Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

"Yes. He works a lot. He runs an ocean liner business. But, he's going to come here to see me this week," I added, not hiding my happiness and excitement. "He'll take me to dinner."

"That's nice," she said. "My daddy used to do that," she added wistfully.

"Not this time because it's the first time I'll see him in a while, but maybe next time, I'll take you along, if you'd like."

"Really! I'd love it. And I won't say anything stupid or embarrassing. You'll tell me what to say and what not to. And I won't tell any of the other girls anything you tell me about it. I promise, cross my heart, pinky promise," she said extending her pinky. I had to laugh.

"All right, I'll tell you some of it, but first, let's get my things put away, before the high priestess comes looking for me.

"

Jennifer squealed with delight and hugged me. In just a few minutes she drove away the troubled thoughts that had crowded into the darkest corners of my brain. I knew it was the beginning of a great friendship.

Jennifer gave me the tour, showing me the cafeteria, the assembly hail, the underground tunnels and gymnasium. Then she told me the quickest way to get to each of my classes.

"Our teachers usually make a big thing of your being late to class, so watch out for that--otherwise . ." She ran her right forefinger across the base of her neck. "It's a meeting with the high priestess and one of her long lectures about decorum and the need for discipline and order. Ugh."

"You've had a few, I gather?"

"A few," she confessed, "but she's been nice to me ever since . . . ever since," she added. It was enough. I understood. "You'd better go to see her now. I've got to make science class. Then we have lunch and you'll meet everyone."

"Thank you, Jennifer."

She shrugged.

"Glad you're here. You're my first roommate."

"Really? But I thought you said you've been here for three years."

"Just the way the cookie crumbled," she said and went off to make her class. She was definitely what Grandma Jana would call "a fresh drink of water." I hurried back to Miss Mallory's office to get my schedule and first lecture. Now that Tony was no longer present, there was a distinct change in her attitude. She was far more formal and her expression lost its softness. With hard-eyed calculations, she looked me over, weighed me, measured me, guessed at my character, my weaknesses, my strengths.

"When the bell rings at seven each weekday morning, you are to rise and dress as quickly as possible. Breakfast is at seven-thirty, so there is little time to dillydally over makeup and hair.

"I must tell you, we don't play any favorites here. You will have to earn the respect of your teachers and your classmates.

"Most importantly, at Winterhaven, we don't flaunt our wealth. I hope you keep this in mind. As I told you earlier, I am very proud of my girls, proud of this school, proud of what it has come to mean.

"I'm sure you will be an asset," she finally added. "Well, see it's just about time for lunch, so you might as well go directly to the cafeteria. Come by if you have any questions or problems. My door is always open."

"Thank you, Miss Mallory," I said and left quickly.

The moment I entered the cafeteria, Jennifer stood up and beckoned. Our table was the farthest to the right, near the big windows, so we had a view of the front of the school. I hurried over. Jennifer had my seat saved right beside hers.

"Hi," I said. All the girls studied me just the way I would study a new girl who entered my old school--checking my clothing, my looks, the way I wore my hair. I was sure, however, that Jennifer had filled them in on some things already.

"I'll introduce everyone," Jennifer declared. "Leigh, this is Ellen Stevens, Toby Krantz, Wendy Cooper, Carla Reeve, Betsy Edwards, and Marie Johnson." All the girls nodded and said "Hi." I thought Marie Johnson was the prettiest and I understood she was the leader of the group.

"How was your meeting with the high priestess?" Jennifer asked.

"All right," I said. "She gave me my schedule." I held it out and Jennifer confirmed we shared all our classes. Some of the other girls were in some as well.

"Didn't she tell you how distinguished and respectable Winterhaven is and how we are all model citizens?" Marie asked, batting her eyelashes. The other girls tittered. I nodded, laughing myself. "Well, we are when we want to be," Marie continued, looking sly. ". . . when it suits us."

"You better get your food fast," she told me. "We don't have all that much time for lunch."

I went off to the lunch line. The food was a lot better than what I was used to at my old school. At least one thing reflected the cost, I thought.

"Jennifer told us your stepfather's name," Ellen Stevens said when I sat back down. "Does he have anything to do with Tatterton Toys?"