Episode 3

Walking back to class, Winter noticed a commotion further down in the hallway. As they approached, she noted that in the middle of it was the red eyed boy. Winter stared. Mandy, watching Winter smirked. "Ahh so he's caught even our pure little Winter's attention." Winter's eyes snapped to Mandy, "Huh?" Layla sighed, "That boy over there." Winter nodded, "uh huh. What about him? No- I mean. Who is he?" Mandy laughed, "That's Sam Tudor. The school's center" The wheels in Winter's mind turned. "Tudor? As in, Blake Tudor and Katherine Tudor? The potent author and famous idol?" Layla grinned, "The reaction is always the same. Yes. Blake Tudor is Sam's older brother and Katherine is his mom." Winter's eyes wandered back to the commotion, "Wow. That's impressive. 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. There have been many rumors over the years." Layla swayed her arms slightly, "Some say his dad is the powerful leader of C.J. Stars Group. Other people say his dad is the headmaster of this place. We don't know for sure, because the family never talks about him." They walked passed the group in the hallway, silently. Winter made sure to keep her eyes forward and not make eye contact with the red eyed boy.

When they arrived at the classroom Mandy and Layla huddled around Winter's desk. They were having a hushed conversation about their speculations of Sam's father. Winter\, uninterested stared off into space\, resting her chin in her hand.  The bell rang and Winter twirled her thick\, black hair between her fingers. She sighed. The young looking female teacher walked into the classroom. Winter watched as the young woman looked around the classroom\, assessing. "Class open your English book up to page 287\," she said in a voice that was soft and assertive at the same time. "Yes Miss Terran\," echoed throughout the classroom. Winter absentmindedly opened her book. *This teacher. Terran\, probably English roots. In her early 20s. Has something for Cornell maybe. Plays kind but has a commanding side to her.* Winter observed for a while before checking out of the rest of the lesson until the dismissal bell rang. Mandy and Layla approached her at the end of the day. "We'll see you tomorrow Winter\,"Mandy hugged Winter. "See ya Winter." Layla waved with a smile on her face. "Bye." Winter went home.

Winter walked through the door to an empty house. "I'm home." She walked to her room, ripped of her uniform and tugged on a big shirt. Winter flopped down on her bed, sighing loudly. "Well, day one is over." She looked up at her star stickers, remembering her older brother. "I miss you Michael." After an hour, Winter heard a noise at the door. She sat up on her bed. There was a knock at the door. "Sweetie?" Winter smiled, "Come in Mom." Winter's mother entered her room, "How was your first day at school hon?" Winter watched as her mother sat next to her on her bed. "It was fine. Same old, same old."  Winter's mother sighed, stroking her daughter's hair, "What did you think of the school?" Winter's eyes shut, pleased "the school? It was beautiful Mom. The campus was teeming with splendor. The food was delicious and the people are.." Winter recalled everyone she came in contact with. "... interesting. To say the least." Winter's mother smiled, "It seems like it. You didn't run into any trouble did you?" "No Mom. No trouble. By the way, I was meaning to ask you..." Winter's mother stroked Winter's long, black hair and gently tied it up, "Hm?" "How did I get in to Golden Academy High anyway?" Her mother's hands stilled in her hair, "what?" Winter looked at her. " I mean we're well off but not ridiculously wealthy like the students who go there. You do work at Universal Relief, but you're an international aid. How did I get in?" Winter's mother stood from the bed. "Even though we are not 'ridiculously wealthy' as you pointed out, you are ridiculously special my dear." Winter furrowed her eyebrows as Winter's mother left the room. "Huh?"

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