章 1: •CHAPTER 1: GARDEN•

8th of March 1812

When I was just a child, I used to play a lot on the vast garden of my grandmother's house. It has tall grasses, countless trees and varieties of flowers. A forest paradise as it may seem.

But there is one special spot for me it is actually my resting place after I get tired of playing. It is the apple tree not so far from the house. There are humours that it is the oldest tree that you can see in the garden, as old as the house.

I thought about how well that tree was taken care of. They did not even think to cut it even though it was too big and it occupied a lot of space.

*****

"Eve! come down here, we will miss your school orientation, you can continue that later"

I lost my concentration on what I was reading when I heard mama shout. I just sighed. If that school wasn't really good, I wouldn't be there. I prefer to just stay at home.

"I'm going down mom!" I just adjusted my skirt one last time in front of the mirror and went downstairs.

Iam Eve Hermosa. I can say that I am a fan of old, classics or whatever you call it. I also prefer supernatural stories and even wishing that one can happen to me in real life!

Having a scripted life like mine is boring, sometimes I just wish that I am cursed to add spice to it. Anyways, yeah I'm weird and old-fashioned as other might say. What's wrong isn't it?

We finally arrive at the school which looks more like a castle in medieval period. Creme and dark themes are in perfect combinations. There are modern buldings but it didn't overshadowed the beauty of the old designs.

I like it, very classy.

Many are also coming for orientation for this school year. The weather is kinda cold. Fortunately, my skirt is long and thick and I was wearing boots, I also wore my jacket because I really felt the cold.

I actually find the school beautiful. Like a place where queens and princesses once lived.

"It's my dream school really dad, thank you for enrolling me here" I looked at the girl before us. They looked really rich and has the ability to choose any school that they want.

We are not rich, I can say that we are only capable of life and my mother educated me in a good school. Of course I have also applied for a scholarship here so I really need to complete my studies.

The school also did not disappoint us in the beautiful places in it. The frontyard is a welcoming view it's fascinating. It's a fairytale place came to life.

"Students and parents, the orientation will be held at the Mnemosyne's Chamber Hall please proceed at the building to your right from the Hermes's frontyard" someone said from the speaker and everybody proceeds to what it said.

Cool! They named each part of the school from gods and goddesses even gods messenger!

The interior design is amazing, you can see the effort in preserving the place and the design. I have the medieval feels all over my body! As a classical thingy lover this is awesome.

We found a seat near the stage. This is like a classic theatrical room for plays and operas.

"Goodafternoon parents and students. I am George Willof, your school principal and I hereby welcome you in Madame Minerva's Castle School or also known as MMCS Learning facility." a man with a strong presence announced.

Everyone including me gave a round of applause. His aura means authority and we as the subordinates must follow his commands.

"I would like to thank the school staffs in arranging this event. Also, we are here to talk about the basic things in this school."

Orientation has already begun, as usual it's about the rules and regulations, school facilities, school staffs etc. They gave us a brochure for the summaries.

"Let me tell you the most important thing that you need to remember in this academy. You can go anywhere in the whole school, but never in the deep part of the yard. To be specific, it is the Minerva's Apple Yard." I don't know if it was just my eyes but he seemed to be looking in our direction. I also stopped reading the program summary.

Weird I feel chills

"Wild animal and reptiles are reported near that place and we just want to ensure your safety. Disobeying of this rule is equal to expulsion." There was no trace of emotion when he said that.

"That's all and once again, welcome to MMCS have a good day" he bowed and went down to the stage. After the whole discussion, everybody rose up from their seats. Some staffs have also started cleaning and tidying up.

"What can you say Eve? You like it?" I looked at my mom and smile.

"I love it mom, it's wonderful." She nodded and held my hand.

"Mama why is your hand shaking?" I gave her my gloves, she might just get cold.

It's so cold again. It is also fully air-conditioned inside the assembly hall.

"Thanks Eve, it's really cold" I felt something weird but I ignored it and went straight to the car parked near the gate.

I just continue what I was reading earlier when I got home. It turned out to be a diary of one of our ancestors. Between 1800's so the original copy is old but the preservation is good so it was still printed in other copies. We are a family of writers who even long diaries have become great readings.

*****

Oh what a nice garden to see, the fruits of the trees here, especially the apples, are so fresh and delicious. Here, I always pick fruits to serve or make snacks every siesta.

But there is one strange thing I notice every time I stay here, no animal even a bird goes to this area of the yard near the oldest apple tree. Is it normal or is something strange happening in that area?

Confused,

Nirvana Hermosa