The Princess & The Pauper

Karina Delvaux

KARINA'S POV

"Karina ..."

I was surprised to hear my mother's voice as I got home from my vacation. To know she's here rather than her workplace, this only means ... something is not right. I can't help but rethink every decision that I make.

Did I do something wrong while I was away? Did I anger this beast of a woman in any way?

"When did you got home?" I asked when I went to greet my mother.

"Yesterday. I thought I wanted to see you myself before you start your new semester as a senior," she smiles. Something is not right. I never saw this woman smile like this after my father cheated on her with my aunt.

"Mom, are you okay?" I can't help but ask.

"I'm okay. Is it peculiar for me to be home?" I slowly nod my head.

"In that case, I'll just be straightforward," she grabbed a file from the table and asked me to open it.

"I am very disappointed, Karina. I thought I raised you better than this," What did I do wrong? As I read the file's content, I couldn't help but look at her and the file back and forth. How did she know all about my doing without me knowing?

"Mom, I can explain. This is all for entertainment-wise. Nothing too serious," she gave me her famous 'I don't give a f**k' expression.

"Nothing too serious? You dragged the council members into this matter, and most of them are from a prominent family! Do you want your mother to be labelled as something else other than the senator of the state?" I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

Whoever blabbing their mouth should just burn alive for all I care.

"Mom, The Dungeon is a secret society I formed to make use of everyone's influence in the outside world. This is where I gather my intel and how I want to survive without needing your help. This is my way, and you have your way," she was taken aback.

"You are using your own best friends?" I shrugged.

"They are using me as well. Everyone in The Dungeon has their own goals to fulfil, and I have my own," my mother sighed before placing an envelope in front of me.

"I have other plans for you, Karina," I took the liberty to see the content, and it took me by surprise.

"Mercywood High School? What is the meaning of this? Why is my name on this piece of paper?" I asked just to make sure.

"You will be transferring school. From what I've gathered, you've been contaminating others with your selfish ideology. It needs to be taken to measure, and I have no choice but to send you to a public school so you can learn how to be ... a normal human being," What?!

"Public school?! You think I won't have my way to corrupt them as well?" My mother smiled.

"Oh, you won't. They aren't accustomed to our style of living, and I want you to see how they try to live their life without using everyone's influence. Karina, I'm not trying to make things worse for you and know after what happened to your father. You don't give a damn anymore, but please trust me when I say this is for your good. I am your mother, and I know what I'm doing," as evil as she is, I can't say no to that face.

"Mercywood was it?" I asked. She finally smiled.

"Whatever pleases you, mom. Whatever pleases you," I was about to leave when she cleared her throat.

"I'm not done, Karina," I sighed heavily before facing my mother again. She stood up from her armchair and went to stand behind me before placing both hands on my shoulder.

"I hope you'll find success, Karina. I wish you nothing but the best," she squeezed my shoulder before walking towards the armchair again. Is that her way to wish me luck?

"Okay then. I'll- get myself ready. Should I even consider taking some shots from the hospital?" My mother chuckled, but I was serious.

"Say your goodbyes to Grimcross, Karina. You won't be returning to the academy as their president anymore. You will be a normal ... student in Mercywood," that's what I don't like to hear.

I work so hard to get myself in the presidency. And now it's been taken away from me just because I want to make sure I have a future.

I wonder what kind of people went to Mercywood. As long as I don't have to deal with many assholes, I'll be fine, I guess. Should I even do my research for this place? Since I have to spend my senior year in some foreign environment. I suppose a little digging up won't do anyone any harm.

When I entered my bedroom, I make some digging about Mercywood High School on the net. My search doesn't lead me to any information I need except that it looks like an underfunded high school with many discipline problems.

Did My mother go mental?

Does she expect me to learn how to be an average person by watching these hooligans? Do I have to leave my post as the president of Grimcross Academy student council for this?!

Well, I guess this could be a good experience for me too. I always wonder how does someone from an underprivileged family carry on with their miserable life.

I only heard stories from my mother about how my father came from a family as such. He and his family only managed to be somebody when he married my mother. But he is just such an ungrateful man since he cheated on my mother with another younger woman.

Men ... one is never enough.

Mercywood High School, I wonder what kind of surprise waiting for me there.

***

"Is this the place?" I asked my driver when he suddenly stopped the car. I decided to look outside and try to process everything into perspective. Is this supposed to be a school?

It looks so ... so plain. Where's the garden for students to enjoy their lunchtime outdoors? Where's the valet? And most importantly, do they even have people to clean up the place?

"Why are the students all gather among themselves like that?" I asked since it's foreign for me to see.

