Mercy

The drive seemed to be getting longer and longer by the minute.
I was getting very agitated because it was silent and I had nothing to do.
We went past buildings and building, and then wide open landscapes.
I was beginning to think the journey would never end.
I opened my cell phone.
I had 2 texts and a voicemail.
Just before I could read it the cab came slowly to a halt.
I looked out of the window and saw a mega huge building with an enormous gate with the words “Ocean View Academy”.
The driver opened my door and got my bags.
I collected the bags then paid him.
He got back in the cab and drove off leaving a trail of smoke behind.
I walked up to the gates and they were shut.
There was a placement in the wall and an instruction above it saying “place finger here”
Then I noticed an intercom and a series of buttons, so I pressed the button for the reception.
A lady with a Tennessee accent answered.
“Hi I’m Mercedes Martinez and I--.”
“Oh yes one second please.” The lady at the other end said.
As soon as she finished the sentence the gate opened swiftly.
I picked my bags that I put on the ground up and entered.
There were students scattered around but they were boys.
I mentally shrugged and started searching for the building.
I looked around for a bit and until a building with “Main Office” caught my eye.
I walked towards it and the automatic doors opened as I reached it.
It looked modern and classy.
The theme was cream and chocolate brown.
It had flower patterns on the walls and a few paintings and sculptures here and there.
I approached the front desk.
I rang the bell on the desk.
No answer.
Then the receptionist popped her head up and I put my hand on my heart hoping to calm it somehow.
“Sorry for the scare.” Said a lady with natural strawberry blonde hair, with black rimmed glasses and a thick Tennessee accent.
“It’s alright I’m Merc—“
“Mercedes Carter Martinez, It’s a pleasure to have you here.” She beamed and extended out her hand.
I shook it with a confused look on my face.
She handed me the key to my room and a yellow slip of paper which had my name and dorm room etc and informed me that I was required to share with some other people.
I told her it was fine.
“Do you mind placing your all your fingers on both hands on the sensor one at a time?”
I did as I was told and scanned all my fingers.
“Do you want me to walk you to your room?” She asked.
“Yeah just so I don’t get lost.”
She got up and called another person to watch the desk while she showed me my room.
I followed as she led me towards a white elevator.
When we got in she pressed the button for the 5th floor, which was right at the top.
I noticed that the floor of the elevator was really bouncy.
The receptionist turned to me.
“Are you nervous?”
“No not really, just the fact that I’m away from my parents.” I answered. “I hope I fit in.”
She laughed lightly.
“Eventually you’ll get used to it. By the way I’m Emma, Emma Ritchie.” She announced.
Eventually?
Emma wasn’t like any grown up I’d ever met.
For a start she wasn’t old ad strict.
Probably 20- 25 tops.
She was carefree and spontaneous which reminded me of Mae.
We had a lot in common as in music, books, TV shows etc.
When we reached the 5th floor the elevator dinged and we got out.
She led me down a huge corridor to a room right at the bottom on the right.
“There you are. If you need any help you know where I am.”
“Ok, thanks again.” I said.
“No worries.” She smiled.
I waved at her retreating figure which headed towards the elevator.