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Hate this school...or do I? (Um and Skeith)

U

Uminator

Star
Joined
Jan 9, 2015
Katherine had arrived at this boarding school a little less than a month ago, and so far she had hated every second of it. At first it had been new and exciting, her first time living away from home, a totally new place, so many people all her own age. It seemed incredible, it was the reason she had agreed to come here in the first place after her parents had made the offer to send her here. But rather quickly things had radically changed. As the new student, Katherine was the very bottom of the pecking order, the lowest of the low. And that made her a target for virtually the entire student body. It hadn't even taken a day for the taunts to begin, the name calling, occasionally thrown small stones and bits of paper, the laughing behind her back. She had expected to make some new friends quickly, but nobody seemed to want anything to do with her. Most wouldn't even look at her, and those that would speak to her...it was only to insult her.

Now, weeks later, Katherine just did her best to stay out of everyone's way. At first she had tried shutting herself in her room, but all that did was let people know exactly where she was. Pounding on her door all night, notes shoved under the door. Now she just did her best to find secluded spots to sit and read. Never the same spot twice in a row, she had to try and make it a little difficult for herself to be tracked down. There were only so many places she could hide though, so it usually didn't take too long for the first to find her. Then once that first one came along, the others soon followed.
Today, Katherine had just sat down, behind one of the classroom buildings, on a bench that hadn't been tended to for years. That was how she knew this was a spot people didn't usually come. Smoothing down her skirt, Katherine sat down, setting her bag beside her before pulling out one of her textbooks. She hoped she might get at least an hour of peace today, though she wasn't exactly hopeful. "Just a little peace....is that so much to ask...?" She sighed, setting the book on her lap and opening it up.
 
(( http://gelbooru.com/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=2458252 ))
(( Black Haired Girl - Miranda ))
(( Blonde Girl - Liz ))
(( Pigtails Girl - Reina ))
(( Brunette - Sarah ))
(( White Haired Girl - Jo ))​

The Academy of Fine Arts had a long and proud tradition of serving as a place of growth for gifted youths the world over. It had been established some fifty years ago by Miranda's family. Which meant that she lived with a lot of pressure to perform. Her devotion to studying and helping to manage school events had caused her to grow up in a lonely world, made even more so after her parents passed away. Upon meeting Liz, a lonely girl for very different reasons, the two of them hatched a plan. To care for like minded girls without many friends or very much family, they would establish a new dorm. Miranda funded the project with her inheritance while Liz met and invited girls to stay with them. Slowly but surely, their humble little rag tag family came together. First Sarah, then Reina, and finally Jo.

Though the school was an excellent place for many ambitious girls to begin preparation for their college years, it was also a difficult place to get by without friends. Those without people to count on were easy prey for the schools more aggressive bullies. In her youth, Miranda had been prey to many bullies, at least until she grew into her body. She was a tall, slender, raven haired beauty. A pair of glasses decorated her face. She was effortlessly charismatic, attracting friends and lovers, often without intent. She was far from a perfect student, maintaining a B average, but her popularity and commanding presence had earned her respect among her peers.

Upon hearing of a new student attending the Academy, Miranda had asked Liz to meet her and extend an invitation. However, the new girl's tendency to move around the campus and find new hiding places made tracking her a difficult process. That is until that afternoon. The blond woman breathed out a heavy sigh when she finally found the brown haired girl, trying to enjoy a book. "Katherine?" She asked as she approached. "I'm sorry to interrupt. My name is Elizabeth. Though most call me Liz. I've been looking all over for you." She stopped a few feet away, it was easy to see that she had been having a rough time up to this point. "I'm here from L-Dorm, on behalf of Miranda Wallace." She smiled warmly as she waited a moment before continuing. "It's our policy to extend an invitation to anyone having a difficult time at the Academy. So, um..." She patted her jacket down before reaching into her bag and pulling a brochure from inside. "Perhaps you'd like to come have a look?" She asked warmly as she held out the pamphlet.
 
Katherine had just been getting into the book, perhaps an odd thing to do with a textbook but then she did want to do well here despite everything, just about to start letting her guard slip a little due to the tranquillity of this spot, when she suddenly heard a noise. Her ears pricked up and she immediately looked upwards, eyes going wide. She had been found already? But she had been so sure that this spot would give her a little more time. Damnit....it was already time for her to get ready for the taunting again. And right when she had been starting to feel somewhat peaceful too. Well....at least it had been nice while it lasted. Slowly, silently, Katherine closed the textbook, moving to place it into her bag. Leaving it out just gave the bullies something else to grab and either ruin or toss around to mock her. At least if everything was in her bag then it was usually too heavy for them to really bother putting the effort into throwing around.

