Masks Around Me

CHAPTER 3: A NEW SCHOOL, A NEW SIBLING

A week truly does fly by when you're caught in the whirlwind of a new life. The initial wonder of the mansion, the endless supply of toys, and the comforting presence of Henry and Amelia had filled my days. But then, the inevitable arrived: school. My parents, ever thoughtful, had arranged for me to attend a private kindergarten right in the heart of the city, ensuring my comfort was paramount. On my first day, it was Mr. Williams, our kind chauffeur, who had the honor of taking me, as Henry and Amelia had an important business meeting.

As the car pulled up, I peered out the window, my eyes widening at the sight. The school was far grander than anything I’d ever imagined, a sprawling complex with manicured lawns and a playground that seemed to stretch endlessly, adorned with an impressive array of swings, slides, and climbing frames.

"Sir Edward? Sir Edward!" Williams's voice, warm and familiar, gently jolted me from my reverie. I looked up at him, a slight blush creeping up my cheeks. He chuckled softly. "We've arrived. Come on, let's go." With a reassuring grip, Williams helped me out of the luxurious car, his large hand enveloping my small one as we made our way towards the imposing school building.

Inside, despite Williams's comforting presence, a familiar knot of nerves tightened in my stomach. My palms began to grow damp. Sensing my apprehension, Williams stopped abruptly, turning to face me. He knelt down, bringing his eyes level with mine. "It's perfectly normal to be a little nervous on your first day, young sir," he said, his voice a soothing balm. "But I promise you, you're going to have a wonderful time here. Just give it a chance."

His words, simple as they were, offered a sliver of reassurance. Feeling slightly steadier, we continued to the registrar's office. While Williams efficiently handled the enrollment procedures, I sat quietly in a cushioned chair, observing the unfamiliar hustle and bustle around me, the low hum of voices and the occasional childish giggle.

Soon, Williams returned, a pleasant-faced young lady with a kind smile by his side. "I've completed your registration, Edward," he announced, "so I must be off now. This is your teacher, Mrs. Carol, and she'll be taking you to your class."

"Okay," I managed, nodding obediently.

"I'll be back to pick you up when the school day ends," he added, his tone firm but gentle. "You must wait for me in your classroom and under no circumstances wander off, understood?"

"Okay," I repeated, feeling a pang of both loneliness and responsibility.

With a final, warm hug that conveyed a silent message of encouragement, Williams bid me farewell and departed, leaving me in the care of Mrs. Carol.

"All right, Edward, let's go to your class," Mrs. Carol said cheerfully, taking my hand in hers. Her grip was gentle, and her smile was infectious, instantly making me feel a little more at ease as she led me down a brightly lit hallway adorned with colorful children's drawings.

Moments later, we stepped into a room teeming with energy. The classroom was a symphony of bustling activity, children laughing, chattering, and moving around with unbridled enthusiasm. Mrs. Carol's gentle voice, however, cut through the joyful chaos, bringing a sense of order as she introduced me to my new classmates. A wave of small, curious faces turned towards me, some smiling, some shy, and I felt a flicker of hope.

After a few settling-in activities, the much-anticipated playtime arrived. As children flocked to various corners, engaging in games and laughter, I found myself drifting towards the edges, unsure of where I belonged. Eventually, I gravitated towards the sand play area, occupying myself by meticulously shaping random structures, lost in my own quiet world.

My solitude, however, was short-lived. Three boys, larger and more boisterous than the others, stomped towards me. "Hey! This is our sand corner!" one of them sneered, his voice surprisingly deep for a child. "Get lost! You can't play here!" Before I could even process their words or react, one of them roughly shoved me, sending me sprawling onto the ground. "And don't you dare come back!" he yelled, towering over me.

Just as tears pricked at my eyes, a brave voice cut through the air, sharp and clear. "Stop it right now! If you don't leave him alone, I'm telling Mrs. Carol!"

The bullies, caught off guard, exchanged reluctant glances. With a final, disdainful glare in my direction, they grudgingly backed off, their retreat a mixture of annoyance and fear of reprisal. I scrambled to my feet, bewildered but immensely grateful.

My savior was a boy with bright, intelligent eyes and a mop of unruly brown hair. "Are you okay?" he asked, extending a hand to help me dust off the sand. "My name's Cedric Smith." From that moment, an instant bond formed between us. We spent the rest of the day together, sharing whispered secrets and building sandcastles that truly reached for the sky.

A few weeks later, the initial anxieties of school life had faded, replaced by the comforting rhythm of routine and the blossoming friendship with Cedric. One evening, during a particularly delicious dinner prepared by the mansion's chef, Amelia cleared her throat, a subtle signal that something important was about to be said. "Now that I have your attention, I have an announcement to make" Her words, delivered with a mix of excitement and an almost imperceptible hint of trepidation, immediately sent a prickle of unease down my spine, leaving me feeling suddenly uncertain about my nascent place in this beautiful new family.