Within the Walls of Kingsbury Prep

by Grace Davies

  At this time, the corridor is flooded with multiple students in an array of colours running about meeting up with their friends, those they must know from previous years or previous schools. I weave through the masses of people and turn a corner, colliding with something hard. Falling to the floor I drop my books causing them to land at the feet of the person I've just collided with. Embarrassed for the second time in an hour I look up to find an warm dolce skinned boy dressed in a crisp black shirt and matching tight black trousers. He towers over me glaring down at the mess I've made at his feet making me feel small.

  “Are you going to apologize? Or are you just going to stand there glaring at me?” I ask bravely looking at the boy with great impatience.

  He lets out a throaty laugh kicking my books in the process, “me apologize? I think you'll find you were the one who ran into me.”

  “Can you keep your feet away from my books you cockalorum, have a bit of respect.” I snap frantically grabbing my books before they get even more damaged and I end up having to pay for them.

  “Cockalorum? Who even speaks like that. If you want to swear sweetheart just say cock, don't start using made up words,” he smirks running his hand through his head of curly hair.

  “It means that you think you're self-important, strutting about like you're better than everyone. You'd think you'd know that, having a star-studded education paid for by daddy wouldn't you.” It's my turn to smirk now.

  As I finish my remark, the ebony haired girl from earlier rushes over with a floppy haired blonde boy. She helps me collect my books together and whispers at me to back down. I’m not going to back down, no one gets way with talking to me that way.

  I look back at the pompous ass still towering above me and see he is radiating anger, his fist clenched against his side. My eye is drawn to a shining ring situated on his middle finger. I must say it's beautiful though rather tacky, I mean who has a bright green ring? People with boat loads of money that's who. He notices me staring at his hand and bends down to face me. Looking deep into my soul with piercing green eyes, the kind that have the ability to bewitch, I notice his tensed jaw. My how I've riled him. I suppress a smirk as he turns his attention the beautiful girl helping me.

  “Hey Preston, better make sure you keep your guttersnipe friend in order from now on,” he rises to leave, a victorious smirk planted across his attractive face.

  It's my turn to clench my first as I make a move to follow him. The blonde boy is too quick and pulls me back down to the floor before I'm able to cause any more trouble.

  “Trust me, you don't want to do that,” he assures me.

  “Who is that egotistical jerk anyway?” I run my hand through my hair, anger emitting from every pore.

  “That is Roman Kingsbury.”

  “Woah Kingsbury as in -”

  “Kingsbury Prep, yeah. He's like the great great great grandson or something of Arthur Kingsbury the founder of this school. His family is the wealthiest in the whole of Britain and the fourth wealthiest in the entire world. They're the most influential too, they have ownership of pretty much every business in London and New York. Even if it’s only 1%, they still own a part. Since it’s foundation, generations of Kingsbury's have all attended this school making a name for themselves and following each other's footsteps in the family business after graduation. So, believe me you don't want to get on the wrong side of Roman, especially if you aren't one of us.” The blonde gives me a small smile.

  “By not one of you, you mean not rich right?” He looks guiltily at the floor. “There's no need to look guilty, it's true. I was raised by the nicest bravest woman in the world to be proud of where I come from, not to be ashamed of it, wealth doesn't define me. But yeah from now on I will try my best not to talk back to 'King Roman' as long as he stays away from me, if he comes near me, I won't be held accountable for my actions. He can attempt to 'bring me down' but he will never defeat me, I'm too strong for that.”

  The pair snicker at my 'King Roman' comment. “I think introductions are in order,” the girl smiles. “I'm Charlotte Preston, the youngest Preston child but also the best. I hate my birth name, which is why I go by Lola. It is the female version of my brother Charles’ name, who is one of Roman's little lap dogs despite him being a year older, he's such a suck up. He'd do anything to be popular, even if it means him becoming a 'minion' for some kid in the year below him. I've made a conscious effort to be the anti-Charles and you know actually be a decent human. Our family acquired their wealth from years of developing the newest technology that's used in hospitals, but I don’t care about that crap.”