The girl looked up, pushing her glasses up her nose, as she heard the figure coming closer, then watched as an unfamiliar girl stepped out. Strangely the girl seemed to know her name....normally the bullies didn't bother....maybe this was a new tactic, something to make the bullying a little more personal. Even stranger though was the introduction. Why introduce yourself to someone you were about to taunt? Surely that just meant there was a name to report. Then again maybe the girl was just so confident that Katherine wouldn't report this that she saw no problem in giving her name away. She would be right about that. Katherine had rather quickly learned that the families of her most prolific bullies were rather rich and powerful and had sway over some of the staff at the academy. About the best result from reporting someone would be nothing happening. At worst she'd find her time here even more of a living hell.

Katherine glanced away slowly when Liz mentioned she had been looking everywhere. Well, at least the hiding spot had been good to begin with. L-Dorm? What was that? Katherine had never heard of it before. Miranda Wallace though....that name sounded familiar from somewhere, but where....she couldn't place it...but she just knew she had heard that name before, she was sure of it. "Hm....? Invitation...?" Katherine finally spoke. Partly in response to Liz's explanation, partly because she was confused at why the insults hadn't started yet. Anyone having a difficult time? Katherine would definitely fit into that description that was for sure. She looked at the pamphlet being offered to her for a few moments, then slowly reached out to take it, unable to keep her hand from shaking slightly as she did. She was wary of people being friendly to her, though she could hardly be blamed for that. Still, Katherine hadn't been completely broken just yet. Very nearly, but not quite. She could just cling to a tiny glimmer of hope that this wasn't a trick, though it was clear that if it turned out to be then what few shreds of hope she had would be destroyed.
"I....well...." She glanced over the pamphlet, then slowly looked back to Liz, hesitating for a few moments before giving a gentle nod. "...Alright....I'll come and take a look" Maybe this was a trick, maybe Liz was just wanting to draw Katherine somewhere else. But then what difference did it make? Here or in a dorm building....the end result of how she felt was going to be the same regardless. Katherine picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder, though never once took her eyes off Liz. "Though I don't know where that is so...please...lead the way" Katherine clearly didn't trust the other girl yet, certainly not enough to walk infront of her.
 
Katherine's unease and distrust wasn't hard for Liz to detect. She wasn't too different from her a couple of years ago. Still, when she accepted the brochure and agreed to come visit the dorm she simply beamed. "Wonderful! I'm happy to show you the way." She pulled her phone from her jacket, hastily making a call. "Miranda? It's me. Yeah, I found her." She paused shooting Katherine a wink. "We're on our way now. Are the girls ready? Okay, we'll see you soon." She hung up the phone, before looking back to Katherine with a smile. "It's just this way. It's not too far." Liz, having grown uncomfortable in silence, tried to fill the trip with idle chatter.

Miranda had worked hard to prepare the girls and the building for the potential new comer. Despite how difficult the girls could be to manage, she loved them all dearly. It was always nearly impossible to recognize when she was stressed or overwhelmed. She always wore a confident expression. Her body simply radiating confidence and charisma at nearly all times. She was quiet but polite and loving. She waited near the door, straightening her academy uniform. Rarely was she seen without it. The other girls lounged around the living room area. Reina and Sarah sat at the couch playing a fighting game on the large projector. Both of them couldn't be more excited about having another girl living in the house. Jo slouched back in the arm chair with her nose in a comic book, it was clear she would rather be in her room, but Miranda had convinced her to come up stairs and meet the new student.

When Liz finally reached the building, resembling a small manor from the outside, she led Katherine through the gate and up to the door. "Well, here we are." She said with another warm smile. When she opened the door, Miranda was there to greet them.

Miranda smiled softly, before bowing her head quietly. "Welcome home, Liz." She began, giving the blonde woman a brief hug. "Katherine, right? It's a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to L-Dorm." She said softly.

In the background, Jo grumbled something that faintly resembled a greeting without looking up from her comic, while Sarah and Reina shouted; "Hi Katherine!", in unison from the couch while they continued to play their video game.

Liz shook her head lightly with a sigh before turning to face her again. "How about a tour?" She asked happily.
 
Katherine had started to follow Liz, but when the girl pulled out a phone and made a call...well...the words said didn't exactly fill Katherine with confidence. In her current state of mind it sounded more like Liz was rather openly declaring she had ensnared her prey and was bringing it back, calling to ensure that the trap was ready and waiting for her. Liz looking back at her with a smile didn't do much to soothe those fears and, for a brief moment, Katherine seemed to stop and seriously consider just running away. But she seemed to think better of it after a moment, moving to follow Liz once more. Unlike the other girl though, Katherine walked in relative silence. She barely even looked up, only just enough to follow Liz to wherever they were going. She didn't dare look around, lest she risk catching the eye of someone, anyone else. Katherine found herself in rather a fragile state right now, where she had foolishly allowed herself to have some shred of hope once more. If anything happened to tear that away from her right now it could possibly scar her for life.

