CHAPTER 3 - Abraxas University

ROSE'S POV

I'm sad. I'm feeling devastated.

When I thought I'm going to my dream school, things like this suddenly happen.

I really love our parents. I love them so much. It's just that I can't believe that they're doing this to us.

They made us do things we didn't want. Making us go to a college we barely even know make me somehow disappointed in them. I know they want what's best for us but I trust them enough to let us do what we want, might as well go where we wanna go.

And here we are, on our way to Abraxas University. A college we barely know. So far away from Majestic University which is the dream school of the four of us. Well, we really can't do anything about it. We have no choice.

We've been on the road for almost 8 hours. It's really far away from the city. Mr. Yang adviced us to bring all our clothes because we will stay there for a whole year. Can you imagine that? Staying at school for a whole year and not allowed to go home? I felt like we were prisoners and that school is our jail. I feel something bad about this school. But ofcourse we still have to do this. Not only for ourselves but also for our parents to be at peace.

"Girls we're here." Jisoo said with a gloomy look in her eyes. I looked at everybody else and I saw the same sad look on their faces. I guess we all feel the same.

Lisa yawns and scratched her eyes. "The school's here? But I don't see any building."

"Not yet. According to Mr. Yang we have to ride a boat in order to get there." Jisoo looked at her phone probably reading Mr. Yang's instructions.

"What?! A boat ride? Is this school in a secluded island?" Jennie asked with a shocked expression.

"I guess so. But we have to go now. I see the dock over there." Jisoo carried some of our bags and lead us the way.

Right now Lisa is sleeping, Jennie vomitting due to sea sickness, Jisoo reading a book and me looking at the sea water which calms my nerves.

"Oh by the way, Jennie what happened to the nice guy at the diner?" Jisoo suddenly asked her.

"Wait. Is that the guy Nini has a crush on since forever?" I can't help but tease unnie.

Jennie wiped her mouth. "Well, he said his name is Hanbin. He asked me to go out with him."

"WHAT? He asked you out?" Jisoo was so shocked as she stared at Jennie.

"Oh My God! So you're finally dating?"

"Umm. No. We could have been. But the thing is we're going to this secluded school and stay there for a year so I declined him." I can see sadness in Jennie's eyes as she said those words. I can't help but be sad for her, I know how she likes that guy. Jisoo unnie keeps updating me about them.

After two hours of boat ride, we finally reached Mist Island. The place where Abraxas University is located. The boat ride did me a good favor since the sea calmed me a bit. But my mind can't erase the moment I saw Chichoo unnie silently crying. Yes I saw her shedding tears, during the boat ride, while reading a book. She thinks no one saw her but I did. I don't know what happened to her but I'm sure that she doesn't want us to know about it so I decided to keep myself quiet. I'll be waiting for her to open up voluntarily.

After the gruelling boat ride, we were fetched by Mr. Yang using his car.

"Oh ladies. You're gonna love it here." He exclaimed as he started the car engine.

"Yeah right." Lisa whispered, enough for the three of us to hear. It seems that she's still in the bad mood.

It took us 30 minutes to reach the school premises. From outside it really looks creepy. The school is situated inside a vast forest. The walls are so tall, even larger than the buildings in Daegu. One look and I know that no one can escape that large walls, even a giant cant escape that. Mr. Yang greeted the guard situated at the entrance and he easily let us in. I guess they now him that's why. As we enter the school premises, I can't help but admire the large fountain situated in the middle of the school. I'm really a fan of anything involved with water.

As we went inside, I heard gasps coming from my three sisters. Even I can't deny how beautiful the paintings which were hanged on the wall. There are portraits of four men whom I didn't know. But all I can say is that they're all handsome and powerful men, maybe around their thirties or forties? I'm not sure tho.

"Follow me." Mr. Yang instructed as he walked to the grand staircase. One thing is for sure about this school. They love paintings. Every floor have a bunch of paintings plastered to the wall. Some paintings are sceneries but others are portraits of people we don't know. The floors are well carpeted and neat, like no one's residing here. As we turned the corner, we saw a bunch of students wearing navy blue uniforms and they also stared at us. Even the school's creepy, I can say their uniform is pretty stylish.

