by Layman, Tate
“What year are you currently at Martin Bradley High School?” she inquired.
“I’m a sophomore,” Whit replied politely.
“Well then. The classes offered here are very similar to your current classes, with many of the same electives. Our purpose is to prepare students for college and the outside world. We take our responsibility very serious,” Mrs. Audley noted sternly.
Whit felt slightly confused by this tour. She didn’t doubt Mrs. Audley’s statement that they took their responsibilities seriously, but wasn’t this a school for “special students?” Why wasn’t Mrs. Audley talking about that? Whit thought about asking her about the abilities certain students had, but the words wouldn’t move from her throat. She could barely answer the questions she was asked, and didn’t really want to try confronting this stern woman about the true purpose of the school.
Mrs. Audley stopped after about three doors down, and gestured to the classroom on the left. She cracked the door silently and whispered, “This is one of our high-level science classes – Advanced Placement Chemistry. As you can see, we have state-of-the-art lab stations and students really do receive a hands-on education.”
Whit peeked through the crack and saw that it looked like a typical science classroom. The lab stations were set up on one side of the room, while rows of desks took up the rest of the space. She glanced at the students, who looked normal. But all of those students were here for a reason. She knew that probably at least one of those students was a vampire. She examined each student, trying to find the one, but no one stood out.
Without waiting for her to close the door, Mrs. Audley continued down the hall, divulging information about the other classes and their facilities. Then a bell rang and suddenly classroom doors were swinging open and students were spilling into the halls. They moved loudly down the hallway, but quieted when they spotted the assistant dean. Most traveled in groups like normal high school students. Mrs. Audley directed Mona and Whit to move into an alcove until after class change.
Whit backed into the space and studied the students as they trekked to their next classes. Several students eyed her curiously, probably wondering what gift she had. Whit found she was wondering that very same thing about every student she saw. One particular guy caught Whit’s attention as he exited the classroom across the way from the alcove. All she could see was the back of his head, but there was something about that hair that made her pause. As he turned, Whit caught her breath, the guy from her dream. His sandy blond hair swung across his forehead and into his eyes. He was wearing jeans and a black polo, like many of the other boys, and fit in with the crowd. His gaze wandered over the niche where Whit was standing, and he looked at Whit for a few seconds with a twinkle in his eye before continuing down the hall with his friends. Whit watched him walk away, then turned and focused on the other students rushing to class.
Once the majority of students had cleared the halls, Mrs. Audley progressed with the tour. She explained that many of the student advisors were free during this time of day, and that she wanted Whit to meet Mrs. McFaddin, the head adviser. The advisors’ offices were found on the fourth floor of the main building, which meant a hike up the stairwell. There was an elevator, but Mrs. Audley explained that because of its age, only students and faculty with physical handicaps were allowed to use it. Whit didn’t mind the steps, since she loved exercise and the way it relaxed her body, but not even the stairs could help her. Relaxing wasn’t an option today. She was simply too tense about this whole situation.
The fourth floor was divided into five areas. Each area had numerous offices and was marked by small plaques on the wall. Mrs. Audley walked toward the area marked MIND. Mrs. McFaddin’s name was printed on a card above her open door. Once in front of the door, Whit could see Mrs. McFaddin sitting in a comfy-looking recliner. She appeared to be asleep. Whit thought she looked like a middle aged fairy, with wispy, shoulder-length brown hair. It looked like a cloud of frizz around her head. Mrs. Audley approached the office and knocked loudly.
“Mrs. McFaddin, I would like you to meet Whitni Ballentine. Whitni will be attending Maverick soon and she will be one of your advisees. I thought it might be a good idea to introduce you two and give you a chance to talk for a few minutes. Is this a good time?” she asked.
Mrs. McFaddin grabbed a pair of glasses off her desk and slid then onto her nose. “Now is a perfect time. Whitni, why don’t you come in and keep me company for a moment, while your aunt and our assistant dean talk over the forms and all that official records business?” she said, waving her hand for Whit to come in and sit down.
