Fragile Pathways

Chapter One

"Of course! Erich, could you help with the bags?"

The man nodded, picking up two bags to toss over his shoulder and another two bags to carry in his hands. Katherine grabbed another two bags leaving Ariadne with the crate and a small duffel bag. They reached the car, pilling her belongings in the back of the SUV. She took Regulus in her arms, freeing him of the crate. She turned to her mother and smiled. "Mum, meet, Regulus, my little boy."

Katherine smiled, scratching between the dog's ears. "He's adorable. You say Reese helped choose him?" Ariadne nodded. "He definitely made a good choice. The dog seems to have taken a liking to you."

Ariadne shook her head exasperatedly, laughing. "Any pup that has been with you since they were a month old will take a liking to you."

"Whatever," Katherine rolled her eyes. "Your new school is on the way to our house, would you like stop by? You can pick up your schedule and meet your teachers. Don't tell me you need sleep, I know you slept on the plane."

"Well, obviously I don't have a choice. What about Reg?"

"Erich is going to drop us off and take him and your bags home."

"Oh, I see," she nodded, "you planned this. Alright."

Letting her head fall back into a laugh, her mum rubbed her back. "Hun, it's just a quick stop. There is a concert tonight so it is open. I called and Mr. Longo said he would be happy to let you and I attend the concert and have your schedule handy."

Ariadne shrugged, jumping into the car. As they drove, Katherine and Erich spoke from the front seat, and she stared out the window, holding Regulus in her arms. He sat licking her hand, nudging it when her left hand seized in the scratching on his head.

Twenty or so minutes later, they pulled into a filling parking lot, and up to an entrance. "Thank you," she nodded when Erich let her out of the car. She set Regulus down, only to have him start yapping. "Reggie! Shush!"

"I'll take him," Erich offered, turning in his seat to pick up the fidgeting canine. Ariadne nodded, thanking him again before slamming her door, her dog still barking for her.

"Love you," Katherine smiled before closing her door and joining her daughter on the pavement. "Shall we?"

"If we must."

The two casually walked towards the doors, opening them to reveal a larger-than-normal school. Well, at least it was larger than the outside. They both stared incredulously, Ariadne allowing her jaw to drop.

"Adrianne!" a voice called. The two girls looked to see a short, stout man walking towards them, his arms thrown wide in a gesture of welcoming. "So nice to finally meet you!"

"Actually, sir, it's Ariadne," she corrected him, taking his pro-offered hand in hers.

"Pardon me!" he exclaimed. "I thought the reception on the phone was just messy. You have a lovely name."

"Thank you," she nodded, pulling her hand away.

"And you must be Katherine," he nodded to the elder woman. She smiled and shook his hand, confirming his statement. "It's a pleasure to have you both. Ariadne, I have your schedule just in my pocket," he murmured, slowing his speech as he lifted a side of his jacket and took a folded piece of parchment from his jackets inside. "We've gone through your schedule and have asked the three students who appear in your classes most recurring to come and meet you tonight, if you don't mind. All of them were very willing."

"Thank you, sir," she smiled, following him as he set off towards a door. "This is my office, so if you've ever got a question, don't hesitate to come in. It is more than likely this door will be locked, however, you can reach me through the guidance office as well, right through the door further down the hall."