Fortunately though, the walk was incident free and Katherine could finally look up when Liz announced they had arrived. She blinked at the mansion, then adjusted her glasses, as if trying to fix something wrong with what she was seeing. This was not what she had expected. Something like this was surely for the rich students, wasn't it? Why was she being invited here of all places? It didn't seem the kind of place to spring a trap for her....after all, why risk damaging anything expensive over her?

Katherine followed Liz inside slowly, looking up as she was welcomed from all around. She tilted her head slightly as she looked at Miranda. The girls face seemed familiar, just like her name. But once again Katherine couldn't fathom where from. It wasn't from her classes, or even seeing the girl walking around campus, but Katherine just knew she had seen that face before somewhere, almost certainly not long after she had arrived. Had there been pictures of her somewhere for some reason?
She snapped out of her thoughts when Liz spoke up again, quickly looking to the girl. "O-oh..um...tour? Well...alright then..." Katherine nodded slightly, shifting her bag a little on her shoulder. She was carrying too many textbooks again, damn thing was getting heavy and starting to dig into her.
 
Miranda turned to face Liz, smiling softly. "I have some paperwork that needs tending to, I trust you can take it from here?" Liz nodded in agreement which brought a slightly broader smile to Miranda's face. She turned to face Katherine again, bowing her head again. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Katherine." With that, she walked back up the stairs to her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Liz smiled warmly at her agreement and motioned to begin leading her around the building. "The kitchen, living room, and laundry room are on the ground floor." She showed off the kitchen, which came equipped with a stove, a large fridge, and fully stocked cabinets. "We try to at least do dinner together on the weekends, since classes can usually get in the way during the week. Sarah is studying culinary, so she usually handles the weekend meals."

She flicked on the light to the basement before leading Katherine down. "The basement level basically belongs to Jo." The basement had a large stereo, a couch, a weight training bench, and a punching bag. Liz pointed to a door in the corner. The door in the back there, is Jo's room."

Leading her back up stairs, Liz showed Katherine to the upstairs. "Up here is basically just the dorms. "Miranda's room/the office is in the back of the hall. If you notice we're running low on something, just let Miranda know or leave her a note. She tries to keep everything fully stocked." Each of the doors upstairs had names on the doors. Each one reading the girls' names. Liz's room being located next to a vacant room. "I apologize in advance for Sarah and Reina. The two of them have a lot of... Um... Sleepovers? They tend to make a bit of noise."

She turned to face the vacant room, not yet marked with a name tag. She opened the door, to show her in. "Each of the dorms are mostly the same. They each have a small bathroom, as well." She leaned against the dorm's door jam while she waited for Katherine to have an opportunity to get a look around. "I hope everything will be to your liking." She said after a brief moment of silence. "We all know what it's like to be in your shoes right now. Believe me. We want to help." She said softly with a warm smile. "Miranda's better at this talking thing than I am, but try to think of us like a big family. One that we'd like you to be a part of." She placed her hands behind her back as she thought for a second. "There's no need to rush to a decision. If you like, you can take some time, maybe familiarize yourself with the girls a bit?"
 
"O-oh um..." Katherine fumbled over her words when Miranda spoke to her, but by the time she could compose herself, the taller girl had gone upstairs. All of this was so confusing. Katherine had honestly expected to be jumped by now. If this was some kind of trick, then it was incredibly elaborate, far moreso than she ever would've anticipated anyway.

She slowly turned to follow Liz as the tour began, glancing around slowly as she was taken to each room. Everything was so much nicer than her current down, this place really was more like a mansion than a dorm building. The kitchen was a lot tidier too, the shared kitchen she had access to was usually left something of a mess by most of the girls who used it. It was also virtually impossible to leave things for yourself in the fridge, most likely someone else would just come along and take it. The idea of eating together was also somewhat strange. In the other dorms only small groups ate together, and Katherine most certainly wasn't among them. But here it was so different.
The basement....at the top of the stairs Katherine hesitated for a moment. Surely if anywhere was going to be where she would be jumped, then this was it right? She took a few breaths, staring down the stairs after Liz for a moment, summoning up all her courage before following down, almost visibly bracing herself for what was to come. When nothing happened, she was honestly just a little bit surprised. She glanced around at what seemed to be a miniature gym. They didn't have this in the other dorms that was for sure.

