Two months later...
Scarlett's POV
"Ohh, she's here!"
A student's shout sent everyone scrambling. They were running as if someone special was arriving. The thud of their shoes echoed on the tiled hallway floor. They even pulled out their expensive iPods, smartphones, and the latest high-tech gadgets that had just been released last week. I just laughed to myself.
"Shayna, you have so many fans. Why don't you just become an actress? You'd be famous, right?" I asked the girl next to me.
She chuckled.
"Scarlett, actors might resign if I joined showbiz. They'd blame me if they lost their careers. Besides, I have too many fans already. Just at WinMon, see?" She replied, pointing to the students lined up, taking her picture.
"You have a point," I shrugged.
As we walked to our classroom, I couldn't help but overhear their whispers and compliments about Shayna.
"Look at that necklace. I think it's a designer necklace. The craftsmanship and design look customized."
"Yeah, you're right. Did you know Mrs. Margaret designed it?"
"Really? Wow! It's different when your mom is Mrs. Margaret, huh?"
"I know. She's so lucky to have a mother like Mrs. Margaret. Plus, she's so elegant, right?"
I just shook my head, listening to them praise Shayna.
Yes, Shayna is really lucky to have a mother like Mrs. Margaret. Shayna is the next heiress of one of the world's most famous and top-five most popular companies, known for its high-quality products and unique jewelry designs. It's also the best company for exporting pouches, uniforms, and shoes for WinMon students, women's dresses, sandals, bags, make-up, you name it.
She will be the successor of Elixelle Company, the biggest company in the entire Winter Society. The top company is undefeated.
But whenever she hears people talking about her inheriting Elixelle, she gets annoyed. I don't know why she acts like that sometimes. It's as if she isn't happy about becoming the heiress to the richest and most famous company. It's so weird.
"Ohh! HAHAHAHAHA!"
My thoughts were interrupted when I saw students who seemed to be having fun.
What's that?
My eyebrows automatically furrowed when I saw a male student with bubblegum all over his hair. His hands were in his hair, trying to remove the sticky gum. His cheeks were also covered in writing and drawings.
What's their problem?
Then, I was shocked by what they did next. They poured mud on him, which looked like it was from a gutter. I covered my mouth because I felt like I was going to throw up. I turned and took a different route. I couldn't bear to watch.
Why are they doing that? Did someone tell them to? Who? Which of the Winter Flowers?
---
Amethyst's POV
I must have run out of spit because I hadn't spoken for an hour. I was just staring blankly, my mind a complete blank. I didn't know what to say. Should I speak or what?
"Ami, this is a huge opportunity for you. You want to study interior design and learn, right? This is your chance," my mom said, who was sitting next to me.
She held my face, making me look at her. Her eyes were pleading. She smiled at me and made me face Mrs. Margaret Silverstone, who was sitting on the sofa across from us. She was just observing my mom and me as we talked.
Why is Mrs. Silverstone here anyway?
She's my mother and father's boss. She owns the third richest and most famous company in the world. She's also the woman I helped in the elevator back then. So this is what she meant by "triple fold." To give me the opportunity to study at the most expensive university, Winter Monarch University.
"Please, Amethyst. Accept my offer so I can repay your kindness. If you weren't in that elevator with me, something might have happened to me. Please?" she pleaded again. Even her gentle eyes were trying to convince me.
I didn't know what to say, again. I was torn between accepting it or not. I didn't know what the outcome would be if I accepted this.
"Go on, honey. This is a great opportunity for you. You'll learn so much at WinMon. Accept Mrs. Margaret's offer."
I looked at my dad. He had just come out of the kitchen with a cup of tea.
"There are many brilliant professors there," he said.
Should I accept?
"B-but… I'm not an heiress, and WinMon doesn't accept scholars," I said. But Mrs. Silverstone just smiled.
"I will take care of it, Amethyst. Just accept my offer, please? I also want to help you."
"Please, honey," my mom said.
"O-okay," I whispered, nodding.
"Really? You're accepting my offer? Oh, thank you, Amethyst!" she happily said, smiling as she looked at me.
I smiled. My heart felt happy because Mrs. Silverstone was smiling. Maybe she was happy that I accepted her offer to let me study at WinMon.
I wonder if there are other scholars like me that Mrs. Silverstone has helped?
"Wait..." she said and pulled something from her bag. It was a maroon envelope with the WinMon logo sealed on it. She handed it to me. "That's the congratulatory note you get when you pass WinMon's admission. Everything you need is in there, but I'll take care of it," she said, smiling.
I looked at the envelope in my hand. The paper was expensive. It had a smooth texture, and the seal was made of wax. I opened it and read.
WINTER MONARCH UNIVERSITY
Good day, Miss/Mister,
Congratulations, you are now applicable to studying at Winter Monarch University. You've passed the admission process of the university. Just ready the requirements listed below:
* Family business certificate
* Rank honor certificate
* Five hundred thousand for the tuition fee in every semester.
