Saved by the Bad Boy

Raven Academy

Lacey stared at the front gates in front of her in awe. Large magnificent black iron gates that easily swung open with a flick of her hand. The large brick building was intimidating, looming over her as she gulped nervously and made her way to what she presumed was the main entrance. A large intricate sign announced Raven Academy on the top of the main buildings roof. It was eerily quiet, Lacey present the day before term officially begun, wanting to get settled in and familiar with her dorm and classes. She was thankful that the school administration had been more than happy to let her come beforehand but now she was wondering uneasily where to go.

"Lacey" a voice chirped to her left as she swung around hastily, hand pressed to her chest. 

A young girl stared at her amused, her large brown eyes framed with even larger spectacles and wearing a business skirt and blouse.

"Yes" stammered Lacey feeling awkward as the girl held out a hand and shook it.

"I'm Cynthia" the girl said easily "I'm one of the school admins and I'm here to show you to your dorm."

She gestured at Lacey's small battered suitcase with a raised eyebrow "is that all of your things that you will need?"

"I left most of my stuff at home as I'll be going there on weekends and some evenings" Lacey said hastily as Cynthia shrugged and headed off, Lacey trailing slowly behind as she took in the grounds and small buildings scattered around them.

They came to a large building not far from the main, two stories high as well, Cynthia opening the front door which creaked loudly as it opened. She pocketed the key and motioned Lacey inside, heading towards the very back, Lacey's suitcase making large screeching sounds from its battered wheels rolling on the white concrete floors. 

"This is one of the dorms reserved for scholarship students" Cynthia explained as she swung the wooden door open and stepped inside. Lacey entered with trepidation, her eyes wide at how large the room was. The walls were a basic cream colour and the floors made of wooden floorboards. A large double bed sat in one corner of the room, complete with a basic cream and white quilt and pillows. There was even a desk and chair to study at. 

"I thought that I would be sharing a room" Lacey said surprised.

"Normally you would, but this year very few of our students require accommodation" Cynthia explained "so you get this room all to yourself."

"It's amazing" Lacey breathed, putting her suitcase on the bed. 

Her eyes fell on a door that was next to the desk and she turned to Cynthia perplexed. "Is that a connecting door to another form" she was a little worried if that was the case.

Cynthia laughed and shook her head "it's a bathroom" she said opening it as Lacey came closer.

It was a basic room that contained a toilet, sink, and shower. There was nothing particularly grand about it but to Lacey it was a luxury knowing she wouldn't have to leave the room to shower or tend to her basic needs. "It's not much" Cynthia admitted "but it will be yours alone to use instead of having to use the shared bathrooms in the building."

It was perfect. Lacey couldn't believe her luck. She had everything she needed and she wouldn't have to worry about whether or not she would get along with her roommate. 

"For security reasons" Cynthia said solemnly "there is to be no men brought into the building or rooms." 

Lacey nodded but Cynthia wasn't finished "the front entrance requires a keycard to get in" she handed it over to Lacey who quickly put it in her pocket. 

"Do not lose it" Cynthia warned "otherwise it will cost you to get a replacement. Your room will also only open with your keycard and both door knobs lock from the inside if you need to lock them for any reason."

She handed a slip of paper to Lacey who studied it intently "this is a map of the school and grounds. You are free to wander around today and familiarise yourself with your class locations but the boys dormitory is off limits. There are several staff around so if you get lost or stuck ask someone and they will be more than happy to help."

Laceys mind was whirling as Cynthia gave her a grin. "It's a lot to take in but I'm sure you'll be fine" she assured Lacey, finding the girl very quiet and polite as she listened to everything Cynthia told her. She was quite sweet thought Cynthia with a smile and made a note to check on how she was going sometime later in the week.

"I will make sure all of your school supplies get sent to your room later today. Otherwise no school uniforms as you should know, cafeteria is of course closed and I've just realised that your room was also missing a kettle, microwave and small fridge so I will get that sorted as well." 

Lacey was struggling to keep up with everything being said. Cynthia was like a small tornado hellbent on moving as fast as possible. "Oh and another large table to act as a kitchenette" Cynthia cried heading for the door. 

She hesitated in the doorway "is there anything that you want to ask or want help with before I go" she offered. Lacey gave her a shy smile and shook her head "no thankyou, you've been very helpful."

Cynthia gave her a beaming smile and a wink "welcome to Raven Academy Lacey" and just like that she was off, waving a friendly goodbye as Lacey threw herself on the bed and gave a loud shriek. 

She was here. Lacey was finally here at the school she had been desperate to attend. Here she could be free from her stepmother and father for most of the day at any rate and who knows what might happen during the school year. For the first time in a long time Lacey was excited for the future and what it might bring as she forced herself up and went out to explore.