Whit moved into the office and sat down across from where Mrs. McFaddin was stretched out. She glanced around the office, eyeing the books on the shelf next to her chair. Most of the books appeared to be about psychology and the brain, but Whit’s eyes froze as they collided with several titles that contained the word psychic.
“How are you enjoying your visit so far?”
Whit wondered how exactly she was supposed to respond to that question. Mrs. Audley acted like this was a normal school, so maybe they didn’t realize she already knew what it was actually about. “Everything seems to be pretty normal, similar to the school I go to now,” she stammered, feeling uncomfortable for about the hundredth time today.
“Looks can be deceiving you know,” Mrs. McFaddin said with a smirk. “I could do the small talk thing, but that really isn’t my style, so I’m going to jump right in. How much do you really know about Maverick?”
“Just a little bit,” Whit answered. “My aunt told me a few things, but I’m having a hard time believing it.” She said glancing around the office to avoid eye contact.
“How about I start by telling you a little about me then?” Mrs. McFaddin asked. Once Whit nodded, she continued. “I’ve been the counselor here for ten years. I also teach a class on extrasensory perception. Do you know what that is?” she asked with a tilt of her head.
“No, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it,” Whit replied with a shake of her head.
“Basically, it means the same thing as being psychic. I teach students how to control and focus their unique gifts. It’s my gift as well. I know that your family also exhibits these skills. Is this correct?” she asked with a great amount of patience.
Whit wondered how many times Mrs. McFaddin had to talk to new students and ease them into talking about this school and their talents. She looked at the floor and nodded. It was too hard to talk, so she remained silent, but something about acknowledging it to someone else made it feel … safer.
“Okay, I won’t force you into talking before you’re ready. I will tell you though, that I had a vision about you. Would you like me to tell you about it?”
“I don’t know,” Whit whispered.
“That’s a fair response. Well, since you’re undecided, I think I’ll decide for you.” Mrs. McFaddin stopped talking and winked in Whit’s direction. “It was a happy vision, so it should actually ease your worries,” she said with a grin. “In my vision, it was a sunny day and you were on the quad, sitting with five other people in the shade of a big tree. I could tell you were close friends with these five by your body language. The whole group was huddled very close together, whispering and laughing. You smiled throughout the whole vision.” When Whit didn’t respond, Mrs. McFaddin decided to let that information sit for the time being.
“Well Miss Whitni,” she said, “I think I hear footsteps. It must be your aunt and our illustrious Mrs. Audley. If you decide you need to talk or have any questions, feel free to call me or come see me. I’m always available to my students,” she said as she handed Whit a paper with her name and number scribbled on it.
“Thank you,” Whit said without thinking. Even though the conversation had been awkward, she felt less tense. Mrs. McFaddin seemed like a genuinely nice person, and Whit felt a bit better knowing she was available if and when she needed her. Eventually, she thought she would probably find herself back i
n this office.
As Whit left the office, she saw Mona and Mrs. Audley walking down the hall toward her. They were talking quietly, and Whit guessed they were discussing her and when she would start school here. When they reached her, they’d finished their conversation.
“The lunchroom is still serving lunch. Are either of you hungry?” the assistant dean inquired politely.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea, right Whit?” Mona answered, gazing at Whit with a questioning look.
“That’s fine,” Whit replied. Without another word, they started down the stairway.
The Maverick cafeteria was in full swing when Whit followed the assistant dean into the room. The octagon-shaped lunchroom had windows along four of the sides, so that it was brightly lit with natural sunlight. Whit wondered again how the vampires within the student body handled this sunlight. For that matter, did they even come to the cafeteria, or did they go drink blood elsewhere? Whit shook her head to clear her thoughts. She noticed that the tables were arranged in the usual rows, and looked just like the ones at Martin Bradley. She continued to follow Mrs. Audley and her aunt until they reached the various lines for food options. Mrs. Audley explained that lunch was included in tuition, and pointed out the signs describing the food served in each line. Mona and Mrs. Audley opted for the hot lunch of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, while Whit wondered over to the salad bar line and continued to look around curiously. She noticed some of the students watching her, obviously interested in the new girl touring the campus. It was always the same at a new school, it seemed.
