Within the Walls of Kingsbury Prep

by Grace Davies

  Within the Walls of Kingsbury Prep

  Grace Davies

  Dedicated to my wonderful mum who has always given me more than she could afford and loved me endless

  Contents

  Chapter One: The Matter of Wealth

  Chapter Two: The Prestigious Kingsbury Prep

  Chapter Three: The Almighty Roman Kingsbury

  Chapter Four: The Spawn of Satan

  Chapter Five: The Sexism of the Patriarchy

  Chapter Six: The Tranquillity of my Tree

  Chapter Seven: The compromised ankle of a Dancer

  Chapter Eight: The disruption of the safe place

  Chapter Nine: The Three Weeks of Hiding

  Chapter Ten: The Deal of Acquaintances

  Chapter Eleven: the invitation of parent’s Event

  Chapter Twelve: The inspiring life of althea Knott

  Chapter Thirteen: The Rage of Commissioner Preston

  Chapter Fourteen: The likeness of damaged souls

  Chapter Fifteen: The humanity of foundry

  Chapter sixteen: the monster: Alistair Kingsbury

  Chapter seventeen: the exiting announcement

  Chapter eighteen: the important question

  Chapter Nineteen: the ball gown boutique

  Chapter Twenty: the magic of a ball

  Chapter twenty-one: the unveiling of feelings

  Chapter twenty-two: The events of the midnight Ball

  Chapter Twenty-Three: the embroidered tie

  Chapter Twenty-Four: The secret spilled

  Chapter Twenty-Five: The Society of opulence

  Chapter Twenty-Six: The Female initiation

  Chapter One

  The matter of wealth

  Wealth matters in this world. You can disagree and say that it doesn’t, at least not now in the twenty first century but you’d be wrong. The only people who think it doesn’t matter are those who have wealth. Those who can afford to have luxuries. Afford to live. If you’re like me, like the majority of the world, you’d see it clearly matters. Almost since the beginning of time, there’s been a clear-cut hierarchy, one in which wealth matters, in which those with it reside at the top, those who don’t cast aside: worthless. This hierarchy is no different where I'm going: Kingsbury Prep.

  In case you haven’t already guessed, I’ve never been rich. Never had much money at all if I’m completely honest. I don’t belong to a wealthy family. Not the Preston’s, not the Cockle’s. I’m Millicent Anders, Millie to my friends and all I’ve ever had is my mum. My mum and my worn copy of Wuthering Heights.

  Before I was born, my mother began working for this ridiculously rich family over in Knightsbridge as their live-in cook. She worked there for a couple of years, both her and her cooking were adored by the family. Unfortunately, everything went downhill after an incident with the family’s eldest son resulting in the loss of her job. The money she had from the job didn’t last very long as I came into the world nine months later. She had to raise me all on her own, a single mother with no job and very little money. She couldn’t ask my father because he was just some random drunken night, so she says. I’ve always wanted to know more but I’ve learnt never to ask questions about my sperm donor. Mum has tried endlessly, for fifteen years, to get a new job. To earn some form of wage to provide for me, for us. But that’s never happened. Especially not after people found out she was a teen mum. Apparently, people frown upon that sort of thing.

  Ever since then it has been me and her alone: living here within in these cracked salmon walls, sharing a single bed, huddle beneath a holey knitted blanket every night. It’s been tough living on Amhurst Road. Living without heat, without comfort but I’ve had Cathy and Heathcliff and mum of course, to help me get through. Mum found a book left on the bus and brought it home for me one night. From the first page I fell: I was in love. From the first page the book was mine. My comfort. My only friend. My way of escape. You learn to cherish the little things when you don’t have money. A second-hand dress from a charity shop, a tatty book falling to pieces. These may be trash to most but to me they’re my treasures.

  Despite the obvious challenges I have loved living in this little apartment but now it's time for a new chapter of my life, a new place to live, a chance for a real education. All at Kingsbury Prep.