  I laugh in response as the boy begins to speak. “I'm Theodore Knott, Teddy to you, Lola's fabulous best friend. I don't know much about my family's wealth as it ultimately killed my parents so my grandmother, with whom I live, has tried to conceal me from it in an attempt to keep me safe. My parents died in a plane crash when I was 5 years old so I've been living with my grandmother on her estate for the last 10 years, she's the most kickass old woman in the world. You'll have to meet her one day.”

  “She sounds wonderful',” I grin. Lola and Teddy look at me expectantly.

  “Oh right. I'm Millicent Anders, you can call me Millie. My family has no wealth, to be honest I don't really have any family it's just been me and my mum all my life. My father was apparently just a drunken mistake so he's not in the picture.' I notice the glum looks plastered on their faces. 'Well that's was a bit melancholy, what's something more cheerful about me? I love to read, I always have. My mum couldn't afford to buy me real books so every Wednesday we'd spend hours in the library picking out an array of books for me to bring home and devour. I also have a passion for dance, not many people know that but I love it. I haven't taken any lessons so I don't have any technique but I just love feeling free and getting lost in music. That's me,” I look awkwardly at the floor.

  “You forgot one thing in your introduction,” Lola links arms with me and Teddy.

  “What?” I say nervously.

  “Our new best friend!” Teddy exclaims pulling us both closer.

  Chapter Four

  The spawn of Satan

  “Room 23B is right here for you madam,” Teddy does a small curtsy as we arrive at my dorm room. It turns out I'm sharing with Lola as well as some other girls and I couldn't be happier.

  “Why thank you kind sir,” I curtsy back giving a small chuckle. It's crazy how comfortable I feel with Teddy and Lola and it's only be an hour. I don't think I'll be as lucky with the rest of the students here. They took it upon themselves to give me a tour of the school seen as no one else bothered to. They showed me various classrooms; the absolutely gorgeous ballroom with pristine decoration and a beautifully tiled dance floor; the dining hall filled with bustling students snacking and laughing. The exquisite library completed with every book you could possibly think of was my favourite by far. I nearly passed out at the site of bookshelf after bookshelf covered with a lifetime of reading. Lola and Teddy had to practically drag me out of there before I lost myself between pages. My close second favourite room was the dance studio complete with silks for its more advanced and determined students. I may not like the students or the staff here and I may definitely not fit in but I will get great pleasure gaining a full education here learning things I've always dreamt about.

  On our way to find my room we walked back past the corridor that leads to Foundry's office resulting in my queries about why exactly we are forbidden from entering the corridor. Lola tells me it's so Foundry can keep his sanity and have well deserved private time away from students or so he says. We all agreed that that was utter bullshit. Rumours have stated that there's a rickety staircase leading to a secret room under the school that Arthur Kingsbury used for top secret meetings away from the eyes of the law. Teddy tells me it's a myth of course but I'm not too sure, something's fishy about that Foundry guy and his unusual tie.

  I take a deep breathe before turning the handle on the door and
entering my room. I gasp at the site, shocked at how a bedroom could look this amazing after my fifteen years in the box room I shared with mum. Fancy bunk beds resting against barn red coloured walls on either side of the room, framed with golden curtains perfect for privacy. Pale wooden flooring covered gently with a striped rug matching the colour scheme of the room. An array of gold, orange and red pillows laid on each of the six beds. Three large antique wardrobes positioned near the door; I wish I had enough clothes to even partly fill them.

  “Holy shit!” I exclaim as three girls turn their heads to look at me. “Oops, sorry,” I sheepishly smile.

