Chapter 21

The awkward silence drew on for about a few seconds. Partly because both parties didn't anticipate they'd meet, few minutes after causing a ruckus. And then ,Leila's appearance was something totally unanticipated. Disheveled hair rather than it's usual long, perfectly straightened blonde state, and above all, the red teary eyes which had given out everything. Overall, the usual elegance and prideful air Leila McKenzie carried about her was nowhere to be seen. Something enough to leave anyone else staring in shock.

As if realizing her unbecoming state, with head hung down in an attempt to cover up the unsightly look, Leila pushed passed Natalie who had at some point stepped in front of Kira_scurrying off like one chased by demons. That was after shooting the duo a deathly glare filled with immense hatred.

Natalie sighed in relief seeing the fleeing Leila. She had braced herself for a fight if Leila tried to pull one of her stunts out of rage for what happened. This time, it wouldn't end with just a slap.

"That was... " Natalie shook her head , glancing towards the direction Leila had exited.

"Startling. I know ,right? Karma did strike pretty fast" Kira smiled smugly, her eyes glowing with delight behind the thick glasses. Natalie nodded in accord.

But,

"I'm just curious. What was she doing in there"

"come on. We don't have the time to be curious, besides, it has nothing to do with us. Not after we clashed at the cafeteria" Natalie said under her breath ,pushing Kira into the restroom, "we've got a few more minutes before the bell goes"

"Right. Almost forgot that" Kira said rushing in and shutting the door only to open it a few seconds later

" Uh... maybe she got a news about a deceased relative or... "

" Kira! "

" Fine, I'm going in... ",Kira shut the door finally.

After a few minutes of washing off, they headed for the study block. The results came about by noon. Natalie passed and she wasn't surprised. Not that she wanted to brag. Though she wasn't a genius, she could boast of never failing an exam, no matter how difficult it was. She tried to convince Kira who, had almost crushed her one single hug, that it was no big deal. That was before she discovered that the freshmen had become half their initial number. Thanks to the test.

Few hours later, Natalie sat in the midst of successful freshmen like herself, listening to the guidance and counselling instructor, Ms Lauren give a speech on the founding of the school. The instructor was a lady with long ,dark auburn hair, a beautiful face, very kind smile and a lovely voice. Perfectly suited to be the students guide. It was a pity Natalie wasn't really listening since the whole history stuff and rules were such a bore for her. She almost dozed off at a point,in the middle of the event. The whole session ended when Natalie thought she couldn't be able to stay for one more hour. By the time they were allowed to retire to their place of rest, it was almost dinner time.

Outside the auditorium, Natalie peeked at her wrist watch. She looked around in search of Kira among the crowd but didn't see her. They had both agreed that whoever finished first with their schedule would meet the other later on, something they did atimes. Kira said she'd be at the library at the east wing of the study block after lectures ,so Natalie headed there. Not withstanding she didn't know where exactly it was located since every structure had almost the same architectural design with each wing having it's own library and then, she was very bad with directions.

Natalie found her way to the east wing. After a few minutes, she discovered she'd run into a problem . The many hallways and corridors appeared to be the same. Even though she and Kira had been here before, she couldn't decipher which one they took and there was no one around she could ask.

"okay... should be... this way" Natalie thought as she took the one at her right.

She walked some distance before she realized she might not have taken the right way. This hallway didn't have enough lighting like others and unlike others, many artworks were hung on the wall. Natalie wasn't in a hurry to leave, deciding to take a glimpse of a few of them. She had always been fond of artworks. Her mother loved to paint, saw it as a part time job before she passed away . She would watch her mother make paintings of beautiful landscapes and people and eventually she had developed a liking for artistic works. looking at the ones in this hallway reminded her of home and her mum who had died for over a year .

And just like her mom would always tell her , every painting had a story to tell. She wondered the events behind these ones.

One was that of people who appeared to be living peacefully but the next portrait showed that of a large scale war taking place.

The next painting after that was what caught her attention. Natalie halted and stood in front of it. It was a painting of a woman. What appeared all the more eye catchy was the woman's platinum hair. Natalie subconsciously touched the tip of her hair as she intently stared. Growing up, she had learned from her mother and also people's attitude towards her, that her hair had been a rarity, something odd, which had alienated her from her peers. She could vividly remember being called all sorts of names, including a witch by kids in her neighborhood who had refused to allow her play together with them because of her very pale skin and white hair.

Natalie suddenly felt an urge to touch the painting. As her fingers inched closer, and closer... she heard a deep voice behind her

"what do you think you're doing?"

"Ahhh..." Natalie shrieked from shock as her hand dropped by her side.