Winter, ahead in all her classes despite the move, was still taking notes to appear studious. She had been accustomed to studying independently. Winter yawned as the next teacher came in for Advanced Algebraic functions and thought, "I can relax now." Winter shut her eyes and allowed her mind to wander. A million thoughts filled her head. She thought of her old friends, her studies, and her mother. When Winter's father intruded on her thoughts, a headache developed. The second she opened her eyes, the lunch bell rang and everyone flocked to her like bees to honey. "She's gorgeous." "A new student after how many years?" "Wow you're so pretty!" "Look at her eyes." "I wonder if she's a model." "Her hair is so long and shiny." "She looks like a princess." Winter studied all of them as she noticed one girl get closer. "I'm Layla. Winter, right?" The girl was a lanky and had emanated sunshine with golden waves and forest green eyes. Winter nodded. "How come you moved schools?" Winter spoke loud enough for the eavesdroppers so she wouldn't have to spend the day repeating herself, "My mom is an international aid for Relief Universal. Her job makes us move a lot." A curly haired girl with golden brown skin that looked like her world revolved around the sun giggled, "You must have seen so many beautiful places then." Winter shrugged. The girl's eyes danced with delight, "I'm Mandy by the way." Layla looked at Mandy and then back at Winter, "Do you want to eat lunch with us?" Without waiting for a response, Mandy linked her arm through Winter's, "Come on. We'll show you where the cafeteria is."
As they walked through the hallways, Winter turned to them, "What do your parents do?" Mandy answered politely, "My mom is the designer Elle Marinette." "Your mom is the number one fashion designer in the nation?" Mandy beamed, proud that her mother's reputation proceeded her, "That's the one. My dad is just the mayor." Winter watched as Layla flipped her hair expectantly, "What about your parents?" "My dad is the CEO of S.C. Group and my mom is the executive director." Layla boasted. "Your parents own the top conglomerate in the world?" She nodded. Winter hesitated a step and looked around as she felt someone staring at her. She locked on hazel eyes filled with something like anger. The girl with the dark bob cut immediately turned away and disappeared around the corner. When they finally made it to the cafeteria, Winter had to stop herself from gaping. She looked around at the marble floors, the heavy satin curtains, the crystal chandeliers, and the long, meticulously designed oak wood tables. Mandy tugged at Winter, "Why are you standing there? Let's go eat I'm starving." There were so many options and they were all beautiful. Lobster with caviar, steak and baked potatoes, miso soup. Her mouth watered. The food looked like art, crafted perfectly by the world's best chiefs.
They sat down, and Winter scanned the cafeteria. She detected the hazel eyes on her again. Mandy daintily ate her soup. Winter looked up from her salad, "So what's the story about this place?" Layla picked at her caviar, "Golden Academy High is an elite school that is extremely hard to get into. The students of this place are usually the children of important people. Business monopolies, political leaders, actors. People with influence. The top one percent." Mandy whispered, "The person who made this place is as mysterious as they come too. All we know is that he's strict, and loaded with money and secrets." Winter shifted in her seat, "The headmaster?" Mandy nodded. Layla leaned forward, "What I want to know is how you got in. You said your mom works for Relief Universal which means you're well off compared to normal people but that doesn't warrant a spot here." Mandy choked at her bluntness but Layla shamelessly continued, "What's your story? How about your dad?" Winter swallowed, "My dad died when I was little. My mom and I have been on our own since then. This is my fourth high school in two years." Mandy's eyes widened, "That's like every semester." Winter nodded, "How long have you two been friends for?" Mandy and Layla looked at each other. Layla pushed back a loose strand of hair, "Our parents are close so we've been friends since forever. " Mandy smiled fondly, " I can't remember a time I didn't know her. Practically straight from the womb." Mandy looked at Winter and then smiled deviously, "So, do you have a boyfriend?" Winter's eyebrows rose at the sudden change in topic, "No. I've never had any interest in one before." Layla looked at her, "Never?" Winter nodded. "Well surely you've at least kissed a boy." When she shook her head, Mandy and Layla both sighed simultaneously. "Our precious, innocent little Winter."