" Serena please hurry up we have to be on the road before 7.00am if we don't want to miss our flight okay?" Missy said zipping a few bags up and taking them down the stairs. Serena stared at herself in the mirror in confusion, relief, pain and joy all battling within her . She was scared of what she might find in Eldermere, what big secret her parents had kept from her and if it might be the reason for their disappearance . She let out a heavy sigh clearing her head of all her thoughts, "this wasn't the time to feel down or unhappy she said weakly placing her mother's old red scarf round her neck to hide the neckline. Taking a proper look at herself, her plain blue jeans which fitted perfectly around her curves, a long sleeve burgundy red fitted shirt, her favourite black flat shoes . Underneath the scarf was her mother's ruby neckless which wasn't worn as an accessory but as a necessity, it made her feel safe. For her thick black curly hair , after long hours of conditioning and styling finally relaxed looking ever beautiful. For her face, not being a big fan of makeup applied her cherry lip balm and she was ready. She picked up her journal and her father's letter carefully placing them in her bag before joining her aunt downstairs to leave for the airport. There journey took a total of thirteen hours before they arrived at Eldermere town, this includes their flight to London being delayed for two hours and a two hour drive to Eldermere. As said just no soul could be seen after the old sign which was written " This way to Eldermere Town" . " Ms are you sure you have a permit to enter Eldermere I don't want any trouble" the cab driver said looking at Missy through the rear mirror . " Yes we do, just take us to the town's gate and we can find our way from there" Missy said with a charming smile which made the cab driver unconsciously to grin as he entered into the deserted road quite happily .
Serena took in the landscape of the town as they got closer to the gate, the air became foggy and the clouds all gray. The tall Oak trees planted at the sides of the road looked taller and sinister . There weren't any birds chirping nor anything that suggested life could be found in such a place . " This place is quite creepy Miss, what are pretty dolls like you girls looking for in such a gloomy place" the driver said smiling sheepishly at Missy . Missy being polite smiled back " my niece got into Eldermere University and she is meant to report on school grounds today" . The driver raised his head to take a look at Serena who rested her elbows on the window ledge,her eyes fixed outside the window . His eyes travelled down her body resting on her thighs before taking a look at Missy who glared at him . " She must be a very intelligent young lady to get into Eldermere University huh" he said smiling at Missy who shot him a dirty glare, the word disgust written on her face . " Yes she is " Missy hissed rubbing Serena's back gently before glaring at him once more . The rest of their journey went on without a word being said and by the time they finally reached the gate it was already dark. Serena and Missy got down from the cab, their eyes fixed on the massive black gothic gate which stood between them and the town . After taking out their luggage from the cab, the driver approached Missy " so can I have your number and could come pick you up when you are through here? " he asked rubbing the back of his neck . Missy battered her lashes innocently "oh definitely not, there is no need for that, I can find a cab on my own but thank you for your offer" she said with a smile before walking to Serena who was still staring at the gate .
" Is everything okay love?" Missy asked looking at her concerned . "I think so, I just feel like I have been here before, never mind let's go" Serena said picking up her bags. She wasn't looking at Missy at the time,if she was she would have caught the sudden paleness on Missy's face when she said that. " Hello is anyone there" Missy said shaking the gate slightly but it did not budge . " It's locked and I can't see anyone here " Missy said turning to look at Serena . Serena walked towards Missy touching the gate slightly , she felt something cold run past her, something sinister, evil, "state your business here or leave immediately, this land is the town of Eldermere and no one is allowed in without permit" said a man who stood behind the gate directly in front of Serena, out of fright she screamed moving away from the man who wore a dark blue security uniform with a cap covering his face . " Serena" Missy said taking Serena's behind her protectively . " State your business here" the man said again without raising his head to look at them. No sooner more men wearing the uniform came to stand with the man all hiding their faces with the caps . " Good, good evening, Hi,my niece here received a letter from the University stating she had been accepted to study there, we are with the letter if that's what you mean as a permit" Missy said taking out her phone and walking slowly towards the gate raising her phone so they could take a look at the letter. The man raised his head slightly, his eyes still hidden by the cap. He nodded slightly " open the gates!" He yelled and the remaining men ran to a set of levers pulling hard on them . The gate creeked open loudly, it's sound being echoed by the dense silent forest . "Welcome Ms Serena we have been expecting you" the man said with a wicked smile which made Serena to hide behind Missy . " It's too late for you to head to the campus, we would take you to an inn were you would spend the night and tomorrow morning you would be escorted to see our leaders before you are allowed into the campus. The man said snapping his fingers at one of his men to lead them to the inn and for another to carry their bags . " Thank you" Missy said but neither replied and began walking away from the gate. " Come Serena let's go" Missy said grabbing Serena's hand taking her along with her . Serena looked back at the man she felt something from him, something cold. The man raised his head, his bright red eyes locked onto hers ,he smiled at her which sent chills down her spine . " Those eyes, this feeling what could this be" Serena thought as they walked into the town towards the inn.