THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 506 WORDS LISA BADENHORST IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN 'Home sweet home,' Akasha thinks while washing her hands. She catches a glimpse on her pale, emotionless face, the heavy bags under her eyes reminding her just how long it's been since she'd last slept; too long. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and remember why she had come here in the first place. This is what she wants. This is what she needs. She awkwardly moves around her two suitcases in the minute room, trying to reach the white towel to remove the remainder water from her hands. However, before she manages to manoeuvre herself around the room, the arduous, metal door slides open, leaving her gawking at the person intruding, "Kesha Dunham." The stranger appeared to be a lady, dressed in all-white, with hair tied, neatly, back. The lady grimaces at Akasha, before bitterly introducing herself as one of the nurses who had come to examine her earlier. It takes a moment for the anger inside of Akasha to boil up and compel her to insolently mutter, "Akasha," in a sardonic tone. The moment the word escapes from her lips, she regrets it. Anger flutter behind the lady's cold, grey eyes. Akasha can almost make out the cynical words wishing to escape her pierced lips. "Akasha," she repeats, trying to appear more polite and slightly apologetic. "21-419. That's all you are to me," the lady muttered, clearly annoyed, before hurling the bunch of papers on the bunk-bed and hurrying out. On the bottom bunk-bed now lay a bunch on scattered pages, filled with information that may or may not be vital to her survival here; but, of course, she would not know as the lady had not told her anything. 'I guess it would be safest to avoid provoking any more staff here,' she thought as she finally made her way to the towel and dried her already-dry hands. Akasha sat down on the bottom bunk-bed, which was only inches away from the basin she had used earlier, and gathered the dispersed pages together. She swiftly noted that all pages were clearly marked with the same numbers: 21-419, which she figured had to be her student number. The pages included all her documentation and personal information. Transfer scripts, identification document, progress cards, visa… Everything she had used to apply was here, now methodically stacked in a pile. While working through the information package, which had also just been tossed on the bunk-bed, she couldn't help but wonder about those ideal, flawless, twin bedrooms that had been promised when she applied. She regards the room around her, slightly annoyed at the sight. A substantial amount of time passed before Akasha heard anything which sounded remotely mortal, but eventually there was an announcement for her over the intercom. The intercom-voice announced that she was required to take all her baggage, and any other personal belongings, and report to the receptionist for placement. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, realising this petite room was not actually 'home sweet home'.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 335 WORDS LYDINE JANSEN IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN Rooms were chosen in the order of acceptance. Akasha was one of the last people to apply to the academy and couldn’t help but feel nervous as she walked to the end room of the top floor in the accommodation building. When she opened the door, the room was exactly how she had imagined it. Suddenly life there seemed a bit better, she felt at ease. The room had twin beds standing against opposite walls with a window in the middle. It also contained a small kitchen that consisted of a table, a microwave and a small fridge. The bathroom was behind a door next to the kitchen, just big enough for one. Akasha moved towards the beds realizing one side had already been taken. The bed was already decorated with dark purple sheets and frilly black and purple pillows. A girl suddenly appeared next to Akasha, startling her. She wore a dress that matched the frilly pillows on the bed, which appeared very young on her mature body. She had white hair and looked similar to a porcelain doll Akasha had as a child. But what startled Akasha most about this girl, was her eyes, the bright color of an Aquamarine stone. "I’m your new roommate, Lyon Dracomeir. It's nice to meet you," she said in a child-like voice and gave Akasha a warm smile, one she didn’t think she’d find in a place like this. "Akasha Dunham," she replied, trying to return a smile. Lyon collapsed on the bed, and only then did Akasha realize the small red dots all over the inside of Lyon’s left arm. When she caught Akasha staring at it she gave her another warm smile. "It’s the tests," she said and shrugged her shoulders. Before Akasha could ask what she was talking about, the intercom went on and announced that dinner would be served soon. Lyon took Akasha’s hand, standing up from the bed, nudging towards the door. "Let’s be good friends, okay," Akasha was surprised, but nodded.