She woke up the following day at 5 am and went out for a run. Even if it was only on the tracks following the garden overlooking the west wing, she still did. Mrs. Georgiana was shocked to see the girl, who, for her life, could not wake up on time, was not only up but ready as well.
Carola smiled at the older woman; a genuine smile and the action made her happy. She felt calm and collected and was actually looking forward to going to school, making some friends, and just living.

The night before, she had sneaked back into her room and had changed into something more presentable right before dinner. She had also learned that her parents would be going to Europe for a week for their business meetings. The prospect didn’t make her happy nor sad, and she silently patted herself for being so numb and collected.

Making a pit stop on her way, she found herself standing by the bleachers half an hour before school begins. Thankfully, the person she was waiting for understood the importance of time.
‘I have to say I was surprised when you texted me last night, and if I wasn’t the curious person that I was, I wouldn’t have agreed to meet you.’ Natasha made her way towards Carola.

‘Well, Nat, here is hoping you’d forgive my interruption yesterday, and to new friendships.’ Carola extended the Starbucks she had gotten in the way. Natasha had the most giant sweet tooth, and Carola was glad she could remember it.
The other girl smiled and took the peace offering.
‘You certainly remember, Care. All is forgiven.’
Natasha adds, ‘Now what did you want to talk about?’
“I want to know why everyone is so scared of me. I mean, I don’t get it. I stay away from most people, and really am not that popular, yet still, everyone somehow bows their head every time they pass me by?’ Carola asked.

This was something she could not understand.
Natasha smiled and settled down on the stands. The field before them was filling up with the track team.
‘Well, you may not be popular in the most cliché sense of the word, but you are. Everyone knows you are the princess apparent to Hart’s industries because your brother doesn’t want the position. You are pretty, tall, and you don’t need someone to stand up for you. Darling all of that is a recipe for power. And there is something about an intimidating woman that makes people scared of her. In this school, girls want to be you, and boys want you – and you walk around them as if their presence isn’t worth your acknowledgment.’