“Hi,” someone said from behind Whit. She ignored the greeting, assuming they weren’t talking to her. She realized she was wrong when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.
“Hey, you new to Maverick?” Whit spun around and saw a petite blond with a smile. She stared for a moment, because the girl was tiny and so beautiful. She had blond hair that cascaded down her back in thick curls. Whit knew that her brown own chin-length hair probably looked like she’d just gotten out of bed in comparison. The girl’s skin was so pale and blemish free that Whit was automatically jealous of such perfection. She was wearing jeans and a clingy black top that most likely had every guy in the school panting.
“Just visiting today, but yeah soon,” Whit replied with a lift of her eyebrows. “Taking the tour today.”
“It’s a lot to take in,” the girl said with a nod. “I’m Ellie.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Whit,” she said as she grabbed a plate and started piling random vegetables on it. She wasn’t really paying attention to what she was getting.
“What grade are you in and when do you start?” Ellie asked as she started making her own salad.
Whit snorted at the run-together questions. “Sophomore, and I don’t really know when I’m going to start.”
“I’m a sophomore too, so maybe we’ll have some classes together. I’ve been going to Maverick since the third grade, so if you need any help or have questions, find me. Do you want to sit with me and my friends? Meet some more people?” Ellie asked with a friendly smile as she started walking toward a table full of students.
“Thanks but I better go sit with my aunt. It was nice meeting you,” Whit answered as she searched for Mona in the crowded cafeteria.
“Okay, I’ll see you around soon, then,” the blond said as she headed toward her friends. Whit watched the girl talk with her friends and felt a bit of relief. They acted normal. Maybe this school wouldn’t be so bad after all. She actually felt a bit better now that she knew someone else here, even if it was just the girl’s name.
As Whit made her way past several tables to get to Mona, a student suddenly pushed back his chair and stood up. The chair blocked Whit’s path, and she waited patiently for the guy to move. When he didn’t, she tried to scoot past him with an apology. Right as she was squeezing by, he turned around and knocked her tray out of her hand.
“Oh crap! Sorry, sorry, sorry. I didn’t realize you were there,” he apologized while his friends laughed at his clumsiness. Without looking at the guy, Whit bent down and started scooping up salad with napkins.
“It’s not a big deal. I’m not that hungry anyway,” she said with a shrug.
“Hey, I’ll clean it up, it was my fault,” he said as he kneeled next to Whit. Whit glanced up into his face and stared. It was black polo guy – the one who’d given her that look in the hallway. Now that she was closer, Whit knew she recognized him from her dream.
As he dumped the last of the salad onto her plate, he stood and asked, “You want another salad? I’ll get it for you.”
“No, that‘s completely unnecessary, but thanks for offering,” Whit replied with a smile. She quickly turned around and moved to the chair next to Mona. As soon as she sat down, she glanced over her shoulder at black polo guy. Good grief, he was hot. Mona interrupted her thoughts by talking about how wonderful the school looked and how nice everyone was. It was the sales pitch again. Whit laughed and rolled her eyes at Mona. Man, she was definitely giving her the hard sale on the school. Whit knew her aunt was just trying to make her feel better about transferring by highlighting all the great things she could do here. It wasn’t like she had a choice, though.
After lunch, Mrs. Audley led Whit and Mona though the cafeteria and out the back door. Before the door could close, Whit peeked at black polo guy once more. He was just so good looking that she couldn’t resist. As she searched the room for him one last time, her eyes collided with his and held for a moment. He was sitting with his friends, but looking directly at her with an unreadable look. Before Whit could turn away, he lifted his hand and waved at her. Cheeks flushing, Whit escaped through the door, embarrassed at being caught staring.
