Chapter 1: Yes, Headmaster.
The Salรฒ Centre for Girls was a prestigious establishment located just outside of London. It selected its students based on social status and money, so it wasn't surprising that Britney's application had been accepted a week after her father had sent it off. She had thought it incredibly unusual that he would take such a sudden interest in her education after years of... well, neglect. He was a business man -- a successful one. Britney understood that. She had made it all the way to 18-years-old without comment from the guy, and all of a sudden there was no discussion. She was going to Salรฒ.
She'd checked the place out on the internet -- although it seemed to be mainly for bourgeois clientรจle, it also came across as strict. The fact that it was a 'centre' and not an academy, for example. From the Ofsted reports it seemed to Britney that this was a dumping ground for naughty little rich kids. Girls, she reminded herself. There would be no boys there. Perhaps she would find that useful. Easier to concentrate on her studies without the presence of immature little boys. Also, if all her peers weren't exactly academic, it wouldn't be hard to make it to the top of her class. That always looked good on University applications.
On the day of her departure Britney awoke bright and early, hopping out of bed and straight into the shower. She made sure to clean every part of her body thoroughly; shaving her legs, clipping her toenails. The routine helped to calm the butterflies in her stomach. After she'd dried her hair she examined her blank canvas in her large bathroom mirror. Average height. The perfect weight -- not fat, but not skeletal either. She had curves in all the right places. Her skin was lightly tanned from her summer trip to Morocco with her parents. She'd spent most of her time lying on the beach. She just wished she'd had the nerve to take her bikini top off. The tan line around her supple DD's was not her best feature. But no matter -- at an all girls school who would be seeing them?
After dressing in the mandatory uniform she skipped down the stairs and ate breakfast with her mother.
"Excited?" She asked her from behind her own cereal bowl.
"Sure," Britney shrugged as she could hear the faint bangs of her father dragging her suitcase down the stairs, "I guess so,"
"I didn't tell you this," her mother smiled, "But I went to Salรฒ when I was your age. It's... well it's a life-changing place,"
Britney wanted to ask what she meant by that but she could tell by the far-away look in her eyes that she wasn't going to get a straight answer. She rarely did from her parents.
"Honey, are you ready to go?" Her father poked his head through the door, sweat broken out over his brow from all the heavy lifting.
"Sure, let's go," said Britney. She stood away from her stool, kissed her mother on the cheek and followed her father out the front door, to the car.
They did not live far away from Salรฒ. No more an hours drive. But, Britney thought, she did not think she could find her way back if she wanted to...
From the outside it looked like any other school -- if every other school were also a castle. A well fortified castle too. The walls were high and the tops of the gate looked razor sharp. They were buzzed through by a helpful receptionist and they continued to drive up the longest driveway she'd ever encountered. It twisted round and round up the hill, making her dizzy. The grounds were beautiful and the castle was breath-taking, but Britney did not see any students. She didn't see any teachers either.
When they finally made it to the top of the hill her father parked up and they were immediately met by a friendly member of staff. As her father took Britney's bags from the boot of the car, the receptionist helped by handing them straight to Britney.
"Be a dear," she seemed to forced herself to smile, "Take these to the foyer. Just place them next to the desk and we will keep them for you whilst you speak with the headmaster." Britney smiled back and did as she was told. The receptionist continued to chat with her father as they strolled along behind her. She laughed loudly at something Britney was sure wasn't funny but she supposed being polite to parents was all a part of her job.
When she made it through the giant front doors Britney wheeled her bags by the mahogany counter as instructed and waited. The room was enormous and mostly taken up by a huge grand staircase. The floors were a polished dark wood and everything was spotless.
"Well Mr Engel, if you would care to stay a little longer I will show your daughter to the headmasters office and see that you receive some... refreshments?" The receptionist asked.
"That would be lovely," Her father grinned widely.
"Excellent. Do take a seat, Mr Engel. I will be right back. Britney, this way," She said as she began to lead her through the corridors. She could tell it was going to take some time to get used to this place. Eventually they came to a door marked 'HEADMASTER'. The receptionist knocked.
"Come!" She heard on the other side. The receptionist opened the door and leaned in.
"A new student to see you, headmaster," She said, shyly.
"Ah, good, good. Have her come in. And see to it that the girl's father is well taken care of,"
"Yes, headmaster," the receptionist bowed her head and opened the door further for Britney to enter.