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 517 WORDS LISA BADENHORST IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN Lyon took hold of Akasha's arm and led her out of their new dorm and towards the stairs. Akasha couldn't help but frown, realising that living on the fourth floor would definitely have its difficulties. Specifically: Stairs. The building that they would be residing in could easily be one of the oldest buildings that Akasha had ever seen, which meant: No elevators. And: A lot of stairs. 'At least there will be no reason to do exercise after school,' she thought, being tugged along the long hallway by Lyon. She couldn't help but feel an eerie chill run down her spine as they passed the abundance of dorms, but no other students. Then, as if on cue, a great deal of doors opened, allowing a great deal of students to leave their dorms, providing Akasha with ease of mind. Along with all the other students, who had now joined them in the endless hallway, Akasha and Lyon headed to where they though the dining hall was located, partly following their memory, but mostly their instinct. After a while of running down numerous stairs and through great quantities of hallways, they found the dining hall, completely by luck, knowing that they would spend the whole of the next day searching for it again. The dining hall was packed with both new students, as well as returning students, giggling and conversating around the long tabled that filled the room. Beside them, on the wall, hung lists of high-achieving students, who had, before them, attended this academy. The lengthy tables contained dishes and platters of all sorts, in the center, and plates, with eating utensils, sprucely arranged in front of the empty seats. No one was sitting, or paying any attention to the food, but the smells made Akasha's stomach grumble. She couldn't help but wish that everyone would simply take their seats, but no one did. Lyon, now deep in conversation with Gerald, a tall, geeky-looking guy whom had introduced himself when Akasha and Lyon entered the dining hall. Lyon learnt that, yes it was his first time there too, but no, he had no trouble finding his way there, but Akasha had not heard a word either of them had said. "When will we eat," she asked absent-mindedly, causing both Lyon and Gerald to give her an irregular look, before both bursting out in giggles. Akasha frowned, turning her attention away from her, probably, new friends. She had never really been all that comfortable around people she didn't know. She tended to keep to herself and be that mindless girl, in the corner, reading another novel. Comming to a dormitory academy, was completely out of her comfort zone, yet when she received a letter requesting her attendance, she couldn't help but feel the need to go. Lyon, looked at Akasha, with wonder in her eyes. She generally avoided surrounding herself with people who shied away so easily. 'This is not going to end well,' she thought, rolling her eyes. 'Maybe, though...' but her thoughts were dissolved by a loud, microphone, voice announcing that everyone should take their seats.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 362 WORDS LYDINE JANSEN IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN A microphone noise came from the front-middle of the hall. A girl With smooth short brown hair and pale skin stood there with the mic in her hand. Her posture was as perfect as she "Welcome to St Ravenwood's Academy. I am the student council president, Catherine Bell. To our old students, we've missed you. And to our new students, it's nice to meet you. Now for announcements: Classes will start in June, so that gives everyone a lot of time to get use to it here. New students have to attend all activities that were scheduled for the next two months. You will find all the details in the packets you've received. You will also receive regular medical exams, please do not think you may skip these! I ask for full cooperation. Now to introduce your student council. They will be here to guide you..." By now not even Lyon could sit still from hunger. She looked at Akasha who was already beyond annoyed. Akasha couldn't care less who the student council was. She wouldn't have any need for their assistance. She felt Lyon squeeze her hand as to comfort her. Lyon put her face close to Akasha's ear. "Don't they all look a little strange to you," she whispered. Akasha noticed what Lyon was talking about. All the members who had stood up, at first glance, were pale. As though they hadn't ever seen the sun. And they all looked like runway models, just like their president. "What bothers me the most, is the uniforms... Do you think we'll have to wear them too." Akasha hadn't worn a uniform at her previous schools. The uniforms the council wore were black skirts or trousers and red button up shirts. It didn't look too bad, but neither Akasha nor Lyon were eager about wearing uniforms. "Okay everyone, enjoy your meals." Before they realized, Lyon and Akasha had completely forgotten about the introduction. They were just happy that they could finally pack their plates with the delicious food which had been taunting them throughout the whole speech.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 510 WORDS LISA BADENHORST IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN Dinner progressed rapidly, resulting in many vacant seats and a few fierce conversations. Ultimately, the whole dinner seemed rushed and Akasha and Lyon found themselves being part of the last group to leave the dining hall. Throughout dinner, many returning students, as well as council members, came to introduce themselves, yet afterwards still tended to keep apart from the new students. 