Mona tugged her arm to gain her attention, then nudged her in the direction Mrs. Audley’s was walking. The next stop on the tour was the student dormitories. The dorms were in a building found at the back of the campus. Mrs. Audley explained that the room assignments were based on age. Each floor in the dorms was grouped according to age or grade. The younger students stayed on the bottom floors closer to the chaperones, whereas the older ones were assigned to the top floors. She pointed out that the boys’ dorms were in the building next to the girls, but assured Mona that students were watched very carefully at night. When Mona asked to see a dorm room, Mrs. Audley quickly unlocked a room on the bottom floor and stepped to the side. Whit thought the room was about the same size as her bedroom at Mona’s house. There were two beds, two dressers, two desks, and a closet area. Mona asked about the bathroom and Mrs. Audley explained that there was a bathroom and shower area at the end of each hallway. Whit grimaced as she thought about sharing a bathroom with so many other girls. She certainly wouldn’t be taking any long showers.
Following the dorms, Mrs. Audley took them on a quick tour of the athletic facilities. She knew from Mona that Whit loved sports, especially running. Whit watched a class in the gym playing volleyball and thought again how crazy it was that some of those students were werewolves and vampires. Mona had also said something about gifts that Whit didn’t know about, and she wondered what that exactly meant. Everyone looked normal, and it wasn’t like they were being treated any differently.
The Assistant Dean led them out of the gym and hurried them through a large room that contained several large crates and a series of hallways on one side. When Mona asked Mrs. Audley the purpose of the room, she explained that it was a training area and hurriedly left the room before they could question her more.
As Mrs. Audley took Mona and Whit back to the front of the campus, Whit glanced at her watch. It was already 1:30. She couldn’t believe she had been touring the school for over two hours. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? The assistant dean stopped in front of a big, heavy-looking door. The plaque by the door had an engraving for Mr. Tolman, Headmaster.
With a small knock, Mrs. Audley opened the door and directed them to go in. The headmaster was sitting at his desk writing. As soon a
s he saw Whit, he rose from his chair and offered his hand to both her and Mona.
“Good afternoon, ladies, I’m Christopher Tolman, headmaster here at Maverick. You must be Whitni Balentine,” he said with a smile.
Both Whit and Mona offered greetings before taking seats in front of his massive desk. Whit watched Mr. Tolman with a look of disbelief. She had never seen a man that big and tall before. He had to be at least 6’5” and weigh 300 pounds. His face was round, with a dark moustache and beard, which made him look very rugged and outdoorsy. His dark hair looked fluffy and clean but a tad long, like he needed to get a haircut soon. His eyes were friendly, though, and regarded Whit with kindness.
“Whitni, did you enjoy your tour of Maverick?” he asked with a grin that showed his pride in the campus.
“It was very nice,” Whit replied politely.
“Oh yes, the grounds and buildings are so beautiful. It’s changed quite a bit since I attended,” Mona said jumping into the conservation. Obviously she could tell that Whit was feeling a bit tense considering her surroundings.
“I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed your day today. When can we expect you to be joining the ranks of students here at Maverick?” the headmaster inquired.
Whit started to answer, but given that she didn’t know the answer, she ended up stammering a bit before Mona saved her.
“I think the plan as of now is to let Whit finish up a couple of things at Martin Bradley and then start here. Our plan was to move her here in a couple of weeks,” Mona explained.
The man looked surprised. “A couple of weeks? I’m sorry, but I thought Whitni was having trouble with dreams and visions. If that’s the case, I would recommend that she start here immediately. She can’t continue to go on without help. I’ve seen students delay enrolling because of varying reasons and excuses, and the effects of waiting are usually the same. Those students continue to have problems, and in many cases the issues become worse, which makes it doubly hard for the teachers here to get the problems under control,” Mr. Tolman argued.