The girls wear a black coat with white linings paired with a black skirt with white double lining at its bottom. Inside the coat, girls wear white shirt paired with a black necktie. A gold brooch is attached to its left chest. Well, atleast I found something that I will like in this school.

The boys uniform is a lot simpler than the girls. They wear a simple turtle neck black coat with gold buttons and there's a white lining around its neck. They pair it with black pants.

"I really like their uniform though. I can't wait to try it." Jennie can't help but whisper. I guess Jennie's fashionista instinct is kicking again. What more can I expect from the fashion icon of the group. Everything she wears look good on her.

I glanced again to the other students and I noticed that they're smiling at us. I was about to turn my head when I saw one of them change their eyes to green. When I glanced back, I saw that it's black again.

Maybe I was hallucinating. I guess that boat ride really did something to me.

Mr. Yang knocked at a door labeled "Head Mistress office". We were asked to come in and before we enter the office, Mr. Yang halted us from our tracks.

"This is it ladies. I can only guide you up to this moment only. When you enter that room, that is my cue to leave. Outsiders are only allowed here for a limited time."

He gave us the keys to our rooms. "All of your things have been brought up to your rooms. Incase you will be asked to transfer dorms, someone will help you with that."

"Transfer dorms? Why do we need to transfer?" Lisa asked suddenly. I was surprised she asked because she have been quiet ever since we entered this school.

"You'll find out soon. Now go. Bear in mind to follow the school rules for you to survive. Always remember that your parents love you and there's a reason why they sent you here. Make them proud." He gave each one of us a warm hug and walked away from us.

We were about to go in when we heard his voice again. "And one more thing. Do not trust anyone in this school. Trust your own judgement and follow your instinct. That's the only way to survive." He winked and walked away completely.

"Survive." Jisoo absentmindedly uttered

"What's that unnie?" I asked her completely clueless.

"He used the word survive. Twice."

Lisa stared at Jisoo, also clueless of what she's saying. "What's wrong if he used that word?"

Jisoo cleared her throat. "Maybe I'm putting too much meaning into it. But I read a book that says some people use the word "survive" as a warning. A warning for possible danger or hardships that we will have to face."

Chills started spreading through my body. Even though it's just what she read in a book, I can't help but think she's right. Fear started creeping in my mind of the things that might happen to us.

----------------------------------------------------

"Good morning Ladies. I'm Headmistress Hyuna. Glad to finally meet the four of you." She hugged each one of us, as she pecked our cheeks.

There's one word to describe Ms. Hyuna and that is...stunning! She has dark hair and squinty eyes. Her nose is so pointed which makes her face even more beautiful. And her lips! It's so red and looks so soft.

"Are you Jennie and Lisa? I've met your mother. You have your mother's angst." Ms. Hyuna expressed, hugging both of them again.

"You mean OUR mother?" Jisoo looks baffled by the her statement. "She didn't say anything about you though."

"Oh my apologies. Maybe that's a different mother?" The four of us gave her a skeptical look. "Nah. I was just kidding. Maybe she forgot about me. But that's okay. Atleast I get to meet you." She gave us a smile and I can't help but notice that she keeps stealing glances at Jennie and Lisa.

After an awkward moment, Ms. Hyuna gave us some documents to fill up. "I want all of you to fill that up. Especially the contract stating that you will not leave this school for a year, unless it's an emergency or your parents asked for you. But in your case, I think no one will ask for you since they're gone."

"Is this really necessary? Why confine us for a year?" Lisa asked boredly.

"Well ofcourse. We want our students to focus in their studies. We don't need any distractions," she said, licking her lips.

Jennie signed the contract immediately. "Well that makes sense."

After we signed it, she took the paper from us and prepared another set of documents and handed it to us.

"That will be your schedule and student handbook. I advice you to read the handbook. We don't want you pretty girls to be punished, don't we?"

"Ofcourse not." I smiled at her.

"Well, that ends our short meeting. I still have a lot of things to do. You may now go. Your classes will start the day after tomorrow when your Ability Sorting is done."

"What's an Ability Sorting?" I asked looking at our schedule.

"There will be a test conducted and based on your performance, you will be assigned to your specific class."

