Walking back to class, Winter noticed a commotion in the hallway. In the middle of the crowd, stood the boy with red eyes. Layla sighed, "That boy over there." Winter studied him, "Who is he?" Mandy rolled her eyes, "That's Sam Tudor. The school's central axis." "As in, Blake and Katherine Tudor? The infamous author and movie star?" Layla grinned, "The reaction is always the same." Mandy snaked her arm around Winter's shoulders, "Blake Tudor is Sam's older brother and Katherine is his mom." Winter's eyes wandered back to the commotion, "What about his dad?" Mandy and Layla shared a look that Winter couldn't place and then looked back at her. Mandy said in a hushed tone, "We don't know much about his dad, but there are rumors." Layla swayed her arms, "Some say his dad is the leader of C.J. Stars Group. Other people say his dad is the headmaster. No one knows for sure because the family never talks about him."
When they arrived at the classroom Mandy and Layla huddled around Winter's desk, quietly continuing their conversation about their speculations on Sam's father. The bell rang and Winter mindlessly twirled her thick, black hair between her fingers. The young looking female teacher walked into the classroom. "Everyone open your English books to page two eighty seven," she said in a voice that was simultaneously soft and assertive. "Yes Miss Terran," echoed throughout the classroom. Winter absentmindedly opened her book thinking, "Terran. Most likely European roots. Early twenties."
Winter walked through the door to an empty house. "I'm home." She walked to her room, ripped off her uniform and tugged on a big shirt. She flopped down on her bed, sighing loudly, "Well, that's finally over." She looked up at the glow in the dark star stickers on her ceiling, and a tear rolled down her cheek as her brother crossed her mind. It had been six years since she'd last seen him. Winter heard a noise and sat up on her bed. There was a knock at her door. "Sweetie?" Winter smiled, "Come in Mom." Her mother entered her room and sat next to her on the bed, "How was your first day?" She shrugged coolly, "Same as always I guess." Her mother sighed, stroking her daughter's hair, "What did you think of the school?" Winter's eyes shut, "It was astounding. The campus was breathtaking. I ate the best salad I've ever had and the people are," Winter recalled everyone she came in contact with, "Interesting." Her mother continued running her fingers through her hair, "You didn't get into any trouble?" "Nope. It was very quiet." Her mother gently tied up Winter's long hair in a way that only she knew how. Winter twisted the ring on her finger, "How did I get into Golden Academy High anyway?" Her mother's hands stilled in her hair and Winter turned to face her. "I mean we're well off but not ridiculously wealthy or anything. So how did I get in?" Winter's mother stood from the bed. "You got in because you are very special my dear." Winter furrowed her eyebrows as her mother left the room.