As visiting day approached, Ravenswood School transformed into a breathtaking spectacle. The ancient buildings, with their weathered stone façades and Gothic spires, were adorned with intricate garlands of fresh flowers and lush greenery. The once-dreary corridors now shone with polished marble floors, gleaming wooden paneling, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
The grand halls, with their high ceilings and ornate frescoes, were set with lavish banquet tables, draped in exquisite lace and fine linens. Delicate china, sparkling crystal glasses, and ornate silverware adorned the tables, ready for the sumptuous feasts to come. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and roasting meats wafted through the air, tantalizing the senses and building anticipation.
The school's facilities, too, were meticulously prepared. The library, with its towering shelves of ancient tomes and leather-bound volumes, was tidied and dusted, its ornate reading rooms and study nooks invitingly arranged. The laboratories, with their gleaming equipment and curious contraptions, were spotless and organized, ready to showcase the students' scientific prowess.
The grounds, too, were transformed. The dark Dorset forest, with its majestic purple-leafed trees, was illuminated by twinkling lanterns and fragrant torches, casting a magical glow over the walking paths and manicured lawns. The sports fields, with their freshly cut grass and gleaming equipment, were ready for demonstrations of skill and prowess.
Every detail was meticulously considered, from the delicate flower arrangements to the precision-polished silverware, all aimed at presenting Ravenswood School in its finest light.
….
The students, dressed in their finest attire, gathered in clusters. Their dresses were finely pressed and polished, their faces shining with excitement and pride as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their families in the great hall of the school. Amidst the chatter and laughter, a few boasted about their family's grandeur, exaggerating their wealth and the opulence they would display upon arrival.
A girl, Mara, stood out for her relentless bragging, flaunting her family's riches and mocking those she deemed inferior. Mara Sterling was the only child of her parents who spoilt and dotted on her like nobody's business. She mostly had her way around things because her parents were nobles in Gravore city, one of the cities in the country.
She had short blonde hair and wore a short green dress with slight makeup on her face making her look delicate, a sharp contrast to her usual fierce demeanor.
Mara flaunted her designer handbag and boasted, "My family's going to arrive in style, like they always do. They'll be driving up in their brand-new BMW, and everyone will be green with envy!"
As she continued to talk, the corner of her eyes caught sight of someone sitting alone at one of the tables nearby and she turned to see Juliet, a quiet and reserved girl who seemed uncertain about her family's attendance. Mara decided to pick on Juliet as her next target to ridicule. Mara sneered as she walked towards her, "Hey Juliet, What's your family going to bring this time, frogs? Or wait, are they even going to show up?" The surrounding crowd joined in, their laughter and snickers piercing the air.
Juliet, her eyes cast downward, endured the ridicule, aware that Mara's family was wealthy and influential. She didn't want to provoke a confrontation, fearing it might reflect poorly on her own family.
The crowd erupted in laughter. Valeria who happened to sit nearby saw the scene and she felt a pang of sympathy for Juliet. But she remained silent, sipping her juice and observing the scene unfold.
Mara continued to taunt Juliet, "Oh, look at her, sitting there all alone. What a loser! She's probably not even sure if her family will show up. Pathetic!"