At this point Katherine was a little dumbfounded and began to follow Liz with a little more bewilderment, and just a little less fear. As they headed upstairs she glanced at the various doors, name tags on each of them. She was slightly confused by the apology for Sarah and Reina's 'sleepovers'. The idea of a sleepover when your rooms were right next to each other was a little odd. Then again maybe the girls were just good friends and ended up spending most of their time together. They had been playing a video game together downstairs after all, so maybe they tended to do that at night in each others rooms as well.
And then they came to, what it seemed at least, would be Katherine's room. As she peered inside it once again became difficult to believe that this was being offered to her. The room was far more spacious than the one she had at the moment, and the bed looked much more comfortable. Not that the bed she had was uncomfortable, just...well it would look out of place in a mansion like this.

She stopped as Liz spoke of knowing what it was like to be in her shoes. For once Katherine had her back to the other girl, eyes closed tightly. Did they really know...? How could they? They seemed so happy. But then maybe that was a good thing. What if she was telling the truth? What if they did know what it was like? What if they really did want to help? What if they had once been just like her and eventually had managed to help each other through it? Could she take that chance? Once again Katherine found herself daring to hope, daring to dream. Could she put all her last hopes in this place? In these girls? Then again did she really have anything to lose by trying? She couldn't exactly get any lower down the food chain at this school after all. At worst she'd just be taking a side step. Even if these girls did turn out to be like the others, at least there were less of them in this dorm building than there were in her current building. That alone would make things easier to handle right?

"I....well...maybe....maybe I guess I should get to know them first..?" Katherine finally spoke, looking over at Liz. It was too early for her to smile just yet, but the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes....somewhere buried beneath the pain and the torment was just a glimmer of hope beginning to shine through.
 
Liz nodded in agreement, content with her answer. "Alright then. Let's go get you acquainted." She lead Katherine back down the stairs to the living area again. She turned to face the other girls in the room. "The girls on the couch are Reina and Sarah." She began, pointing to each of them in turn. The two had stopped their game to be able to interact with Katherine. She turned to face Jo, who was still reading her comic, ignoring the goings on in the room. Liz grimaced before she approached, kicking the side of the chair to get her attention. "Grouchy here is Jo."

Jo glared at Liz before looking up at Katherine. She looked over Katherine briefly before offering a small smile. "It's nice to meet you." She looked back up at Liz with an accusatory glance before picking up her comic again. Jo was clearly a less than sociable person. But despite being the newest addition, at least until Katherine came along, she was incredibly protective of the girls, having personally punished several bullies on campus.

Liz turned back to face Katherine after she finished the interactions. "And of course, you already met Miranda. She's the dorm head." She moved to sit in one of the free chairs, smiling up at Katherine.

((Sorry that it's a little short, it was a little rushed.))
 
((It's no problem ^.^))

Katherine followed in silence once more, though at least she didn't seem to be walking quite so 'on guard' anymore, like she was preparing to defend herself with every step. That wasn't to say she wasn't still wary, but she certainly seemed to at least be opening up to the idea of living here. If nothing else, she felt like there was nothing to lose by giving it a try. She looked to Sarah and Reina, giving each of them a nod. She had almost attempted a smile, but seemed to think better of it partway through, instead looking away again from them quickly, more out of habit than anything else. In her time at the academy so far her body seemed to have learned to reflexively look away from other people when it seemed they might look back, as if eye contact were like a death sentence. She glanced at Jo for a moment, but it seemed the girl had little interest in socialising beyond a welcome. Was the girl shy? Maybe withdrawn? Katherine knew how that felt....to be withdrawn, isolated, alone...she had felt it virtually every day since her arrival here. It was going to take a miracle to reverse that feeling.

"Ah...Miranda...I know I've heard her name somewhere before....and she looks kind of familiar..." Katherine gave one of her rare instances of speaking. "But...I really can't remember where from. I don't share classes with her but....I feel like I've seen her and heard her name somewhere before...." Katherine had no idea Miranda's family was involved with founding and running the academy, and she couldn't recall the various family portraits that had been on display at her arrival. All she could remember was that face and that name.
"But this place....it seems....too good to be true...."
 
Liz smiled again. "Ah yes. You would have seen her name around before. Her family helped start the academy a few generations ago. Her parents actually ran the school up until..." She paused, cutting herself off. "It's probably best if she tell you about all that." At the remark about the dorm seeming too good to be true she smiled again. "Miranda and I started it a couple years ago to help girls in similar situations. She took me in when I was most vulnerable and helped me turn my life around. We found Sarah and Reina not too long after, and then we found Jo a couple of months ago. I won't go into detail, it's there stories to tell if they want to." She looked up at Katherine again. "When I said we knew what you were going through I meant it. We've all had it pretty rough, some of us still do, but we help each other through it. We could help you too, if you let us."

