504F

It was the beginning of a new semester and Harold Girard, Trisha McLeon and Wilkes Milton were in their second year in Golden Lake University.

The sun shone brighter than ever, welcoming both the old and new students who were causing series of cacophonies here and there all around the school. They were happy to see their mates — and partners, too, after the holiday. At least, most of them were. Someone wasn't and that person was…

A sleek limousine drove through the school's gate and down the long road. To its left and right were students in bright colours of shirts, extremely short Mini skirts and long baggy jeans — which happened to be what was trending at that moment — hugging one another, squealing in joy and walking to the new hostels assigned to them. They were also eager to see who their knew roommate was.

The limousine which reflected the brilliance of Golden Lake's sun drifted round a corner and came to a halt, not minding the dust its tyres had spewed in the air.

There was silence in the magnificent interior of the limousine like whoever was in it waited for the dust to settle.

In the limousine which had held the attention of other students as it sped along was Harold. And he wasn't alone.

In the fore seat to the left was a driver. He was super fat and could barely squeeze his skin into the seat assigned to him but still, he was a good driver. An excellent one to be precise and that was what had kept him employed.

In the seat beside him was a woman. She had long, blonde hair that when allowed to move with gravity, neared her waist. She was dressed in a silvery gown and looked like a queen. What she lacked though, was a crown on her head and three dozen guards watching her every step. She was Sarah, Harold's stepmother.

In the seats behind the driver and Sarah was Harold and someone who was bound to make his next two years in Golden Lake University more miserable; Maximus (or Max for short).

Max was Sarah's own child, a year younger than Harold and one of Golden Lake's new intake.

Harold had barely survived the previous session and Max butting into his school life the way he had in all spheres of Harold's life in the past, meant this school year was going to be terrible. Harold couldn't wait to ditch him if only to keep his reputation — or lack of one; good or bad, safe.

“They said a meeting will be held with first years like me after which we'll be taken on a tour round the school,” Max started, barely able to keep his butt seated on the luxurious leather of the limousine. “Sounds like fun if you ask me.”

“Yeah,” Harold replied dryly as he slid the limo's door open, intending to step out. Rays of the sun got in the car. “It'll be till you have to find your hostel room before the curfew or else you'll be sent back home.”

“Curfew? Sent back home?” Max said with wide eyes settled on Harold. He was holding on the edge of his seat and one of his arms was wrapped round the classy headrest.

“Yes, you heard me right,” Harold said. He was enjoying himself totally and for a split second, he felt good that Max was in the same school he was in. “I'll give you a tip, though,” Harold continued. “The three male hostels are to the left of a fountain you'll know soon. To its right are the ones for females.” He paused for a second then continued. “The hostels are side by side. Once you find one, you find all.”

Before anything more was said, Harold stepped out of the limousine. 

The brilliant rays of the sun — which he had grown accustomed to other the last session — ushered him into the school.

He breath in deeply and out slowly. When he was satisfied with the scent of Golden Lake which was a mix of the perfume of students that had previously walked past that exact location and trees, he looked around, not minding his stepbrother who watched him from the comfort of the limousine.

"Mr. Travis,” he called to the driver. All things being normal, his stepmother would have frowned at him  — but not at Max if he did the same thing — saying Mr. Travis, the driver, wasn't a servant hence, shouldn't be allowed to do anything but drive, but not today. She had to make sure her child was safe and if it meant putting up with Harold till they left, she was down for it. 

The driver turned to look at him.

“Can you please help me get my things out of the boot?”

The driver cast a quick glance at Sarah, hesitated then stepped out. He walked smartly to the boot and some seconds later, Harold's luggage was on the pavement.

Max, too, stepped out of the car and got his luggage from the boot. Mr. Travis hurried to the car when that was done.

“Max,” Sarah called to her son. The young werewolf who had a fine build walked to the side of the car his mother was in.

She told him some things Harold couldn't hear from where he was. Not like he was bothered. He was free from her. Free from everyone. He was in Golden Lake University, his school.

Max walked back to his luggage with a smirk on his face. The very second he left his mother's side, the limousine's engine came alive with a mild hum and tumbled down the road at a great speed.

Harold sighed when Sarah was gone.

“Where's it being held?” Max asked.

“What are you talking about?”

“The meeting for the new intakes.”

“Oh, that,” Harold said as he held his travelling bag in his hands. “I don't know where it will be held.”

Before another word was said, Harold began walking to locate his new hostel. If he had been reallocated like it happened to some students.

The sudden disappearance of the smirk on Max's face as Harold began walking was priceless. To Harold.