Note: This is a work of fiction. All characters in this story are 18 years old or older.
1 Orientation Day
The entrance to the Ziegler Advanced School of Music, named after the famous composer (Margarete Ziegler) was stately with large Gothic-style doors. The music school was for young women students as an alternative to going to university. The reputation of the school had gained certain notoriety since they developed new techniques to help students with stage fright and also rhythm.
As Rachael entered on her first day, she was so proud to have completed the rigorous requirements for entering. She had played the piano from a young age. Her abilities were impressive, but she couldn't play in public without becoming too nervous. Her stage fright made it difficult to even move her fingers or maintain rhythm. Although some nervous tension is common, for her it was debilitating. The school had boasted of helping young musicians overcome stage fright by using an innovative, but strict, teaching method and environment.
The techniques of the school were not publicly known. Former students and faculty were prohibited from discussing or revealing "trade secrets". Rachael had to sign all kinds of legal documents to keep her secrecy. Nonetheless, with such a reputation, she very much wanted to attend the school despite any "inconveniences".
However, there was no denying, some rules in the brochure for incoming students seemed odd and a bit extreme. For example, students weren't allowed to bring any clothing other than what they wore the first day. It stated that students would be issued school uniforms and could only wear what was provided by the school. For her age as a university student, wearing a uniform did not seem necessary, but not allowing any other clothing, seemed a bit too much.
But here she was, on her first day entering the institution that she had so desired to attend. From this moment, her career was about to take off, she thought.
...
2. Friends and Foreshadowing
After a full morning of introduction seminars, the incoming students met with their assigned staff advisor. At the administration office, the students waited for their turn.
"Hi. I'm Lizzie," as the pretty brunette girl said, extending her hand to Rachael. "What instrument do you play?"
"Rachael," she said taking Lizzie's hand with a friendly smile and shaking. "Nice to meet you. Piano, and you?"
Lizzie smiled back.
"Violin," she responded.
"Cool. I love the violin. I hope we can play a duet sometime."
"That would be great! I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunities."
"Where are you from?"
"From Middlehurst. And you?"
"Oh, I am from out-of-state. From Connecticut, a small town called Eastborough," Rachael replied, looking down at her hands. "I am quite nervous because I just turned 19 a few months ago and its the first time so far from home."
"Don't worry! We are all in the same situation. I'm super nervous!"
"But they say it's such a good school and I really want to be a good pianist."
"I know what you mean. Same for me!"
They continued talking as they waited their turn. Lizzie was next and finally went into the room and closed the door.
After about 15 minutes, she emerged dressed in the standard Ziegler Music school uniform, just like the other girls. Lizzie was a very pretty girl and the uniform made her look very cute. She carried a bag that must have been filled with her own clothing and other clothing issued by the school.
"Hey Lizzie, how did it... " Racheal stopped in mid-sentence. "What is the matter? Why ..?"
Lizzie breezed by her without saying anything. However, her face looked quite flustered, and her eyes seemed to be filled with tears. She could only manage to give a short goodbye wave accompanied by a failed attempt at a smile. What could have happened? This put Rachael on edge.
...
3 Rules are Rules
It was now Rachael's turn. She stood up and went inside the office.
"Have a seat, Ms. Bates," the woman behind the desk said.
Rachael sat down in the conference chair in front of her desk.
"I am Ms. Thompson," the woman said. "I shall be one of your teachers. Please remove all your clothing and place them there in the bin."