"Nobody should go through life on their own." Miranda's voice came from the foot of the stairs as she entered the scene. "We're a bit dysfunctional, but we're family all the same." She added. "I don't know what kind of hardship you've had, or what caused you to become so withdrawn, but we want to help. You can feel safe here and have friends. Real friends." She moved to stand a little closer to Katherine, though not close enough to make her uncomfortable. She wore an expression of honest concern before a small smile crept over her face. "I know it's all a lot to take in. We're happy to answer any questions you have, or put any concerns you might have to rest."
 
That was it! As soon as Liz said about Miranda's family founding the academy it all clicked into place. The main hall, it was full of paintings of Miranda's family, and her name was all over much of the literature that she had read about the school before coming here. Though a girl like that, someone so rich and important...she was living here? In a place like this with supposed 'tortured souls' like her? Well that was certainly an.....interesting situation. Confusing certainly, but interesting all the same. "I....I see" So, all of the other girls here really were just like her? All of them had been alone and wallowing in sadness like her. It was strange, they seemed so happy now. Well, except maybe Jo. But if nothing else she didn't seem distraught, that was something right?

Katherine jumped when she heard Miranda's voice from behind her, turning quickly. Dysfunctional....that about summed up how Katherine felt right now. But they were a family? That....would feel nice. A family to help her through all of this.....a family to help her get through this school. She didn't want to tell her parents about how it was here....they had been so happy to give her the chance to come here, worked so hard to give her the very best, they were so proud of her for making it here, she couldn't let them down, she wouldn't, no matter how hard it was on her. But if these people could make it that little easier....
She took a few deep breaths, Miranda was certainly right about this being a lot to take in. But at the same time, it also seemed like it could take so much off her as well, take away so much stress, maybe even make her time here a happy one. "I....alright" She nodded gently. "I accept your offer....and....thank you....thank you so much...." Katherine almost felt like breaking down, but she managed to hold it back, or at least mostly. At the very least she held back the tears, but she had to reach out to place her hand against the wall as her legs started shaking a little, as all of the barriers holding back her stresses and frustrations were being allowed to break down.
 
It was so easy to pick up on Katherine's misery, that when that negativity seemed to fade a little, Miranda picked up on it instantly. She watched in silence while Katherine thought it over. At her word of thanks, her lips spread into a bright smile. Miranda stepped towards her when she leaned against the wall, she could see how close she was to breaking down, it was something she'd seen several times while gathering the other girls. She wrapped her arms around the girl in a warm embrace. "You are most welcome." She said quietly. She knew it would take time for her to open up and trust everyone, but this was a big step. "I'm only sorry that we didn't find out about you sooner."

The action was able to draw some semblance of a smile from Jo, who had set her comic aside.

Sarah nudged Reina before they stood up from the couch. Sarah stretched her arms above her head with a small groan before speaking. "Tell you what, I'll bring my car around and we can go get your stuff. Seems to me that the sooner we get you moved in the better." She said with a broad smile.
 
Katherine was caught by surprise when Miranda hugged her, gasping and reflexively trying to move away for a second before her mind caught up with what happened. A second later she relaxed again, leaning slightly into the embrace before closing her eyes tightly. She was fighting back the tears now...but she didn't want to let them out, not yet, not infront of her new friends. And besides, in the very back of her mind there was still that final bit of doubt, that last 'what if' thought running through her mind. She felt guilty for thinking that way, but given what she had gone through at the academy so far it was hardly surprising that she couldn't let go of all her doubts, fears and suspicions in such a short time no matter what the girls did to reassure her.

"Hm?" She looked up slowly as Sarah mentioned getting her car. Well, it wasn't like Katherine had all that much stuff but....it would certainly be easier. Not to mention she'd much prefer any way to avoid walking across the campus. "I...yes...thank you" She sniffled and nodded, quickly wiping her eyes on her sleeve. She tried to smile, but it was still perhaps just a bit too early for her to truly do that. "I think...I think I'd like to do that right away"
 
"Sounds like a plan. We'll get the car ready." When Katherine agreed, Sarah and Reina headed outside to get the car ready.

Miranda released her after a moment. It was heartwarming to see at least what seemed like the start of a smile on her lips. "Is there anything that you might need that you don't already have?" She asked softly. "I'd be more than happy to make sure that you have it."

Liz smiled as she stood up from her seat. "Maybe, while Sarah and Reina are helping Katherine, Jo and I can see about getting some takeout to celebrate our new housemate. Do you have any favorite places?" She asked, turning to face Katherine.
 