* Winter Monarch University card
* Three PE uniforms
* Two Winter Monarch uniforms
* Winter Monarch short boots
* Winter Monarch badge
* Winter Monarch wallet made by Elixelle Company
* Student name plate
Those requirements are for the whole year of your journey in the university. The most needed requirement in the above list is the Winter Monarch card. We are hoping that you will get all those needed requirements for you to be able to enjoy your studies and journey in Winter Monarch University.
Once again, congratulations!
This is one of the Head Minister in Winter Monarch University, HM Lim.
"The tuition is so expensive—"
"No, no. You can't decline the offer now, Amethyst. You already agreed. Please, Zico, get the boxes I brought from the car and bring them inside." She said, pointing to her bodyguard.
"Yes, Ma'am." He immediately went out to get the boxes she instructed him to.
Boxes?
Moments later, he came back with two large boxes. He placed them on the floor and opened them. My eyebrows furrowed.
"Look," Mrs. Silverstone said, pointing to the open box. It was covered with a white cloth, so I didn't know what was inside.
I stood up and went to the first open box. I slowly lifted the cloth. When I did, a uniform appeared, which I knew was impossible for me to ever wear.
I slowly picked it up. Just by touching it, I knew the fabric was expensive. It was thick and soft. Dark red and white. There were also gold-colored linings. The stitching was so detailed.
It felt like I was holding something I shouldn't be touching.
"Do you like it?" Mrs. Silverstone asked in a happy tone. I looked at her, smiled, and nodded. "The next box, then," she said.
As she said, I opened the other box. A small box and three pairs of PE uniforms were inside. I took the small box and opened it.
"Wow," I whispered.
It was a pair of maroon and black boots. It had a design on it. It was well-made and the stitching was very neat.
I looked at Mrs. Silverstone.
"Th-this is so beautiful. You've given me so much."
"You deserve it, Amethyst. You deserve more than that. You're a kind-hearted child. A good daughter. I'm so happy your parents raised you so well." she said, her tone filled with joy.
I put down what I was holding and knelt down in front of her, which startled her.
"Ami, what are you do—"
"No, Mrs. Silverstone. Please allow me to thank you. I will consider the help you are giving me today the luckiest and most cherished gift. I promise you, Mrs. Silverstone, someday I will pay you back more than triple for helping me. Thank you, Ma'am."
I took one of her hands and placed it on my forehead. This is a sign of my commitment and debt to her. This is the promise I will never break. I'll bet my life on it.
---
This is it!
I let out a breath after clipping the university's badge to my uniform's collar. I stood and admired myself in the full-length mirror.
I was wearing the uniform that many dreamed of, the WinMon uniform. The WinMon uniform is one of the most famous uniforms in Asia and Western countries. It's made by the **Elixelle Company**.
All the items used by WinMon students are made by Elixelle, especially the pouch, which only students can use. WinMon students don't carry bags. The only thing you'll see them carrying is a pouch that matches their WinMon uniform.
Looking at myself now, I look like the child of a rich and famous family. I look like a noble princess.
I smiled at myself.
"Just do great things, Amethyst, and everything will be okay. Don't go near those nobles. Just focus on your studies. Fighting! Let's go up!" I cheered for myself.
I left my room and went downstairs. When I got to the living room, my mom and dad were waiting for me. They stood up when they saw me. My mom had a big smile on her face and hugged me.
"Honey, it suits you so well!" she said happily. "I never thought you'd be able to study at one of the most famous universities in Winter Society."
"Me too, Mom. But you seem more excited than me," I said, laughing.
"What do you mean? Of course! I'm so excited because my only child will study at the wealthiest school!"
"She couldn't sleep last night because she couldn't settle down about you starting school. She said you should be presentable and have no worries when you start. This mother of yours," my dad said, shaking his head.
"Of course our child has to be presentable! Her schoolmates are nobles, famous, children of the wealthy. I don't want them bullying my child! Oh, they'll be in big trouble with me!"
I just laughed at my mom. She could never stop talking. She had no brakes, but even so, I love her very much.
"So? Let's go, or you'll be late for your class. I don't want my one and only daughter to be late." My dad said.
My mom and I just laughed. I got in the car, and we started driving on the road to the university.
I was getting nervous again. My hands were trembling, and I was shivering. Even my heart was beating abnormally.
I'm not a kid anymore to be nervous on the first day of school, but I couldn't stop thinking about everything. Like... my classmates will all be rich, they have class, confidence, and power. What about me? A secret scholar. What chance do I have against them?
What if someone recognizes me? What if they find out the truth that I'm not from the upper class? Not only will I be in danger, but so will my mom and dad.
