Chapter Text
The holidays passed in a blur and before she knew it, Elizabeth Allen was off to Whyteleafe school again, this time as a second form monitor with her special friend Julian. Julian Holland was known for being a clever boy and playing equally clever tricks as well as avoiding responsibility so maybe this big one would change that!
“Hallo, Joan!” Elizabeth greeted her best friend and turned her head to look for the others. “Where are the others?” Joan Townsend laughed at the sight of her eager friend and pointed the girl in the direction of the others. They were all standing in a group, amidst hushed whispers, and Elizabeth was shocked as she heard none of the usual greetings and excitement from her peers.
“Oh dear! What happened?” asked Elizabeth. Joan shook her head and replied that she didn’t know. “I got here only a minute before you!” Elizabeth stalked over to her friends and hugged all the girls tightly before turning to greet the boys, most of whom were staring at another boy in the distance, standing with his parents. Elizabeth frowned and someone ruffled her hair. “How’s the Bold Bad girl?”
Elizabeth turned around and squealed as she slapped Julian’s hand away. She laughed before going solemn and asking who the boy was. Julian looked aggravated as he responded, “That’s Malcolm Turner. He’s a new boy and he’s the son of a very famous artist. This is his first public appearance I hear.” Elizabeth stepped back and turned to look at the new boy who was wearing Whyteleafe’s uniform. He had curly brown hair and deep, thoughtful hazel eyes.
“Malcolm Turner? As in the son of Amelia Turner?” she whistled. No wonder he was being stared at. Julian looked her in the eyes. His voice was serious as he said, “I can’t help but remember Kerry Dane. Do you remember? She was acting like a big fish in a small pond and I believe this one might too.” Elizabth looked at her friend who was being uncharacteristically solemn. Joan sidled up next to them and agreed with Julian, but Elizabeth couldn’t help thinking how Malcolm looked much too kind and eager, and how real those emotions looked.
She told them this and Joan and Julian shared a glance. They did so hope their fireball of a friend was right, and really, only time would tell. In the meantime, they all turned their attention to the other two new kids. Both of them were girls with smiling faces. One was tall with short auburn hair and gray eyes while the other was even taller with deep brown eyes and chestnut hair.
The shorter one clutched a brown leather case with ‘DORIS ANDERSON’ printed neatly on it. Her eyes twinkled as she met Joan’s gaze and waved. The other one smiled gently too and Elizabeth approached them. She introduced herself and Doris nudged the girl next to her. Her name was Patricia Johnson and in her clear voice she informed the trio that Doris was her cousin. At this point Kathleen walked up to them and told them to hurry because Emma was calling everyone. Julian tweaked Elizabeth’s hair and said, “I do wonder how long it’ll take for you to fly off into a temper, Naughtiest Girl! Oh but you are a responsible monitor now so you mustn't!”
Elizabth only laughed and responded, “Well you are one too, and you must be responsible this term!” The small group walked off, discussing their holidays. And now all our favorite characters are off to Whyteleafe yet again. It's anyone's guess what trouble they will get into!