When Miranda released her Katherine took a deep breath to calm herself. Her legs still felt like they wanted to give out from under her, but she certainly felt better than she had before, at least to the point she could stand for a little while longer. "Oh...well....no..." She shook her head in response to Miranda's question. "I have everything I need really....at least I think so anyway" She looked over at Liz when she mentioned take out, able to feel her stomach rumbling slightly. "Oh um...well...no favourite places in particular...but...I do rather like Pizza...if that's ok?" She hadn't eaten since breakfast now she thought about it, she had been so distracted by everything going on that she had simply forgotten how hungry she was.

Still, now that she was feeling a little better, Katherine was beginning to look forward to this move. Maybe, just maybe, this school wasn't going to be quite so bad after all. Sure she'd probably still have to deal with the bullies during the day, but at least hopefully at night she would have an escape in this place.
 
Miranda nodded. "Alright then. If anything comes to mind later, let me know and we'll make sure you're taken care of. Tell you what, when you get back, come on up to my room once you're all settled. We can get you all signed up and I can bring the paperwork to the office tomorrow." She looked over at Jo, who nodded slowly after a moment before standing up and stretching a bit with an audible groan.

"I'm here on the boxing scholarship. I'll stick close for a few days and make sure that folks understand that you've got friends." Jo said after a moment. "You all set, Liz?" She asked turning to face the blonde woman.

Liz nodded in response before collecting her wallet. "Jo and I will go get a few pizzas and be back in a short while. That should be more than enough time to get all moved in."

Miranda opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the sound of Sarah's car horn. She shook her head with an audible sigh before she looked back up at Katherine. "We can talk more once you get back. It wasn't important."
 
Katherine nodded lightly as Katherine asked her to speak up if she thought of anything. There was genuine kindness in those words, though it had been a while and Katherine couldn't be entirely sure on that anymore. Still, she wanted to believe it and that was possibly the most important thing right now. "Ah...well....I don't want to cause trouble..." She looked at Jo when she mentioned a boxing scholarship. The girl was tall, and whilst she looked strong she seemed to do it whilst losing none of her femininity. If anything the toned muscles only seemed to add to-Katherine abruptly cut that line of thought when she felt a warmth in her cheeks, a flush working its way onto her face as she caught herself staring at Jo for just a moment, before looking away quickly.

"Hm?" Katherine had been so distracted she had barely noticed Miranda talking, not until the car horn blared. Though now she wondered what Miranda had been about to say. Well, she'd find out later probably, she was going to be heading up to Miranda's room to see her when they got back after all. "Alright, I'll see you soon" She nodded softly, looking at Miranda for just a few moments, before turning to head outside to join Sarah and Reina in the car, slowly getting inside and buckling up as she quietly told them which dorm building she was in.
 
The remaining three girls inside the dorm, waved Katherine off as she left the building. When Katherine joined Sarah and Reina outside, she was greeted by their smiling faces again. They immediately headed to her dormitory. "I'm glad you decided to move in." Sarah said after a brief moment of silence. "When Liz left to find you, she was a little worried you wouldn't want to come. I'm happy she was able to convince you to try us on."

Reina spoke up soon after. "The academy really is a great place. Unfortunately, it being a bit of an elite school means there's a few not so awesome students with a bit of a mean streak." She said with a bit of an irritated growl. "Miranda and Liz took us in right about the same time, we had some pretty serious bully trouble too."

When the car pulled to a stop, both Sarah and Reina climbed out as well. "Alright, the sooner we pack up, the sooner we can get you home." Sarah said with a small smile. They weren't sure how much trouble Katherine dealt with in her own dorm and decided it best if they went in with her, there was strength in numbers after all. "It'll be fun, they'll be food, we can watch a movie or something... We'll figure out something fun to ring in your first night."
 
"I did consider not coming....I...was very scared it was just a trick..." Katherine sank into the seat of the car, taking a deep breath as she finally relaxed a little more. "I'm glad I accepted too....I'm starting to get a good feeling about all this really..." She nodded quickly at the mention of students with a mean streak. "Yes...I'd definitely agree with that...though those seem to be the only ones I ever met...it seemed like everyone joined in just to make themselves look better..." She sniffled for a moment, but quickly shook her head, trying to push such thoughts away. This wasn't the time or place to be getting upset again, she was supposed to be cheering up right now.

When they stopped outside of the dorm building Katherine sat in the car and looked at it for a moment, the building still seeming to loom over her. She always dreaded coming back here, it meant everyone knew exactly where she was and that she had no escape, trapped in her room. "Ok...." She took a few deep breaths before getting out of the car, though found herself unable to let go of the door for a few moments, at least not until Sarah and Reina moved to come inside with her. "Thank you....both of you. I don't have much so this shouldn't take long...."
Katherine was careful to be quiet as she opened the door and made her way inside, instinctively glancing around as if checking the coast was clear, before almost darting for the stairs. Despite Sarah and Reina's presence she would still prefer not being noticed. The way she was feeling right now she felt there was a very real danger of just breaking down completely. Another glance around and she headed upstairs, again glancing around at the top, before making her way quickly to her room, quietly opening the door and holding it until Sarah and Reina were inside, then quietly shut it.

