The Hidden

Chapter One- The Beginning

"The Academy for Gifted Individuals, or AGI, has a very interactive program. And if you look you will see that our school is not only prided with the top scores of the country, but also with an undefeated athletic department. Given these results, I see no reason for you to hold Miss Milem in that inadequate public school atmosphere any longer. She has the potential to succeed in this school." The principal states confidently, a smug smile stretched across her painted lips. 

      My parents glance at me, their eyebrows raised curiously as if to ask my opinion on the matter. Strange considering they usually made all of my life decisions for me. 

       "This whole oppurtunity is wonderful, don't get me wrong," I start sweeping my bangs out of my face, "However, my parents and I will need some time to discuss this matter if you don't mind." I state letting my so called angelic charm infuse into my voice. I had always been told I could get away with murder by using this charm, and I would if it ever came to it. I always got what I wanted. And I wanted to stay at my current school. I was top of my class, track star extrordinaire. My parents knew this, and loved bragging to their so called friends about it. I could easily get them to let me stay. 

        A glint flashes throught the principles eyes, its small, and gone in an instant. 

        Something's wrong.

        A sweet smile appears on the principle's face, her red lips revealing her pearly white teeth. She swiftly pushes her frames back onto her eyes as she says, "Yes, some time to talk. That sounds about right, however, I require some alone time with your parents if you don't mind. There are some other aspects that need to be discussed. We adults need 'some time to talk' if you will. So if you'd please, go sit in my secretaries office until need be." 

        "Anything that you want to say can be said in front of me." I snap, earning a side glare from my father. My mother takes it even further, telling me to go. Standing quietly I exit the pricipal's office, my blood burning in my veins. Something's not right about her. 

       I walk past the secretaries office, leading myself out main office doors and into the prestine hallways. The floor is spotless, no gum wrappers or pencils or any kind of trash littering the white linoleum floors, the walls are barren as well. There aren't any students out and about either. Which is strange considering that it's the middle of the school day, and that by now kids are itching to leave the classroom and walk around. 

        This place feels more like a prison than a school.

       I continue through the halls, glancing around as I go. Minus the prison feel, the school's pretty. The lockers are a deep royal blue, and their numbers a shining silver. Trophy cases are presented at every coner, showing awards in academics and athletics for competitions I had never even heard of. It's a two story building, small compared to my own school which had three two story buildings all connected via skybridge. This place was quaint. No where near cozy though. 

      Deciding my parents and that creepy principal had enough 'alone time' together, I began making my way back to the office. Thinking of how to present an acceptable arguement to them. I know that lady had said somethings to them to try and change their mind, and undoubtedly they'd want me to come here. More bragging rights to their friends and a 'better opportunity' for me. 

      Within moments I arrive at the office door, and reach for the handle. The doors locked.

    Creasing my eyebrows I jiggle the handle. It's not giving at all. Strange, it hadn't been locked before had it? Why would the door even need to be locked? This was a school. Not some military fortress. Trying the handle one last time, I realize it's no use. I raise my hand to knock on the door, hoping the secretary would assist me, when I see it. A  keypad located near the top of the door. Like one I'd use to open my garage door at home.

       What kind of place is this?

      Reaching up, I let my fingers skim the keys and I quietly wonder if I could possibly break the code. Ridiculoud considering I have no clue how long the password could even be. Four numbers? That's what I would expect. But maybe thats just from the experience of working my garage opener.

      I press one of the buttons, then another, and another. I figure attempting to open the door couldn't hurt anyone. As I press the fourth button, something clicks in my brain. The same click I get when I figure out a math problem, or solve a trick question in science. I know this code. 

    Quickly, I enter the code, 1-6-5-4-7-3-3-2, and am not surprised when I try the handle again. It easily opens, just as I knew it would. I slowly walk into the office and head towards the principals room. I slow my stride, hoping I hadn't rushed and they were really done talking. I was not going to wait with the secretary. What was I? Some little obedient puppy?

   Just as I reach the closed door it swings open, and the principal smiles down at me. "Welcome back. Did you enjoy our school? Quite the place, isn't it?"

    "It's a fine place." I reply. Biting my tounge to not mention it's harsh atmosphere. My parent's were undoubtedly going to chat with me about my outburst earlier. I didn't need to make it worse on myself.

       "Well isn't it splendid that you like it here? Considering you'll be enrolled first thing next week. If you'll wait a while my secretary will get you your dorm info, class schedule and student id. Welcome to AGI Miss Milem."

     "What?" I snap, looking around the principal to glare at my parents, how could they make this decision without me. Neither one look sheepish about their decision. In fact an air of dominance is coming from them. As if this say is final. As if I'm really going to attend this prison.

       "Your parents have agreed that this would be in your best interest. So please, don't make this harder than it needs to be. I know you'll miss your old school, but you'll soon see that here, at AGI, is the school for you. Now I have a meeting to attend with the head of the Psychology classes, so if you'll please, excuse me. I will see you Monday." She states before walking past me her hip hitting my side making me jerk out of her way.

       I'm frozen in place as my parents rise, and walk towards me as well. I also can't seem to hide the scowl on my face, because my father tells me we will talk in the car. They walk past me as well, and I'm forced to follow. We walk down the hallway without saying a single word to each other. The atmosphere is tense. I don't know if that's because of me or just the school rubbing off onto us. The bell rings right as we hit the exit door, I turn slightly to see people leaving the classrooms. All the students are dressed nicely, and actually bring some life to the building. They talk rather quietly though, and automatically notice my presents and send me wide eyed looks.

     Oh yes, I'm getting out of this.