"I'm guessing they are just catching up with each other after the long vacation. Don't you do the same with your friends, Lady Karina?" I hummed.

"Well, I do, but of course, over a cup of tea or something. The way they're doing it right now is weird. Where is the refreshment? Is that what you called a social hangout?" I asked. He chuckled.

"Yes, my lady. You can consider that as one," he said before getting out of the car to open the door for me. The second I stepped my foot out, all eyes were on me. I'm pretty sure they have a lot of questions about me going to school with a driver.

But of course, some of them are probably just surprised to see a beautiful woman like me grace them with my looks! I love the attention I'm receiving right now, so it's all good.

"Miss Karina Delvaux?" Suddenly a man in a suit called me by my name.

"Are you by any chance, principal Philip?" He nods and offers me his hand.

"Such a pleasure to finally meet you, miss. When your mother reached out to me and told me that she was sending Charles's daughter to my school, I couldn't help but question your mother's sanity. Why would someone from a prestigious academy want to transfer to a small and run-down high school like this!" He just called my father by his first name.

Do they know each other?"

"Did you know my father personally?" He nods.

"We were classmates, and we both on the same basketball team while we were still a student here in Mercywood," hold the f*****g phone! My mother sent me to that bastard's old school?!

"How is he nowadays? He must've got a better life than most of us in the team since he is married to your mother," technically, they're not on good terms, but my mother never filed for a divorce yet.

"I'm guessing he's in a ditch somewhere. I would appreciate it if we don't talk about that man," I smiled at him. He was taken aback by my response.

"I'm sorry, Miss Delvaux. Please, come with me," my driver was about to follow me when the principal smiled.

"There is no need to concern yourself for the lady's safety. I can assure you that Mercywood is safe," just after he said that, a group of teenagers fighting among themselves not far from us.

"Yes, it is safe. I'm sure of it," I was sarcastically commenting on the claim the principal just made. It took a few male teachers to break the fight.

"Please, follow me," the principal smiled. I was reluctant, but I didn't have any choice whatsoever. While he explained how to get to classes and the cafeteria, I was mesmerised by some of the beauties who went to the school.

A group of cheerleaders walk past us, but from all of the beauties, only one seems to be gaining my attention.

"Miss Knox," the beautiful blonde woman smiled at the principal. Miss Knox, eh.

"Yes, principal Philip?" She smiled.

"Meet our new student transferring from Grimcross Academy," the cheerleaders gasped but did not miss Knox.

"Oh, welcome to Mercywood. I am Isabella Knox, the welcoming committee," she offered me her hand to shake.

"My name is Karina Delvaux," her eyes widen, and so does the others. Well, I am too if the daughter of the senator suddenly appears out of nowhere.

"You're Marina Delvaux, daughter? THE senator? Like the very person who runs this city is your mother?" Isabella asked.

"Well, last time I checked, my mother's first name is Marina," I smiled before releasing her hands and turned to the principal.

"I believe you have a tour to finish,"

"Miss Delvaux," I turned to face miss Knox.

"Don't think for a second that just because you're someone from a privileged background, you can do whatever you want in this school. Where you come from doesn't make you queen of this school. You're just a new fresh of meat for the vultures," where is this all coming from?

"Is that a fact?" I asked, mocking her. She was about to do something when her teammates grabbed her wrist. At least her friends are wiser than she is.

"I am no queen; my mother is. And for the record, since she's the queen, technically, that makes me a princess, and that makes you- hmmm; a pauper?" I giggled.

"That just makes you a plain stupid b***h," I face the girl standing beside miss Knox.

"I am fluent in 6 different languages and was a student in Grimcross Academy, one of the finest education hubs in the world. Coming from a privileged family doesn't give you a free ticket to success, and if you have a mother like mine, success doesn't just waiting for you in front of your doorstep. You have to earn them," the principal gained our attention towards him.

"Miss Delvaux, I hope you remember your promise to your mother. You have some reputation for dealing with when you were in Grimcross, and I have to make sure you will not repeat the same thing here," I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

Did my mother tell him about The Dungeon? It's just a secret society I created to make sure I have a ... bright future. Why can't she see that it's benefitting our family as well?

"Hmmm ... seems like you had a nice long talk with my mother, principal. Yes, I can assure you that I will be on my best behaviour. I mean, I'm not the one who barks like a dog," I gave miss Knox and his posse a smile.

"Miss Delvaux, please, control yourself. Miss Knox, please come to my office after school today," the principal ushered me to follow him.

Before leaving miss Knox, I gave her my final sarcastic smile. I can see how pissed she is just with thy gesture.

***

“Hmm, what is this?” I asked while showing one of my brave classmates to ask me to have lunch together.

“Meatloaf.” I gave her a disgusted look.

