THE LETTER

I closed the door as it banged, its echo leaving a hollow feeling.

My heart thudded erratically against my chest as I stared at the letter in my hands.

What exactly was inside? And who had sent it to me? Why?

Questions filled my head from different angles. I've heard of cases where girls receive an anonymous letter telling them lies and secretly kidnapping them if they happen to fall for the trap.

I held the envelope, which suddenly felt heavier than before.

But of course, how else was I supposed to know if I didn't open it?

I tore the letter open, and a white paper wrapped and tied with a blue silk ribbon sat inside the mail.

Clean. Untouched.

LEA was boldly written with their symbol at the side [an eagle stretched out, ready to fly].

No way. I whispered in my head. I hit my face twice to make sure it wasn't one of my numerous dreams.

But the letter still lay cold in my hands; my fingers tightened around it, and I did the only thing I could.

I laughed, but then it broke into something louder. I was screaming.

I fucking screamed because this was a miracle.

The letter read:

LAKESIDE ELITE ACADEMY

“Ad Astra Per Aspera—To the Stars Through Difficulties”

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ADMISSION

To Miss Jordan Monroe,

It is our distinct honor to inform you that you have been granted a High-Excellence Scholarship for the remainder of the academic year at Lakeside Elite Academy.

Your late mother, Elena Monroe, established a private endowment in your name years ago, with the specific instruction that you be enrolled regardless of any outside interference.

Terms of Attendance:

Status: Full-time Elite Resident.

Benefits: Tuition and a personal stipend are fully covered.

Arrival: A private transport will arrive at your residence at 08:00 AM on the 20th of January.

Please note: As a "legacy student," your enrollment is unconditional and cannot be revoked by legal guardians or third parties.

We look forward to your arrival at the lake.

Signed,

Headmaster Alistair Thorne

The Board of Governors, LEA.

I fell slowly to the floor as tears streamed down my face in waves.

She still remembered and still cared even when she was gone. I could feel her presence.

Flashback

“Elena, why can't I go to the same school as Rachel? Their uniform is lovely, and I also like the school setting,” I pouted.

“Jordan! It's Mother, not Elena, and how many times do I have to tell you to stop talking while eating?" my father barked.

“She can call me whatever she likes, dear. Jordan?”

“Yes, Mom," I smiled.

“You will go to LEA when the time comes; it's a promise, ok? And then you and Rachel can always be together,” she said and drew me closer as she kissed my cheek, patting my head.

End of flashback

I wailed loudly as I fumbled to the floor, my tears a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Receiving a reminder of her supposed death was a harsh blow to my fragile heart. My legs trembled even as I walked to the couch to get a better hold of myself.

Hours later

I woke up as the sun hit my face, the sound of a car horn blaring loudly.

I must have dozed off from exhaustion.

I quickly jumped down from the bed as I rushed downstairs, and my father was back.

And so were Lillian and her followers.

“Oh my… it feels so good to be home, Lillian Love,” he smiled as they kissed each other. Lillian smiled like a perfect wife.

“Ohhh Jordan,” he said as he hugged me.

“You never grow, do you?” he teased.

“No, I never do, Dad," I smirked.

"Oh, of course, you know how short she is, darling. It's inherited,” she said to my hearing.

Unfortunately, my dad had passed me by on the way to the dining table. Tyler and Taylor surrounded him like birds.

They probably wanted to ask for their monthly allowance.

“Damn it, Lilian, you always seem to amaze me with your food,” he laughed.

“You know me, Monroe, always giving the best,” she laughed.

I scoffed as I walked to the kitchen. I could finally eat as I wanted.

Not for long, though.

Lillian strolled into the kitchen with a sly grin.

“I must say, good job, Jordan,” she smirked.

“Anything for you, sweet Mom," I smiled, and I brushed past her shoulder, leaving the kitchen as I walked to the dining room.

We were seated eating in the dining room, but my mind wasn't there. It kept going back to the letter burning a hole through my pocket.

I didn't know if I should tell Dad or not. I still couldn't run away even if I wanted to. I would get caught before I could say Jack.

“Jordan…

“Jordannnn…” I heard my name as I jerked out of my thoughts.

“Pfft… Pathetic,” Tyler scoffed silently.

“Jordan… What's going through your mind?” Lillian asked as she caressed my face, smiling.

I shook my head in amusement.

“Is something bothering you, dear sis?” Taylor asked with a smirk.

“No,” I whispered.

“C’mon, Jordeey… your mom and sisters care about you, can't you see that?” Dad said as he held Lillian's hand.

“I don't know what I would do without you, Liliian." He smiled, and the witch smiled in response.

I wanted to wipe that smile off her face so bad.

“I got mail!” I said.

Taylor and Tyler shared a glance and burst into laughter.

“Girlssss… keep it down,” Lillian barked.

They continued with their giggling, but Lillian knew something was off. She kept on pressuring me to speak.

Her eyes had a faint look.

“Who’s the mail from?” Dad asked.

At this point, the table went silent.

“LEA,” I smiled in triumph as I saw the look in Lillian's eyes.

"C'mooonnnn Jordannnn,” Taylor screamed in laughter.

“You don't know how to tell jokes, do you??” Lillian said, laughing, but I could see the fear in her eyes. Her hands betrayed the posture she was trying so hard to maintain.

“Silence!”

Dad's voice had always commanded silence.

“Let me see,” he asked, and I brought the mail out, still neat and clean.

The look on my stepsisters' faces faded.

They knew I wasn't lying.

“Oh dear, this is great news. Calls for a celebration,” Lillian said, her eyes flaring, but of course Father didn't notice that.

“Your mother had always remembered even the little things,” he whispered.

He missed her. I knew he did. Lillian rolled her eyes. “We can't possibly let Jordan go, darling,” she said, caressing his beard.

“Yes, Dad, she's doing better off with the tutor. Mr. James is a professional dad."

Taylor said, her breath hitching repeatedly.

Tyler just kept a blank face staring at me in silent shock. One never knew what she was thinking.

Lillian and her daughters kept arguing, trying to convince Dad I wasn't good enough to go.

"Dad, she can't, girls like her…

“Shut your fucking mouth, Taylor. I'm older than you guys, and I have a right to speak. Thank you.” I stood up, hitting the table.

“Sit down, Jordan,” Lillian tutted.

“Noo… I'm going to LEA, and no one's stopping me. You don't get to make the decisions. You're all…

“Enough!!” he yelled.

Once again the table was silent. Only our breaths were heard.

“I’ve made my decision.”

“And darling, remember…” Lillian tried to interrupt.

“She’s going."