"Ok..." The room was sparsely decorated, barely beyond the way the room came as standard. Katherine just went to her closet, pulling out the bag she had used to bring her things and putting it on the bed, then starting to pack away her clothes. A few shirts, a few skirts that she never wore around the school, a few pairs of pants, some spare uniforms and then her various pieces of underwear last. The only other thing she grabbed was a spare book bag, packing a few text and notebooks into it before slinging it over her shoulder. "There, that's everything. We should go before someone realises I'm here..."
 
Reina and Sarah kept pace, following closely behind her. It was clear that she wanted to be in and out of this place as quickly as possible. Was it possible that her problems had followed her here? Neither of them said anything on the subject as they didn't want to bring up any more painful memories for her. Both of them stood by the door while she packed, Reina nervously watching the hallway. Katherine's nervousness causing her to feel a little nervous. As soon as she said she was ready, Reina sighed in relief. "Fantastic! Now, let's put the bad stuff behind us and get back to the good stuff." She replied in an energetic tone.

Sarah picked up Katherine's heavier bag, slinging it over her shoulder. "I'd be willing to bet that the food will be back at the house soon." She led the way downstairs, and back out to the car. "We'll get you all moved in after we chow down." She said as she opened the door for Katherine, setting the bag in beside her. In a matter of minutes the car was headed back towards the dorm. When the car came to a stop near the dorm, Jo and Liz could be seen carrying a few boxes of pizza from her car.

Liz looked up when she heard their car, smiling widely. "Hey ladies!" She shouted as she began heading back into the dorm with Jo in tow. "Looks like everything went well." She added, waiting for Reina to grab the door. Back inside, Miranda was sitting on the couch, watching something on television. "Miranda! Foods here!" Liz said excitedly as they walked in. She set them on the counter before quickly setting about grabbing plates and drinks.
 
Katherine blinked when Sarah took her bag for her, but decided it wasn't best to argue, arguing made noise and would make them be in the same place for too long, she really didn't want that. She was just glad that they could be in and out so quickly and without drawing attention. That had been lucky, very lucky. Maybe today really was Katherine's lucky day, everything just seemed to be going right for her today. Well, maybe it was all the back luck she was owed by the world finally being paid. When they got back into the car she let out a gentle sigh of relief. Finally....finally she was free of this place, finally she would never have to come back to this hell of a dorm.

The car ride back was somewhat more enjoyable than the ride before had been, this time they were heading away from one of the sources of her misery after all. As she got out she could already smell the pizza....it smelled so good, she was getting hungrier by the second just smelling it. Without even realising Katherine found herself walking quickly to get inside, her stomach grumbling lightly. "Thank you again....everyone" Katherine managed a very slight smile as she set her bags down, then moved to head into the kitchen area, feeling both anxious and excited to be eating with the others.
 
When Katherine joined her in the kitchen, Liz handed her a plate. Seeing the smile, however faint, on Katherine's face brought one to her own. "It's our pleasure, Katherine. We're very happy to have you." She pulled a couple of slices of pizza for herself before heading back into the living room and taking a seat in front of the TV. One by one each of the girls collected their own share of the pizza before retreating back to the living room. Each of them settling on a movie to watch while eating.

Sarah and Reina sat in very close proximity, leaning on one another as they ate. Jo was slouched back in her recliner, eating silently while some of the other girls chatted. Liz sat near Katherine, Miranda on her other side. Though Miranda only stayed down stairs until she had finished her plate. "Whenever you're ready to get all signed up, you can join me upstairs." She said to Katherine with a faint smile. "There's no rush though. Feel free to relax and get moved in first if you prefer." She looked to the rest of the girls before offering a warm smile. "Good night ladies. I know how exciting it is to have a new addition, but try to behave tonight? Hmm?" With a small giggle, she headed back upstairs. The idea of behaving themselves brought a small giggle from Sarah and Reina, and a sigh from Jo.

Liz shook her head lightly before looking up at Miranda. "Good night, Miranda. Let me know if you need anything." She turned to face Katherine after Miranda went up stairs before patting her leg softly. "Would you like any help getting moved in?" She asked sincerely.
 
The smell of the pizza was making Katherine even hungrier....it smelled so good and she was so hungry. She waited for a few moments, then took a few slices of pizza for herself too. She couldn't help licking her lips, having to fight the urge to just stuff it into her face there and then. But she owed it to her new dorm mates....no, her new friends, to eat with them. Besides, she wanted to, she wanted to experience eating with friends, to be able to eat without worrying.