  “Yay! A new roommate! I'm Angelica Scott, my family are seriously well known for our expertise in car manufacturing. I'm not into that myself, I'm more of a create a difference in someone's life sorta girl you know.” She raises from the bed and embraces me in a hug. “I'm so glad we have a new roommate, the more the merrier I say,” she smiles. This girl is beautiful with her hazelnut skin, tight chocolate curls, stunning curves and bubbly personality. I can already tell we will get along great. I don't have time to speak before another girl approaches me. Tan with icy blue eyes, her platinum blonde hair tied into a perfect ponytail swishing as she walks. Wow, I'm seriously starting to feel insecure.

  “Georgina Abbot, I'd tell you about my family and their wealth but I think there's more to a person than their financial status.” Someone who finally speaks sense in this place. “I'm like Angelica, I want to make an impact in this world. I don't want to go into the family business, that's boring and it's been done before. I'm going to be the first in my family to go to university, I'm going to get out of this god forsaken country and live somewhere like India, go help those less fortunate. Just make an impact you know.”

  I look at Georgina speechless.

  “Figured I'd be stuck up like most of the bitches in this place?”

  “No, it's not that. I admire your courage to create your own path in life rather than follow what your family wants you to do.”

  “Aw she's a sweetie, we're going to get on great.”

  I notice a ginger haired girl facing away from us, curled up on the corner bed. Angelica clears her throat and the girl turns around. She has fair skin and rosy cheeks, her face dotted with freckles.

  “Harley Cockle,” she gives a small smile and faces the wall again.

  “She's very shy bless her, I think it's the nerves,” Georgina whispers.

  Teddy gives me a nudge signalling for me to introduce myself.

  “I'm Millicent Anders, you can call me Millie. Erm, there's not really much else to say about me, I'm not very interesting.” I look at the floor.

  “That's such a lie! I tell you an interesting fact about Millie, she's savage! She's major independent and stands up for herself when people are being jerks. She had an altercation with Roman earlier and he was practically shaking with anger, it was brilliant.” Lola boasts for me.

  “You make it sound better than it was, I just can't stand pompous people.”

  “So, you're telling me you stood up to Prince Roman Kingsbury in your first day at this school and you're still here. Girl, you're a force to be reckoned with.” Angelica laughs.

  I hear the click of the handle as the door swings open hitting Teddy on the shoulder. A stunning girl struts in, dressed impeccably in expensive high-end fashion, a smug smile plastered on her pale bony face. She tosses her brunette hair littered with golden highlights over her shoulder, placing her hand on her hip, her Pandora charm bracelet tinkling as she glares at us all.

  “Hell no!” She exclaims. “If Principal Foundry thinks I'm sharing a room with you peasants he's got another thing coming.' Her eyes lock on Teddy, glaring at him. “What are you doing in here Snot, this is a girls dorm if you haven't noticed. I mean you can try all you want to be one of us, even go as far as pretending it's normal for someone like you to be in love with a boy but trust me you will never be one of us.”

  Teddy pales at her comment. “I don't like boys,” he mutters as Lola wraps her arm around him.

  I know I told them I'd keep my cool but this bitch is really testing my patience. “Who do you think you are? Walking in here with your designer knock off heels and privileged personality insulting my friend like that. What gives you the right to talk to him in that way? Whether he is gay or not doesn't give you the right to make such awful comments about him. It's 2019 for crying out loud, people can be who they want to be, it's not a crime to like the same gender as yourself. What is a crime is homophobia, a hate crime, so I suggest you think before you make another comment like that because next time, I will not hesitate to rip out your obvious extensions and set them on fire.” I clench my fist, my nails piercing my skin.

  “I don't not have extensions!” She gasps interrupting me.

  “You think you can walk in here with your privileged attitude and intimidate me, trust me hun I don't scare easy. So, if I were you I'd leave right now and go bribe Principal Foundry into finding you another room because if you stay in this room, well let's just say you won't stay pretty much longer.”

  “I'm gonna ruin you!” She screams, slamming the door on her way out.

