Charlee sank to the bench, welcoming the chill from the cold iron seeping though her jeans. If she could be anywhere but here, she would. Caitlin continued chattering in her ear something about ‘when she attended as a child’ and how little on the old campus seemed to have changed. And by the looks of things, she was right.

The main building in front of them looked very romanesque, almost gothic. The brick walkways, although well kept, showed years of wear due to exposure to the elements and steady flow of foot traffic throughout the years. Charlee was willing to bet that the surrounding oak and willow trees scattered throughout the immaculate lawn was almost as old as the school itself. The building looked like something straight out of old Italy, Everything from the narrow archways, semi circular towers, rock-faced stones, to the ornamental archivolt above the main staircase. Lechland Academy was engraved into a stone plaque which sat a few feet from the enormous stairs leading to the heavy wooden double doors that served as the building’s main entrance.

Charlee could see this place was rich with history, even with the presence of modern life, like the line of cars weaving in and out of the parking lot, the electronic campus map that was lit with a dull white glow and the students on their cellphones and electronics, passing each other without looking at each other.

A tall, thin man in dress slacks and a brown seater vest with a matching bow tie approached them from the left wing of the building where the staff offices were located. His balding head gave him the appearance of someone with a much larger forehead, which unfortunately was not helped by his sharp and prominent nose. His smile, however, was warm and inviting.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Quad!” He greeted, reaching out his hand and grasping Caitlin’s, followed by Charlee’s. “You must be Charlee, your Grandmother and I spoke on the phone a few days ago. I’m Mr. Hollands”

Charlee nodded, but kept her gaze on the top of her worn converse sneaker top. She could see a couple of ants frantically finding a way around her foot.

“Charlee is very excited to be starting here at Lechland Academy” Caitlin said, putting her hand on the small of Charlee’s back, as if to somehow coax her into believing it.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Well I think you’ll really like it here, Charlee.” Mr. Hollands said, crossing his arms across his chest and smiling, as if sensing her hesitation. “We have some of the best academic scores in the country. We also have a pretty good extracurricular activities as well. Sports, debate, even some religious clubs on campus if you’re into that.”

Charlee wasn’t sure how to answer, or if she was even supposed to. Sure, she had gone to church with her mother when she was alive, but not since her death. She didn’t have anything against church or even God for that matter, she just couldn’t find it in herself to go.

“We are having our homecoming outdoor party next week, it could be a good time for you to get to know some people, make some friends.” Mr. Hollands continued.

“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Caitlin exclaimed. “I used to be on the homecoming committee every semester I attended here. Everything always went so smoothly.”

Charlee’s gaze wandered over Mr. Holland’s shoulder to where a young man sat, his back against a tree and a book propped up against his knee. She couldn’t make out much of his features, but she could see he had broad shoulders and muscular form, even through his grey sweatshirt which he had pulled up at the elbow, revealing the edge of a tattoo wrapped around his forearm that she couldn’t make out. He wore his jet black hair short and quiff styled and his squared jaw had not been shaved that morning.

As if sensing someone was watching him, the man looked up and for a brief moment, their eyes met. Charlee quickly averted her eyes back to Mr. Holland’s face. He was looking at her expectantly, as if waiting for her response.

Charlee blushed, “I’m sorry?”

“Would you like to tour the campus tomorrow? I have to finish up your class schedule today, but I don’t see any reason you can’t start next week.”

Charlee shrugged a shoulder and nodded. “Okay, sure.”

Sneaking a glance past his shoulder again, the man that had been sitting under the tree was gone. Charlee felt a twinge of disappointment.

“Great! I’ll show you to the office that you will go to tomorrow. I’ll have a someone from the new student committee meet you there around 8 o’clock.” Mr. Hollands turned and lead the way to the main door entrance. “I think you’re really going to like it here.”

Charlee nodded but doubted it. She already missed her home back in Texas. The sun. The old ranch style home placed in the center of acres of land as far as the eye could see. Her friends. Her mother. Even though she wasn’t there, her mother had loved that town. River Fork was as different as night and day in comparison.

Caitlin looked at her briefly, as if reading her mind. She smiled brightly and once again, reached out to shake Mr. Hollands’ hand. “Thank you very much, Gared. I appreciate all you’ve done to get Charlee accepted into Lechland.”

Mr. Hollands smiled and with a nod of his head he turned and headed back towards the door he came from.