'Probably one of those snobby-rich-kid things,' Akasha couldn't help but think. Yet, she knew she too was now a part of this 'snobby-rich-kid' academy, she thought she would never be a part of. Akasha wondered how many students, like herself, had gotten accepted with a full scholarship. Then she found herself wondering further as to why she had been accepted with a full scholarship. She couldn't help but be reminded of exactly how un-extraodinary she was. There was no reason for her, that she could think of at least, to be granted any kind of scholarship. She was pretty much average, average marks, average ideas, average finances, average life... Along with Gerald, they left the dining hall, headed back to their dorms. (Or at least, they hoped they were headed back to their dorms.) Every turn they took made Akasha feel uneasy, as nothing looked familiar, but Gerald assured them that he remembered the way back to the residence-building. His assurance did not make Akasha feel any more comfortable. Lyon giggled, happily, walking with a hop in her step. The new environment and the new people excited her. She couldn't decide where to look, at the amazing decor or down the halls they passed. She had never before seen such an amazing place. At least this started to explain why St Ravenwood Academy was one of the most sought-after schools in the world. After a few more moments, even Gerald had to stop and let out a forceful sigh. He too, now did not know where they were or where they were heading. "We should probably track back and find a council member," he muttered annoyed. Lyon raised her eyebrow and turned her attention towards Akasha, "You know... I'd rather find my own way back," she said carefully and Akasha immediately understood why. Besides the fact that this guys in front of them was a complete stranger, who had led them down the complete wrong hallway, Akasha also had a troubling feeling about the council members. She would rather avoid them, at least for the time being. She couldn't help but feel as though their warm gazes and helpful offers were completely false. "Let's rather keep down this hall, maybe it is the right way after all," Akasha said nervously, hoping, but before they could start walking further, as she had suggested, the girl with the short brown hair and pale skin, from earlier, stepped, seemingly out of no where, in front of them. Lyon immediately recognized her as the council president, Catherine Bell. As an immediate reaction, Lyon smiled warmly at her.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER 1 452 WORDS LYDINE JANSEN IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN "Pardon us, we were just leaving." Lyon tried to assure Catherine. Akasha looked uneasy, she didn't like this girl, something was too off. The girl smiled at them. "I understand, but your dorms are the other way, just go back to the main hall and take a left." They thanked her before turning around to leave. Lyon felt a cold hand on her shoulder and turned back to see Catherine with a serious expression on her face. "Miss Dracomere, aren't you suppose to be in the medical building?" Lyon felt like her heart was going to stop, she didn't want to take any tests anymore. But she was too scared of what was going to happen to her if she didn't. She just nodded then waved goodbye to Akasha before following Catherine to the medical building.  Akasha was concerned, but didn't ask questions as she walked with Gerald towards the main hall. "Have you had tests done yet?" Gerald suddenly asked. Akasha shook her head. Gerald sighed. "That's what I thought, according to the booklet we got, the medical examinations are only suppose to really start next week."  But she's had many, I saw on her arm. And what are these tests? Akasha thought, her eyes were focused to the ground as she walked. Nothing at the academy made sense to her. She was confused and worried. She suddenly bumped into something hard, Gerald grabbed her hand just as she was about to fall backwards. "Watch where your going, bitch!" A girl yelled disgusted. It was one of the pale girls she saw sitting around the student council. Akasha didn't make much of it, she was use to those type of girls. Akasha finally found her way back to the dorms, she said her goodbyes to Gerald before walking up to her room where Lyon was already waiting for her. She had a cup of coco in her hand and sat on the bed with her head down. Her face was covered with white hair. She reminded Akasha of a ghost, she seemed somewhat lifeless ti Akasha.  "Lyon what happened?" Lyon was now trembling. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. The only thing she could get out was "I can't take it anymore." She kept saying those words over and over again.    Akasha was shocked, only then she realized the fresh bandages on Lyon's arm. The tests. She thought. Akasha walked up to Lyon and sat next to her. She had never comforted a friends and didn't know what to do really, all she knew was there was definitely something not right with this academy