  “Good riddance!” I huff. “Are you okay Teddy? I'm so sorry she was so mean to you,” I grab his hand giving it a comforting squeeze.

  “It's okay,” he looks at the ground, “I just hope she won't spread that rumour about me.”

  “If she's as stupid as she looks, she will but don't you worry I've got you back.”

  “Thanks Millie, it means a lot.”

  “Roman Kingsbury and Charity Drinckall in one day… trust me never to get on your bad side,” Angelica laughs.

  “Sorry, I for going off on one. I have a little bit of a temper.”

  “Just a little bit,” Lola winks at me.

  “Hey!” I playfully shove her shoulder.

  “Well after that excitement, how about we let you unpack,” Georgina smiles.

  “I'll leave you guys too it,” we all give Teddy a hug before he leaves and heads to his own dorm.

  I empty out the contents of my bag, placing my few clothes in the antique wardrobe I share with Lola and stacking my new books at the bottom of my bunk. I can't believe I've only been here a few hours and I've already had two major arguments. At least I've made a few friends I think I can count on. I can't guarantee the rest of the students will be as accepting of my financial status but at least I have a place where I can get away from everyone and relax. Now I'm going to enjoy my first evening with my roommates and have as much fun as possible before tomorrow. Before my first official day as a Kingsbury Prep student and I’ll really need to be on my best behaviour.

  Chapter Five

  The sexism of the patriarchy

  I wake to the obnoxious beep of my alarm clock.

  “Ugh,” I groan rolling over and smacking the clock in an attempt to shut it up. 6am. God help me, I sigh shoving my head into my pillow. I feel the bed dip slightly as a hand reaches out and caresses my hair. It’s Lola.

  “Wakey wakey sleepy head, can’t be late for your first day.” She says in a sing-song whisper.

  “Does it have to be so early though?” I groan. I’ve never been good with early mornings.

  “Breakfast starts at 7 but you have to be there well in advance if you don’t want to get into trouble. Also, you need to try on your new uniform!” She squeals.

  “Ugh,” I pull the cover over my head trying to drown out the positivity radiating around the room so early in the morning. Its 6am, why’s everyone so happy? Do they not need sleep?

  The duvet is quickly whipped off my body, my arms and legs grabbed as Angelica and Georgina struggle to drag me out of bed.

  “Damn girl, don’t make it easy for us,” Georgina huffs. The two girls drop my limbs leaving me in a big heap on the floor.

  “Fine if I can’t stay in bed, this floor will be my new bed,” I curl into a ball on the floor.

  “GET UP!” They scream at me. />
  “Jeez, okay I’m up. And you guys say I’m the one with a temper,” I raise my eyebrows.

  “Just put your uniform on, we only have 10 minutes now, thanks to you.”

  I get up from the floor and walk over to the giant antique wardrobe. I look around and notice I’m the only one not dressed, go figure. I open the wardrobe and find a surprisingly nice uniform pushed to the side: a plain white shirt, a little creased but I’m used to that; a navy-blue tie with three dark green stripes diagonally along the top; a navy blazer displaying the school emblem, again in a dark green with a matching knee length pleated skirt. I notice a pair of thick black tights as well black brogues placed neatly on the shelf at the top of the wardrobe. As a whole this uniform isn’t bad. If I’m being completely honest, I have to suppress a squeal of excitement: I finally have my own uniform!

  I take my time putting it on, making sure the collar of the shirt is folded over perfectly and the tie is at the right length. The only slight issue I have is the skirt is shorter than knee length due to my slight curves and rather large thighs; I pray that won’t get me into trouble with anyone, I need to be on my best behaviour today. I brush out my shoulder length curls, collecting it together into loose side bun. I finish off my hair with a chunky deep purple headband. I actually look like a real student. I feel like one too. I push the fear rising in my stomach back down and pack my bag. I have English, Math and History of Western Philosophy today so I pack the corresponding books as well as the map in case I get lost (which is highly likely).