Then don't try to be noticeable, Amethyst! If avoiding them is what you need to do, then do it. Don't get near those nobles. They're the only ones who can put you in danger.
Right! All you have to do now is act like you're a true noble.
"We're here, honey."
I stopped thinking and looked at my dad.
"Oh, do your best, Ami. I know you're a smart kid. I know you can do it!" he said. I smiled at him.
"This is Amethyst Benson, after all! Let's fight!" and I laughed. I think I'm going crazy.
I said goodbye to him and got out of the car. He also said goodbye, so I waved at him. I watched him until he drove away.
I looked up at the large arch with the university's name on it.
Winter Monarch University, a school for upper-class students.
I took a deep breath before walking toward the gate. A guard was waiting there and looked at me.
"Wait! Wait! Are you a student here? Why are you walking? Where's your car? Do you have your ID?" he asked in a rapid-fire succession, which made me nervous.
Is this an interrogation? I wasn't informed.
"Oh, y-yes. The car's tire went flat, so I just walked. And here's my ID," I said, handing it to him.
He looked at it and then back at me, his eyes wide. His mouth was slightly open.
What's up with him? Just as I was about to ask...
"You're upper-class and you manage the Elixelle Company?! Oh, Ma'am. I'm-I'm so sorry. I didn't know." He suddenly knelt down, which surprised me.
"Oh, please don't kneel. P-please stand up." I said, smiling awkwardly.
What is he saying, that I'm in charge of Elixelle? Maybe I'm the one Elixelle is in charge of.
He stood up but was still bowing. He couldn't look me straight in the eye.
Is this what it's like to be a noble? To be feared? Then again, I guess I'd be the same. I'm afraid of the upper-class.
A car suddenly screeched to a halt, making me jump in surprise. It was a white sports car, so clean and shiny. It stopped in front of me, and the window rolled down.
A woman in sunglasses and the university uniform appeared in front of me. She gave me a sweet smile and took off her sunglasses. I can only say one thing without beating around the bush... she's beautiful.
"Hola, buenos dias! Are you one of the students here?" she sweetly asked.
Is she talking to me?
"Oh, y-yes. Why?"
"Oh, why did I bother to ask? You're wearing the university's uniform. Hehe, anyway, hop in! Let's go in together. I guess you're a new student here. I've never seen you before." she said, putting her sunglasses back on.
"Oh, hehe, no thanks. I'll just walk," I said, shaking my head. I need to stay away from nobles, okay?
"No, I insist! If you walk and make your way inside the university, you might be late. You should hop in now, we shouldn't be here at this time. Go?" she said, and the front seat automatically opened.
"Please, Ma'am. You might be late. You have a long walk ahead of you. Besides, Ma'am Scarlett is very nice," the guard interjected, returning my ID to me. He was smiling, but it was a bit awkward.
Ugh, why is this happening?
I had no choice but to get in rather than walk all the way into the university. I'd be late for class. And the university boots are high heels. Maybe after this, I'll just distance myself from her.
Five minutes later, we arrived at the university grounds, where other students who had just arrived were also bringing their cars. I was probably the only one who didn't have one, and I didn't want to.
Scarlett and I got out of the car at the same time. A guy approached, and she tossed her keys to him. "School Crew" was written on the back of his uniform.
"Uh... thank you," I said shyly. I gave a small smile, which I think was awkward.
She turned to face me, and I could clearly see her face, her body shape, and her sophistication. She looked like a model, or rather, she was a model.
She lowered her sunglasses and pointed at me.
"Are you familiar with the university yet? Have you toured it? And, oh, by the way, I forgot to ask your name. Who are you, by the way?" she asked in rapid succession. She came closer to me.
"Oh... Amethyst," I answered her last question.
"Ohh, Amethyst. Nice name. By the way, I'm Scarlett Garcia. Uhm... Is it okay if I go ahead? Are you okay, right?"
I just nodded to answer her. I was getting nervous and uncomfortable talking to her. Her presence was so strong, and you could just tell she was an upper-class.
"Okay, I'll go ahead. My apologies if I can't stroll you around right now. But when I see you, I'll give you a tour of the university, I promise," and she gave me a sweet smile.
Why do I still feel awkward? Or am I just a fool who thinks too much?
"Okay, bye!" She waved at me and turned around, but after a few steps, she looked back at me. "By the way, this is a very important reminder, Amethyst. Please, please, avoid the Winter Flowers." Then she turned and walked away again.
I was left speechless and confused by what she said. The tone of her voice wasn't good. It sounded like she was worried?
Winter Flowers? Those are the guys Andrea was talking about, the handsome, honorable, and famous heirs in the entire Winter Society, right? Why do I need to avoid them?
Are they really that rich and famous that I have to avoid them? But Scarlett was right. I should avoid them. They're a bunch of rich and powerful people. I should do that. Avoid them.