  About a week ago I heard mother arguing on the phone with someone, this is more of a common an occurrence than you would assume, I've just learnt to ignore it and go back to my reading. About half an hour later she walked into our bedroom looking red faced with tear-stained cheeks and tells me she's going out for a while. I don't comment on what I heard or her appearance, I just give her a tight hug and tell her to be careful.

  Later that night I hear her come home, unlocking the door waking me from my slumber. Creeping into the bedroom delicately, she perches on the edge of the bed, telling me she has been offered a job as head chef at the private school Kingsbury Prep. Until then I had never heard much of Kingsbury just that it was the place where rich snobby kids got their education. My mother wouldn't tell me how she got the job or who offered it to her just that I would get the chance to have a real education thanks to the terms of her employment. The job involved her boarding at the school during term time which ultimately meant leaving me here alone. The generous employer offered me the chance to study at the school so my mum wouldn't have to worry about me being alone. It all seemed too good to be true but it's about time me and mother had something to be happy about so that's what's happening tomorrow. Mum starts her job and I start my education at the prestigious institute that is Kingsbury Prep.

  Chapter Two

  The prestigious Kingsbury prep

  Carefully slotting my bookmark into Wuthering Heights, I gently rest my head against the juddering window of the train, attempting to relax but failing thanks to the continuous crackling in my ears mixed with the moments of bliss from my favourite band. I don't even have the luxury of being able to listen to the sweet music of Queen to distract myself from the nervous bubble growing in my stomach. I glance over at my mother, her blonde hair sprawled over her face as she quietly snores huddled beneath the few belongings we have. I guess that's the good thing about lacking money, you don't have many belongings to lug about when you move.

  Glancing out the grubby window I realise we are approaching our stop. I shove my book back into my bag, leaning over mum and give her a small shake.

  “Mum, wake up its our stop,” I smile, moving the hair from her face.

  Her eyes flutter open as they adjust to the bright flickering lights overhead. Quickly jumping up, she makes sure she has both of our bags before we make our way to the doors and step off the train into the crowded station.

  “Stay close to me Millie, we need to move as quick as possible so we aren't late. We can't afford to be late on the first day.” Mum rushes out, already darting through the many tourists and business men/women. I try my best to keep up with her but it becomes increasingly difficult as she gets faster with every step. I'm really worried about her; I've never seen her so nervous before but I suppose it's the pressure of trying to make a good impression, especially when the people you're trying to impress are some of the wealthiest people in the whole country. We make it out the station less than two minutes later and take multiple turns on our way to the school.

  Mum sighs a breath of relief as we turn the last left and stand only meters away from the 'holy' Kingsbury Prep. As we approach the magnificent metal gates protecting the school from unwanted visitors, I gasp in awe and attempt to take it all in.

  The building is nothing like I've ever seen before. Stretches of green grass, greener than I've ever witnessed surround the
exterior of the school. It makes me smile thinking of that common phrase 'the grass is always greener on the other side', in this case it really is. I suppress a giggle and turn my attention to the building itself. You can tell it was designed many years ago with its ancient looking brick and its extravagant towers nestled between connecting parts of the school. I notice various bright and stained-glass windows as well as large forward-looking windows nestled deep in the walls. I look over at mum stood there marvelling in the school’s glory, a small tear escaping her eye, running down her cheek. She turns to me noticing the worry in my eyes, pulling me in for a tight hug, a smile playing on her lips.

  “I'm okay hunny, I just never in a million years thought I'd be able to give you an education let alone one at a place like this. I'm just so happy I can finally make something good happen for you rather than your life being compromised by my failures,” she looks down at the floor and sighs.

  “Mum don't talk like that; I've had an amazing 15 years. Granted our flat wasn't the nicest place to live but that didn't matter to me. What made it so great was you: always making sure I had books to keep me entertained or always giving me more food and going without yourself. You've done so much for me and this just another amazing thing I can add to the list of why I am so proud of you.” I wrap my arms around her waist squeezing her tight.