"Oh. You mean all the students here are grouped according to knowledge?" Jisoo asked with her eyes full of hope. I know that look. Our smarty pants unnie is now confident and she really thinks she's gonna be at the top class with her intelligence. I really believe she can do that.

Ms. Hyuna smiled and nodded. "Kind off. No more questions. You'll find all your answers tomorrow and some of it are in your handbook." She walked towards the door and opened it for us. "You may now go. Goodluck on your first day ladies."

----------------------------------------------------

After 10 minutes of navigating the map that was given to us earlier by Ms. Hyuna, we were now here in front of the dorms.

"Wait. Do each one of us get her own room?" I asked Jennie and looked at the tall building in front of me. It's not that much. Just a plain white 5th storey building with lots of rooms. But I can tell that this one's really old due to the molds sticking at its walls. Well, we have no choice.

Jennie took out the keys given by Mr. Yang from her pocket. "I've only got two keys in here. So maybe we will go by pairs? Room 402 and 403."

"I'll go with Lisa!" Lisa squealed in excitement and game me a high five.

"No. I don't trust the both of you living in the same room. That will be disastrous. You Lisa, you're staying with me. While you Rose, stay with Chichu, okay?"

"That's a good idea Jennie. Don't let these two cause any trouble. Rose let's go." Jisoo took the key for room 403 from Jennie and all of us climbed up the stairs.

As we climbed each floor, I can see some students sticking their head out their windows and doors, trying to see who we are. Some are smiling and waving at us but there are others who look sad and grieving. What's wrong? Why are they like that?

My thoughts were interrupted when Nini announced that we're here in the 4th floor. Another thing that bothers me is that most rooms in our floor is still vacant. Only the two rooms beside our rooms have occupants. We started opening our respective rooms when someone came out from room 404.

"Oh! Are you our new neighbors?" A cute girl with pigtails smiled at us. I can't stop staring at her face. It's so cute. Her bunnie teeth adds to her cuteness.

Jennie offered her hand for a hand shake. "Hi. I'm Kim Jennie and these are my sisters."

"I'm Im Nayeon. Just call me Nayeon. You're so pretty by the way." They shook hands. "You too. So cute!" Jennie chimed in.

"Oh wait. I'll introduce you to someone." Nayeon went inside their unit. "Momo come here. Meet our new neighbors."

A girl with very long black hair went out. I guess this school is blessed by the amount of pretty girls. She looks gorgeous and there's something about her features that tells me she's not korean.

"Oh nice to meet you guys. My name's Momo. Hirai Momo." Ah! So she's Japanese. She waved at us and I can't help but smile at their friendliness.

I waved back. "I'm Rose, the blonde haired one is Lisa and the black one is Jisoo unnie." I think I'm going to like staying here. We have friendly neighbors.

"It was really nice meeting you girls. But we have to rest. We need energy for tomorrow's Ability Sorting. Are you ready for it?" Nayeon asked, looking at Jennie.

"Oh yes. We're ready whatever that is." Jennie laughed a little.

"Goodluck for tomorrow. I hope all of us will finish it unscathed." Momo giggled.

"Thank you. Good luck to the both of you." Lisa said as she opened her and Jennie's room.

"Good night." Nayeon waved again and they both entered their room.

"Come on Rose let's set up our room." Jisoo unnie opened the door and we both went in.

The room is just a simple one with a living room, kitchen, 1 bathroom and a bedroom with two beds. Walls are painted beige while the floor is covered with white tiles. It's fully furnished with a sofa, small tv, electric fan (there's no air conditioner), stove, small refrigerator, small table with two chairs. The bathroom consists of 1 sink, 1 toilet and 1 bath tub so I guess me and unnie will have to take turns using it. After settling down, we went to Jennie and Lisa's room and ate dinner together.

"Why do you think Momo said that she hopes all of us will be unscathed. Is that Ability Sorting really that difficult?" Lisa asked as she chews her food. Aigoo! This girl always talk when her mouth is full.

Jisoo drank some water. "I'm also curious why they said that. It seems that they know something. I forgot to ask them about that."

"Maybe we can ask them tomorrow morning so that we can be prepared." Jennie unnie finished eating. Among the four of us she always eat less like a bird.