She followed the others into the main room before sitting down. The couch was incredibly comfortable, she almost thought she could sleep right here. It was so tempting to do exactly that, but she felt that might not leave a great impression. Finally though, she took her first bite of the pizza, savouring it for just a few moments, before beginning to eat a little faster, barely leaving a crumb of each slice she had taken. She licked her lips once she was finished, relaxing back into the couch with a contented sigh, then glanced to Miranda as she spoke up. "Ah, yes, right" She nodded softly to the girl as she went to head upstairs. She probably should do it sooner rather than later, both to make things easier on Miranda and to even help herself. Being properly signed up for all of this, maybe it would finally help it truly feel real. She was a little confused at the comment of 'behaving tonight', even more confused by Miranda's giggle followed by similar giggling from Sarah and Reina. Just what had that meant?

"Hm? Oh! No, that's alright, thank you" Katherine shook her head gently to Liz. "I'd like to unpack everything myself. It....kind of helps me to feel like I'm truly living somewhere when I unpack. It's kind of silly I know but...." She rubbed her head gently, then relaxed a little for a short while. Eventually though she took a breath and stood up. "Thank you again everyone, but the day has been rather tiring. I'm going to go and see Miranda before getting some rest" She managed another slight smile, then turned to go and head upstairs, going to Miranda's room and knocking gently on the door. "Miranda? It's Katherine, may I come in?"
 
Liz nodded quietly in agreement. "No, that makes sense to me." She looked up again when she mentioned wanting to get some rest and stood up giving her a brief hug. "No need to thank us. This is what we do. Hope you sleep well." She said with a faint smile. Each of the girls offered their own good nights before returning to watching their movie. Upstairs, Miranda was busy drawing up the necessary paperwork for Katherine's addition to the dorm when she heard the knock at the door.

"It's open, come on in." She replied, raising her voice so that she could be heard. She was sitting at her desk, setting the appropriate papers aside. It was a simple document for the office saying that Katherine would be living on campus in L-Dorm. She tucked the rest of her paperwork away before sliding the document over to the end of the desk for Katherine. She looked up when she entered with a smile. "You look a little more comfortable." She commented as she set a pen beside the paper. "Here you go, these will just say that you're living here now and that you're my responsibility." She waited for a moment before speaking again. "I want you to know that I'm available whenever you might need me. I rarely lock the door, and have no problem waking up to help any of the ladies if their having a rough night, yourself included. Nobody takes to this adjustment quickly, and moving on from a rough life is always difficult, but you don't have to go it alone either. So, please don't hesitate to come get me if you need anything, even just someone to talk to."
 
Katherine returned Liz's hug softly, almost not wanting to let go, but she knew she would have to. "No...I really do need to thank you...all of you. This all just means so much to me....it's like you're saving my life...." She reached up to quickly rub her eyes on her sleeve before giving each of the other girls a hug and heading upstairs to Miranda's room, opening the door to step inside when Miranda gave the go ahead for her to do so.

She walked over to the desk, looking down as the pen was set down, then back up to Miranda. "Yes...I feel better than I have in quite some time...thank you" She managed another faint smile, then slowly sat down in order to sign the paper work. As she picked up the pen and looked at the papers, she took a deep breath. It was real....this was finally real...she was getting away from her tormentors, moving to a place where she could be among friends. Maybe now she could enjoy the experience of school here after all. After another moments hesitation, she reached down in order to sign the paperwork, having to do it slowly as her hand just wanted to shake. Fortunately though she managed to get her signature on it then set down the pen. "Ah....thank you, but I'll try not to disturb you too much. I don't want to feel like I'm bothering anybody" She shook her head slightly. "But I really appreciate that you'll be there....I'll be sure to talk to you when I need to...all of you. It's so wonderful to finally have friends..." She smiled once more, this time a little more than she had before, though a moment later she couldn't help but yawn rather loudly, blushing deeply immediately afterwards and covering her mouth. "S-sorry....I guess the day is catching up....I feel rather tired...maybe I should go to bed and unpack in the morning...."
Katherine stood up rather sheepishly, clearly a little embarrassed by her sudden yawn, though the fact she was willing to show embarrassment was likely a good sign of progress on her part. "I'll see you in the morning Miranda, good night"

She looked up one last time, before turning to go, heading towards her room. She didn't even have time to get undressed, dropping onto the bed with a loud breath, closing her eyes as she began to drift away, though due to her mind still swimming with so many thoughts her sleep, while not restless, wasn't uninterrupted, Katherine finding herself waking at various points during the night, as if checking that she was still in the new dorm and wasn't waking up back where she had been before.
 
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