“From what kind of meat?” I’ve eaten some meatloaf before, but I have never seen such a greyish thing before. Is this even cook properly?

“Um- I don’t know. The cooks use beef, I guess.” I- I can’t eat this. I turned to Maria before giving her all the meatloaf on her plate.

“Aren’t you going to eat it?” I shake my head no.

“Are you sure you’re going to eat the vegetables and beans? The meatloaf is delicious. Try it. Just one bite- you won’t regret it.” Normally.m, I would hate it if anyone tried to force me to do something, but since Maria seems like a girl, maybe I should.

“What if I get food poisoning from it? Well, maybe that a blessing in disguise.” Maria smiled.

“You won’t get food poisoning. Try it. Trust me.” I gave Maria a sceptical look before taking a bite of the meatloaf. I almost barfed from how different it tasted.

“I guess the meatloaf is not to your liking.” I shake my head no before chugging a bottle of water.

“The school cafeteria need better food. Where should I complain about this?” Maria pointed at an empty suggestion box not far from where the wash area was.

“Why does it seems desolate? Please don’t tell me that the students don’t care if the prepared food isn’t cooked well enough. How do you guys coop with hunger?” Maria shrugged her shoulder.

“Well, it’s not that bad. At least the vegetables seem fresh, right?” I can’t believe that these people thought that this day old looking vegetable was fresh. How did their stomach get used to such food?

“Since we can’t talk to the teachers, why don’t the school council do something?” Maria looks up at me before placing a finger on her lips.

“We do not speak of that in public. The current school president is someone we can’t simply comment on. Even Isabella was almost in deep when she tried to teach the president how to go for her job.” So Miss Knox is vocal about her opinion, huh? I like that in women.

“Speaking of the devil- thy the president and the council members. I warned you- please do not make eye contact. I understand you came from quite a background, but the president is the only granddaughter of a mob boss. I advise that you stay out of trouble.” A mob boss, huh. Is that so?

Now I’m more curious as to what kind of person this president is. Besides, even a mob boss has its weakness, right?

“You must be Karina Delvaux, our new student. Welcome to Mercywood.” Who would have thought that the president herself would greet me? It would be rude of me to ignore this woman, right?

“That is me. What can I help you with?” This girl seems to be astounded by my rudeness before chuckling away.

“It seems your friend here forgot to tell you something. This is not Grimcross, Delvaux. At this school, I am the queen while you’re nothing but a little speck of dust.” I nodded my head while listening to this girl, showing how important she is in this pathetic school.

I stood up from my seat and smiled.

“Look- the only reason I am here is because of my mother. I don’t give a f**k about you and your posse. If you know what’s best for you, keep a certain distance from me. So what if you’re the only granddaughter of a mob boss? It’s obvious you have no idea who I am.” I whispered the last part before smiling at her.

“Run along. I wish to have my lunch with my friend.” The president huffed before leaving me alone.

“You completely ignore my warning.” Maria sighed when I sat back in my seat.

“Don’t worry too much, alright? I know how to take care of myself. Also, I appreciate it when you’re worried about me. That’s a first, and we haven’t been known each other for long.” I smiled at Maria, who blushed.

“Am I that charming?” I winked.

“Enough! Don’t make me waver- I have a boyfriend.” I laughed.

“Maria-,” I looked up to a decent looking man who kissed Maria on the cheek.

“Speak of the devil- meet my new classmate and friend, Karina.” This man didn’t even check me out! He’s a keeper!

“Sanchez,” the man smiled.

“Karina. Nice meeting you.” We shake hands.

“Likewise. Anyway, I’m sorry for being late. We need to finish the quiz before we can leave the classroom.” Maria smiled as Sanchez took a seat next to his girlfriend.

Am I third-wheeling right now?

“I’m sorry- but may I ask you guys about something?” I asked before they got too comfortable with each other and forgot that I was in front of them.

“What’s the deal with Isabella Knox?” Maria and Sanchez look at each other.

“What do you mean?” Sanchez asked.

“Why is that girl hate me so much?” I asked while playing with the old-looking vegetable.

“Isabella- she’s the captain of this school cheerleading team. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why that girl is always so vocal about everything. You can see her as that righteous student who thinks it’s wrong to treat others differently. Even her boyfriend is worried for her sometimes.” What? Boyfriend?

And here I thought that girl was single. Tsk!

“Did you just click your tongue?” Maria asked.

“I did- I thought she’s single.” Maria chuckled.

“Isabella is dating the school star quarterback. Such cliche scene, am I right?” Sanchez added. Yes- it is cliche. Should I do something to end that boy? Wait- I shouldn’t be thinking of it that way.

Damn it.