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER ONE 561 WORDS LISA BADENHORST IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN Akasha spent the next few hours trying to calm Lyon down. They looked at the brochures they had received earlier that day, spoke about how ridiculous some of the rules and regulations were and finally got into bed to have an early night. Akasha closed her eyes, but somehow knew that she wasn't going to get much sleep. Her mind was to occupied and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't relax her mind or her body. She thought about her long fight, how she couldn't sleep on the flight either. Yet even though she knew that she was physically exhausted, she couldn't sleep right then either. Akasha's flight had been delayed as result of air-traffic. This had turned her 14-hour flight into 16-hours. She had flown business class and never before had she experienced such luxury. Someone, a Ms P-Something, had met her on the airport, in the UK, to both help her sort everything to board on time and finally accompany her her on the flight. Initially Akasha felt awkward around this stranger, who was playing a motherly-figure for her, but eventually it become increasingly simple to ignore her presence completely. All in all, Akasha had an extremely lonely 14-hours. The only time Ms P-Something spoke was when Akasha spoke first. It was as though she absolutely avoided initiating any sort of conversation, but Akasha thought it better that way. 'Rather no conversation that a pretentious one,' she thought to herself. Ms P-Something had (apparently) been sent from St Ravenwood, but since they landed and sorted everything for Akasha, she'd not seen her at all. Ms P-Something accompanied her to the motor that had been sent for her, but she didn't join them. As far as Akasha could tell Ms P-Something had stayed at the airport and headed on the first flight back to the UK. Akasha turned to her other side, trying to reach a more comfortable position. She looked to the single bed opposite her, where Lyon appeared to have fallen asleep. Her breathing was heavy and she appeared restless, tossing and turning continuously. She couldn't help but wonder what dreams could cause such unrest. She turned on her back, looking towards the ceiling, but not really seeing, as her mind was caught somewhere else. She wondered whether everyone had received the same luxurious treatment and if not: Why? A school, even a prestigious academy, could not possibly be financially capable of this sort of treatment. This reminded her that not only had they payed for her business-clss flight, the "baby-sitter" and the chauffeur, but they also gave her a full bursery, all expenses payed, which includes a monthly allowance of a ridiculous amount. "Are you still awake?" a voice whispered from the darkness. Akasha responded with a "Mmmhmm..." and turned towards Lyon. "Me too," she whispered slightly louder. "Fucking dreams," Lyon sighed, switched the bed-side lamp on and sat up in her purple bed. "What were you dreaming about?" Akasha also sat up and pulled her sheets over her knees. "Nightmares?" she asked quietly. "No, just dreams. Let's decorate the room," Lyon suggested, clearly avoiding the question. "At 2AM?" Akasha couldn't help but giggle and they both got out of their warm beds and headed for their half-unpacked bags.

THE ACADEMY CHAPTER 1 395 LYDINE JANSEN IF I DIE YOUNG, BURY ME IN SATIN It was hard for Lyon to speak about her dreams, in fact, she felt it was almost impossible. She's had the same dreams since she was young and she still couldn't figure out why. Sleep soon took over Akasha as she dropped on her bed for a quick rest after putting up a few pictures. exhaustion had finally taken over her busy thoughts and she fell asleep. Lyon smiled as she noticed Akasha asleep, she through a blanket over her and continued with the room. Lyon avoided sleep, she was to afraid to close her eyes again, I don't want to have that dream again. She thought, holding the charm of her necklace tight in her hand. It was a sapphire her mom had given her a long time ago, it was her favorite piece of jewelry she owned and it has always kept her calm. Akasha was woken up by a loud voice echoing from the intercom. All the students from that were scheduled to have their medical examination before breakfast had to make their way to the medical building immediately. "That's you." She heard Lyon's child like voice whisper. Akasha sat up, it took her a little while before she realized where she was. She hurried to get ready to move to the medical building. As she walked out of her room, she saw that many other students had also over slept. She was a bit relieved that she wasn't the only one that would be late. They had to form a line in front of the building, ladies in white walked around with clip boards in their hands and picked out one for one out of the rows. "21-419" Akasha recognized it as her number and put up her hand, her heart was raising as she tried to imagine what type of tests they would do. She was horrified at the condition Lyon returned in last night.  The woman lead her to a small room in the building, she asked Akasha to sit on the small bed. "Don't be nervous" The woman said noticing Akasha's hand trembling, but Akasha couldn't answer. "We will just be pulling a little blood and doing your measurements, nothing to worry about, and then you'll be done."