~Erica Lanly~
Location- School entrance.
Interaction- N/A
Mention- N/A
Outfit- School uniform from her previous school. White blouse, beige vest and a plaid skirt which goes down to just below her knees. Black socks that go up past her knees and, subsequently, a little bit under her skirt. Black shoes. A pair of wool fingerless gloves to combat the morning cold.
As far as she knew, classes started at 8 AM, right? She was too dazed to remember the schedule right now and found herself fussing with her attire. She felt so uncomfortable. Not because of her clothes or because she had to sitting in the car for such a long journey. But because she was moving, joining a new home, for a few years until she graduated. She knew nobody. Was afraid of everybody.
An elderly man sat in the driver's seat. With white hair, slim black glasses, wrinkles on his forehead, a small mustache on his upper lip. He looked more dignified than old. Mr. Edmond had been driving her around since before she could remember. In fact, Erica had never known another driver except when her father took the sports cars out. "We have arrived, miss." His voice was deep but soft. Almost reassuring to Erica. He looked back at Erica with a kind smile.
"Thank you."
"Does the young lady need any assistance with her luggage?" he asked.
"Oh, thank you but I think I can mange. It is only the one suitcase after all," Erica replied. Her parents had insisted on her taking more. More clothes, more belongings. But she didn't see the point. It had been a long time since Erica last wanted to dress up nice, or do something special. Belongings, property, none of it really mattered to her. She faked a smile at the driver.
"I will be going now."
"Of course, miss. Will there be anything else?"
Erica opened the door to the car.
"No, that is all." She slowly climbed off the back seat and out of the car. Then turned around to haul her suitcase out. She pulled but it barely budged.
"Erm... Mr. Edmond..."
"Yes, miss?" he replied.
"Could you help me with my luggage, please?" she asked.
"Of course, miss," he answered.
"Just to get it out of the car, if that is quite alright." Erica pulled again with all of her limited strength. She managed to tug the suitcase across the back seats and towards the open door.
"After that I can pull the case along on its wheels."
"Please, miss, be careful," Mr. Edmond said as he exited the car. Promptly closing the door behind and walking around to Erica's side. "I would not want you to hurt yourself." Erica looked down at her feet, feeling far too reliant on the kindness of the elderly man. "Come now, little miss. You should be smiling. You are on the precipice of an adventure the likes of so few will ever experience." He easily hauled the suitcase out of the car and placed it down beside her. "So try to smile a little."
I have had far too much adventure for one life time, she thought to herself. But feebly replied;
"I guess you are right." And she looked up at him to fake another smile.
"Now now, miss," Mr. Edmond said with a tut. "Lying is bad. And I know what a real smile looks like. More so, I know when you're only pretending to smile."
"I am sorry." She looked back to her feet.
"No need to apologize. Just know that if you do not feel like smiling genuinely, then you should find some way to make you feel like smiling genuinely."
"What kind of reason might I be able to find?" she asked.
Mr. Edmond put his hands on Erica's shoulder and gently turned her around. "That kind of reason." He pointed towards the School of Life. "Something like that. Not the building. The potential. It can be your future, your escape, your sanctuary, anything you want it to be.
"I see."
"Are you feeling a little more confidant now, little miss?" he asked.
"I am. Thank you," she answered.
Erica pulled up the adjustable handle at the top of her suitcase and set off, pulling the case behind her. This could be a good thing, right? She could learn so much. Live so many new experiences. Meet lots of new people. This would be good for her. As she walked towards the large doors a gentle wind came breezing by and splayed her hair out behind her. That was cold. Very cold. Those doors ahead were big, tall, actually they were kind of intimidating. He breathing was steadily gaining in pace. Her cheeks were red and flustered. What if the people here were just as intimidating? What if they were bad people? Erica came to a stop.
"Be brave, miss Lanly," Mr. Edmond called out from behind her. "You can do this. I know you can."
She summoned up all of her willpower and bravery and took a single step forwards. Then another. One step at a time, she closed the distance between herself and the doors. She could do this. And all she had to do was believe in herself. Even if it was just a small fractal of belief which was left over. When she looked back Erica saw the car leaving the parking lot and starting its way back down the long drive way.