  She tilts her head down to look at me, “when did you get so wise?”

  “15 years ago, when you have birth to me,” she laughs grabbing my hand as we make our way through the courtyard to the entrance of the school.

  ***

  When inside mum pauses to ask a staff member for directions to the Principal’s office. I glance around the building's interior. Fancy chandeliers hang from ceilings marked with impressive patterns. A large grandfather clock stands proud in the corner creating a rhythmic ticking noise. It's 8:45am, we're fifteen minutes early, at least that gives me a chance to have a breather and collect my thoughts before officially enrolling as a student. Large groups of students pass me going in opposite directions.

  “I love your hair.” I turn around to face a small ebony haired girl, a bright smile radiating from her ivory face dusted with freckles. “The colour is absolutely gorgeous!” She exclaims.

  I run my hand through my dark auburn hair and give her a shy smile. “Thank you, it's odd because my mum is a natural blonde so I guess I get it from my dad but I've never met him you see so I wouldn't know -” the girl gives me a confused look. “I’m sorry I ramble when I'm nervous and it's my first day here and I'm trying to make a good impression and I'm rambling again. Sorry,” I awkwardly laugh.

  She lets out a small chuckle, “you sure do apologize a lot.”

  “I'm sorry,” I face palm as my mum comes to save me from my embarrassment and tells me she's got the directions.

  “It was nice to meet you,” the girl says as she sweeps away in the opposite direction.

  We walk down an eerie looking corridor leading us to the Principal’s office. “Here we are,” she mumbles stretching a shaky hand out to knock on the door.

  A tall dark-haired man around the age of 45 opens the door with an aggressive swing. “Mallory how great to see you,” he beams. “Why don't you and your -” he pauses as his eyes move to me. Our dark grey eyes make contact as he gives me an unreadable look.

  “Daughter,” I finish for him, furrowing my eyebrows.

  “Yes of course you and your daughter, why don't you enter my office.” He snaps out of his trance leading us inside.

  “It's Melanie,” my mum mutters under her breath and I give her hand a loving squeeze.

  Upon entering the office, I notice a large egotistical desk placed in-front of a large window displaying a glorious view of the garden outside. The man walks over to the desk and takes a seat leaning back in an overpowering way. He holds his hand out gesturing for us to each take a seat in the leather chairs facing the desk. As I take a seat, I notice the rustic mahogany coloured bookshelf in the corner filled completely with classics such as Jane Eyre, Hard Times and Pride and Prejudice. I can't help but let out an involuntary wow as I marvel in its excellence.

  “Yes, it is rather breath taking isn't it.” I hear a smug voice from behind the desk.

  I revert my attention back to the man and wait for him to continue talking. A few moments go by in silence as he stares at me again, question in his eyes. I really wish he'd stop doing that.

  “I'm Millicent Anders,” I break the silence holding out my hand for him to shake.

  “Of course, how rude of me. I'm Principal Foundry, your new Principal here at Kingsbury Prep,” he replies completely ignoring my out stretched hand.

  “Well, that's a bit obvious,” I mutter retreating my hand as mum gives me a nudge and a stern look. I look apologetically at Foundry as he laughs.

  “You have a bit of courage in you, don’t you Miss Anders. That's a thing we often value here but I would advise you to try and keep your tongue on a leash and of course to respect your superiors.” Superiors, I almost scoff at the pure egotism exuding from this man.

  “Of course, Principal Foundry.”

  “No need for that, just call me Sir.”

  “Yes sir,” I reply through gritted teeth desperately trying to push away the urge to roll my eyes. Seriously who does this guy think he is? What a pompous prick.

  As if my mum can hear my thoughts, she shoots me another stern glare and I know it's time to put on my best acting skills.

  “I presume your mother has told you all about our arrangement but just in case I will go through it with you now,” Foundry starts.