"Come on. After eating let's rest early so that we will have energy for tomorrow, like what Nayeon and Momo said." Jisoo stood up, along with Lisa and Jennie.

Jennie cleared the table and was surprised I'm still not done. "Yah Rose! You still not finished eating?"

"Why? You're cooking is so delicious. I can't help myself. And besides you said we need energy, that's why I'm storing a lot of energy." I keep on munching the food. So delicious!

"Aissht. This girl looks so cute and innocent but when she eats, she transforms into a food-deprived barbarian." Jennie laughed a little.

"Yah! I'm not a barbarian okay. You're so mean unnie." I sticked out my tongue at her and she did the same.

I looked at my glass of water and find it not cold enough. I closed my hands and after a few seconds I opened it, finding an ice cube at the center of my palm. I dropped it in my glass of water and sipped it. I really love my power. "Ah! So refreshing."

A few minutes have passed and I saw Jisoo unnie yawn. "Yo Rose! I'm heading to our room to sleep. Hurry up so that you can sleep early too."

I gave her a thumbs up and kept on eating.

After eating I went out of Lisa and Jennie's room. I was about to go inside my own room with Jisoo unnie but I saw how beautiful the stars are. I stayed for a bit longer staring at them, feeling the cold night air. It's so serene and I find it beautiful.

"Hi Mom and Dad. How are you there? I miss you so much." Tears started streaming down my face. "I'm sorry if I somehow hated both of you for sending us to this school. I just didn't know why you did this. Why here?" I wiped the tears at the corner of my eyes. "But I know you have your reasons. Even though I won't be able to hear it, I will trust your decision for us. Please guide us and look after us. Help us survive whatever this is. We love you both."

I entered my room and dreamt of the time when we are all complete and happy.

---------------------------------------------------

Jisoo and I were getting ready for the Ability Sorting when Lisa came knocking at our door.

"Unnie! Jennie won't wake up. I tried everything. I punched her, I slapped her, I've spilled water at her face." She looked panicked.

"Heul. That girl really sleeps like there's no tomorrow. Leave it to me. I know the way to wake up snorlax Jennie."

Lisa and I followed Jisoo unnie as she entered Jennie's room. We all stared at Jennie, especially Jisoo and after a few minutes Jennie woke up looking irritated.

"YAH JISOO!" She keeps on holding her head like she's in pain. "That hurts! Why do you have to do that?"

Jisoo looked at Jennie like a mother reprimanding her daughter. "You need to wake up. We can't be late at our Ability Sorting."

"Okay okay. Just don't do that again." Jennie stood up and went to the bathroom irritated.

"How did you wake her up?" I can't help but ask her.

"I shouted at her inside her mind." Jisoo giggled.

"Daebak! You're the best Chichu unnie." Lisa gave her a thumbs up.

Since we still don't have the uniform, we wore casual clothes. After preparing, we went out of our room and knocked on Nayeon and Momo's room but it seems that they already went out.

---------------------------------------------------

We almost got lost looking for the gymnasium which took us 20 minutes to find.

"Jennie! Jisoo! There you are. We've been waiting for you." Nayeon waved back to us.

"Sorry. We got lost." Jisoo answered as we greeted Nayeon and Momo. Jennie suddenly asked, "Oh by the way, I've been dying to ask, what do we do in Ability Sorting? We have no idea what it is."

We're outside the gymnasium along with other students. I looked at them and I can't help but notice that each one have a determined expression on their face. Why so serious?

"You girls didn't know?" Nayeon looked at Momo worriedly.

Momo cleared her throat. "Ability sorting is when you present your powers to a professor and they evaluate it."

"WHAT?" All of us said at the same time. I can't believe I'm hearing this.

In all of our life all we did was to hide our powers from others. As you know, not everyone has it that's why you should hide it from others so that you won't be labeled as a freak. But to know that we are required to show it to someone doesn't sit well with me.

I waved my hand in front of Nayeon. "Wait. How did the school know that we have powers?"

"Ofcourse they know that everyone here has powers." Nayeon looked at us suspiciously.

"This is Abraxas University. An exclusive college for supernaturals."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHAPTER END ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~