DREAME COLLEGE??

"I'm going to Almerita" Charlene said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs Craig's eyes widened in shock as Charlene's words echoed in her head "are you sure about this?... It isn't just about your powers is it?"

"I really do not have a choice". Charlene replied her lips slightly trembling " I'm tired of hurting people, I really need to learn control"

Mrs Craig sighed, and a tear slid down her face.

"Out here isn't safe for me either" Charlene added, her eyes growing distant.

"What's life without family? Your father left... And now you're leaving too" Mrs. Craig sobbed wiping her tears with the back of her palm.

Charlene's eyes welled up in tears as she watched her mum broken. "You..you won't be alone mom I promise"

Mrs. Craig gave her a puzzled expression, screaming 'how do you mean?'

"Meet Pearl" Charlene said gesturing at Pearl who was lost admiring the interior of the house.

Mrs. Craig's gaze shifted to Pearl, confusion etched on her face.

"Why's there a younger version of you here?"

Charlene let out a small smile "she's a gift from a higher power."

Mrs Craig stared at Pearl for a while, like she was unreal before muttering son words "she looks exactly like you, when you were fifteen"

"I'm fifteen too" Pearl's cute voice rang and involuntarily a bright smile escaped Mrs. Craig's lips.

"You're welcome pearl" she whispered her arms enveloping pearl, holding her tight. Charlene joined in the hug, wrapping her arms around both of them.

The trio held each other, finding solace in the warmth of their embrace.

***

Charlene stood before the huge, gothic-style building, it's designs and appearance radiating power. Feeling Nature's touch on her fine, flawless skin, she was certain her life was about to change; for the better or worse?

Only time would tell.

"Dreame College?" She gasped the moment her eyes caught the sign above the building. "I was supposed to be in Almerita, not Dreame college... Oh no! the Nickels!" She said dramatically, her voice echoing.

A mocking chuckle sounded behind her, slicing through the tension, she flinched turning around.

"Who's there?"

"Relax you're in Almerita, specifically Dreame college.., I'm Aiden" The person who chuckled said and Charlene exhaled in relief.

"I'm Charlene" she replied nervously and took her gaze to Aiden, a gasp almost escaped her lips as she tried to stop herself from admiring his near perfect features; piercing green eyes, pointed nose, cute eyes, well carved jawlines and just like her, he had brown hair too.

"She's cute"

Aiden's subconscious mind whispered.

"Shut up" he rebuked it, his face turning red in embarrassment.

"Are you okay?" Charlene asked slightly furrowing her brows.

"I wasn't referring to you" he replied softly his gaze darting away. He obviously wasn't over the little embarrassment.

Charlene looked around, trying to find the person he was referring to and seeing that it was just the two of them, she shrugged.

"New student right?" He asked observing her and the luggage before her.

Charlene nodded slowly.

"Let's go" he muttered and strode ahead, with Charlene trailing, her senses on high alert.

"Where are we going?" She asked her voice barely audible.

"The Master's Chamber" He replied "to get your presence registered"

As they got to the Master's chamber and entered, Charlene's eyes widened in awe. The rooms magnificence enthralled her- the ancient yet beautiful appearance.

"Are we back in time? Like the 90's" she grinned excitedly and Aiden chuckled slowly.

"What no!! You'll see"

Aiden pressed the doorbell and after hearing a deep "come in" he pushed the door open and walked in with Charlene trailing behind him.

"Welcome To Almerita Charlene" The oldest Master, Kang said with a warm smile.

"How did he know my name?" Charlene whispered to Aiden who stood beside her.

"You do realize we heard that right?" The second Master, Arnold asked in a rather dry tone.

"We're supernatural, Charlene. The great custodians of Dreame College and Almerita. Did you expect anything less?" The youngest master, Ryan added with a mischievous grin which made Charlene's heart skip a beat.

She bit her lower lip slightly, unsure of how to respond.

"Welcome again, Charlene" Master Kang said calmly, his soft tone easing the tension. "Aiden, go fetch Hazel"

As Aiden departed, Charlene's gaze lingered on a frame hung loosely against the wall, it didn't look like the usual, rather it seemed to hold whispering secrets...

The door creaked open, revealing Aiden who stepped in.

"She's on her way"

A satisfied expression found it's way to Master Kang's face as he nodded slowly "Thanks Aiden, you may leave"

Aiden bowed briefly and took his gaze to Charlene.

"See you around Charlene" he winked and departed.

The door creaked open again, this time revealing...

"H..Hazel" Charlene gasped unable to contain the surprised expression that made it's way to her face. "Why are you here?"

Hazel stared shortly at her before greeting the Masters.

"Oh really...tell me about it" Charlene snapped had shut Hazel a suspicious glare.

"There's a lot to talk about..." Hazel trailed off and took her gaze to master Kang as though seeking approval.

"Go ahead" he shrugged "...and give her a tour round the college before taking her to Miss Lilly"

Hazel nodded and bowed slightly, before exiting with Charlene trailing behind.

"You knew about this from vintage college didn't you?" Charlene asked in a rather accusing manner. "That's what you were trying to tell me before the orientation"

Hazel hesitated then took her gaze to Charlene and sighed. "I was sent to Vintage, to activate your powers."

"I don't...I don't quite understand that" she stuttered staring weirdly at Hazel.

"You already turned 18, and you'd not found your way here yet, so..." Hazel trailed off...

"You..you're not a student of Vintage?" Charlene asked her voice breaking as she finally understood what was going on.

"So that's why I was the only one with a roommate, and you seemed weird.."

Charlene was saying when Aiden's reappearance interrupted her.

"Aiden" Hazel whispered nervously.

"Are you okay?" Charlene asked Hazel, observing the tension brooding.

"I'm fine" Hazel replied her eyes darting to Aiden.

"You look rather..."

"Trust me" Hazel whispered interrupting her and quickening her pace.

"Wait for me" Charlene called, chasing after Hazel.

Aiden trailed behind, his eyes on their retreating figures.

"I guess she didn't need me" he shrugged and turned to go when he bumped into a body.

"Witch," he mumbled, realizing he had collided with Layla.

"Dumbo,"

Layla scoffed.

"It's pretty obvious that you like me. I mean, who wouldn't? Anyways, keep your feelings to yourself,"

he smirked arrogantly, walking away.

"In your dreams," Layla scoffed loudly, causing him to stop in his tracks.

"You think?"

he chuckled, striding daringly towards her.

"Don't come any closer," she muttered nervously.

"Oh please, there's nothing to be afraid of," he smirked, causing her to back up until her back hit the wall.

"Oh no,"

she cried.

"Do you still want to move back?"

he mocked, standing inches away from her.

"Argh, go away," she whispered, as beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

To Be Continued...