  I attempt to listen to whatever he is saying but his dulcet tones are mind numbing so instead take in his appearance in more detail. He has a faint stubble ghosting his chin, slight grey hairs pepper his dark hair making it appear highlighted. Hands clasped in front of him, his obnoxiously expensive watch shines under the rays of light emerging from the floor length window behind him. I begin to fear he's realized I'm not listening so I look back at his face and nod my head to the monotonous tone of his voice. Something in particular catches my eye: his tie. Black with a large green stripe but there's a small detailing in the green stripe. The detailing is rather subtle but due to my proximity to Foundry I’m able make it out, somewhat clearly. In a faintly darker green appears to be an embroidered image of a vicious looking fox preparing to pounce at a petite vulnerable looking sheep. I furrow my eyebrows as I try to contemplate the embroidered image I'm seeing before me. It appears to be a symbol for something, maybe a club? Unsure I make a mental note to look it up when I have the opportunity.

  I tune back into the conversation just as Foundry is going through my living arrangements. “So, you'll be sharing a room with five girls all in their first year here but unlike you these girls are already educated so try not to feel too out of place,” Condescending prick. “Does that sound okay?”

  I don't have much choice do I, mum needs the job. “That sounds brilliant Sir,” I say cheerfully hearing my mum snicker quietly at how obviously fake I'm being.

  “Excellent! Now,” Foundry walks round to the front of the desk as me and mum stand. He places a hand on each our shoulders causing my mum visibly stiffen. I get a sense that she knows something I don’t but I shake off the thought. “Professor Montgomery here,” on cue a lanky brunette man in a tacky suit appears clutching some books and a various pieces of paper. “He will be giving you your books for your first term here as well as a map to help you find your way around the school and other documents you need.”

  Montgomery drops the heavy stack into my fragile arms without warning and gives me a pat on the shoulder. Is everyone here an ass?

  “Well, that's everything for your part Miss Anders so if you want to take your,” he eyes my small tatty bag with my very few belongings, “luggage and go find your room. The number will be on one of your many papers. Unfortunately, no one can spare the time to take you on a tour today so you'll have to explore yourself but rememb
er unless asked you are forbidden from coming down this corridor. Understood?”

  “Yes.”

  He raises his eyebrows at me expectantly. “Yes, Sir,” I force out, the words burning my throat.

  “Fabulous. Now if you want to leave, I need to talk to you lovely mum Mallory here.”

  “Melanie,” mum and I mumble at the same time. Grabbing me ferociously, she gives me a tight hug whispering into my hair that she loves me.

  “Okay that's enough now, Millicent if you could leave us now”, Foundry huffs taking a seat at his desk. My mum reluctantly pulls away from me looking terrified.

  “I'll see you soon mum,” I give her a small smile as I shuffle out the room, the door slamming loudly behind me.

  Well hello Kingsbury Prep, you're sure going to be fun.

  Chapter Three

  The almighty Prince roman

  Thanks to that absolutely award-winning help from my new principal I'm left to find my way round this alien school. I pause outside the door I've just been kicked out of and attempt to find a more comfortable way to carry the ginormous books that's been dumped on me. I sift through the pile: The Great Conversation, Cognitive Science, En Bonne Forme, Dance History: An Introduction, A Critical History of English Literature and Contemporary Abstract Algebra. After a quick look through all, I think I'm most looking forward to History of Western Philosophy, Literature and Dance. To be truly honest I can't wait for classes to start, I've dreamt of having a real education for years and it's finally happening. I turn my attention to the small wad of papers nestled between the books and extract the map in a hopeful attempt to find my way out of this corridor and to my dorm room. I finally find said map only to be presented with a miniature image of the school's exterior with tiny arrows above certain windows labelling the room as 'library' or ‘dorms’. Once again, I'm astounded by the professionalism and the pure helpfulness of this school, I don't think I've ever felt so catered for in my life. What a load bullshit. I angrily stuff the useless map into my bag, grab my pile of books and take of in the direction I came when I first arrived.