew. Besides, the dean only shows parts of the school. I still find it hard to find my way around.” This girl, Emma, smiled.

“Well, if you need anything, don’t be shy. Also, give me your phone.” Huh? My phone?

“Don’t worry; I’m not going to steal it. I’m just giving you my number. That way, if you ever need some help, you can call me. Besides, our class has a group that makes it easier to communicate. I’ll add you inside the group.” Oh- I’ve never been part of any group before.

I reached out for my phone and gave it to Emma. I watched as she typed in her number and gave herself a call.

“Now we both have each other’s number. Since you’re a newbie, let me have the house out of treating you to lunch. Which set do you prefer? Huh? Set? What does she mean by-oh!

“Do you like seafood? Or you’re vegetarian? Vegan perhaps? Are you on a diet? Pescatarian, maybe?” I shake my head no.

“I would like the beef combo set.” Emma smiled yet again.

“Good choice. I was about to order the same thing too.” I waited for Emma to order our food before walking towards an empty table.

“So- is it okay if I ask something I’ve been curious about?” Huh? I nodded my head.

“Is it true that Valerie Forest drinks blood?” Huh? What? Does she think that my aunt is a vampire?

“The last time I met her, she looked as pale as a ghost. And when my parents introduced me, I had the opportunity to shake hands with her. To my surprise, her hands were cold as ice. It would be nice if she is a vampire-“ Emma sighed. Is this girl an avid fan of my aunt’s work?

“No- my aunt doesn’t drink blood. Although she never smiles. But only aunt Raven knows how to deal with her wife.” Emma looks at me with weird looks.

“Didn’t you know what happened before your aunt lost her smile?” Huh? No. I just moved in, though.

“I have never known that my mother had a little sister. I first met my aunt at my parents’ funeral, in which she introduced herself and then took my brother under her care and me. And I’m sure even if I ask her about it, my aunt wouldn’t say anything to me.” Because aunt Valerie is not the type to talk much.

“When your aunt was just started to be an artist, a group of irresponsible people tried to take advantage of her by selling her art without her knowledge. I heard these from my father, but the reason that Valerie Forest lost her smile was that those groups of people tarnished her pride. It was that moment that changed your aunt’s perspective about others. And she refuses to smile. The only moment where people claimed to have seen her smiling was on her wedding day.” I see.

It must be hard for her to achieve the very fame and honor she had right now. Just imagine how much effort my aunt had to put into her creation to be a world-famous painter and sculptor must be hard work.

“Oh- that reminds me. Have you decided on a club of associations to join? If not, I can be your guide in checking it out later after school.” That would be a good idea.

“Really? It wouldn’t be a bother, right?” Emma shakes her hand.

“Nah. I’m glad to be of help.” Emma smiled. I have never seen such a bubbly person before. And this girl is beautiful.