Chapter Text
This was it. Tim and his siblings stood in front of the tall gates of the boarding school that towered over him like a giant. He feels a deep sense of dread and nervousness in his stomach. He would've considered throwing up if it meant he could stay away from the boarding school. No. He couldn't. He had to be brave. He had to do it for his siblings. For himself. He felt Jane's hand squeeze his in a comforting way as she smiled softly at him with comforting eyes that spoke to him. Tim nods, feeling more confident that his sister has his back.
They walk into the boarding school after saying goodbye to Linda. The place was pretty prestigious and old-fashioned. It wasn't at all of what he'd expected. He was expecting something scary, something gloomy, something that screamed doom. But instead, it was more homey and welcoming. It almost reminded him of his old home a bit of how it was shaped. It was tall and almost looked like a castle in a fantasy book. The walls were covered in royal blues and reds, and the smell of old victiorian wood filled his nose. The siblings sat next to the principals offices door that reads "Principal Morningstar."" "Currently in a meeting."
The siblings then sit on the chairs outside the waiting room, waiting with the anxious amounts of patience they had. After what felt like hours (even though it was only 5 minutes), three kids came out. A tall boy wearing glasses and had light brown hair, a girl with black hair, and a small baby girl which was quite unexpected to Tim, if he knew babies were allowed here he would've brought Ruth. The kids were both in the school uniforms (including the baby) and walked to their classes. Such an odd group of people, thought Tim but was quickly interrupted by the principle.
Morningstar: Oh the Willoughbys! I've been waiting for you to come in.
The principal was a white woman with white hair and a white and black suit. She had bright red lipstick and a white hat with white lace covering a bit of her face. She walks them into her office, a giant room full of taxidermy and PhDs, along with a fireplace nearby. The kids sit in front of her desk and stare with nervousness.
Morningstar: So far, what I've seen is that you kids have never been to school, and this is your first time after homeschooling?
Tim clears his throat
Tim: Uh yeah.
Morningstar: Well, your luck cause I do take kids who were in homeschooling. Alright, let me just print out your schedules, and here are your uniforms. Why don't you try them on? The bathrooms are on the right. Okay?
The kids nod and get dressed. The clothes were quite similar to the ones the other kids were wearing. A crimson red uniform with the school logo of a crow. Tim stares in the mirror for a second, fixing his hair under his army hat and looking at his clothes, making sure he looks presentable and great. He gets out of the bathroom and waits for Jane and the Barnabys who were wearing something similar, except Jane had a long skirt.
Jane: Well, it's not bad. It's quite cool, I like the stripes.
Tim: Yeah, it doesn't seem all bad. Kinda itchy, though.
Jane: I wasn't gonna lie. I was kinda concerned that they wouldn't fit since we're so skinny.
Barnaby A: very skinny.
Barnaby B: Unhealthy skinny.
Tim: I can understand, I thought I was gonna have the same issue. But I'm surprised at how it fits.
Then Morningstar comes in and gives them all their schedules. Here you go, kids. You all have different schedules, but don't worry, you kids have the same lunch period. I'll give you kids a tour. Just let me finish something up a bit.
The Willoughbys look at their schedules, seeing how their day would pan out.
Jane: Ugh, I got math. Why does it always have to be math!
Barnaby A: I got reading
Barnaby B: Reading too
Jane: What about you, Tim?
Tim: I got Science. I mean, it's not bad. I'm kinda good with science.
Jane: Beats math Tim: At least you got music next period
Jane: Well, you are right. Then Principal Morningstar comes back out.
Morningstar: Sorry about that. I had to deal with a parent for a second. Anyways, let me take you on a tour. Principal Morningstar then takes the children on a giant tour of the school, making them go up and down many staircases.
The kids were surprised at how almost ancient this school was. Built in 1890 the school is known to be quite a relic of time and history showing many pictures of many different types of classes some that most schools couldn't afford cause of money or lack of equipment or knowledge. Classes such as Astrology, Outdoor PE, Swim Team, Aquatic Biology, and more.
To Tim, this was overwhelming, almost with the amount of staircases and classes it was almost too much for him. But Principal Morningstar did assure the kids that most of their classes would be either on the first or second floor, which eases the tension of going up and down many kinds of stairs. After the tour, the bell rang and soon the hallways were flooded with children of many grades.
Morningstar: Welp that's the bell. Have fun kids. Let me or anyone know if you need help. She says smiling warmly and walking off. The Willoughbys slowly go their separate ways leaving Tim to go find his first class. Science.