A light drizzle fell as the travel van stopped in front of a tall gate that read:
BELLMONT SCHOOL – National Boarding Excellence Academy.
Rossie stared at the metal plaque for a long time. Her cold hand gripped the strap of her worn-out backpack. Through the window, she saw the towering school buildings—so starkly different from the small village she came from. She took a deep breath and whispered softly, almost to the grey sky above, "Mom, I'm here. This is the place."
From her jacket pocket, Rossie took out a photo of her mother. It was worn, corners starting to fade, but her mother's smile was still clear—warm and full of hope. That photo was the only keepsake she carried everywhere. As Rossie stepped into the school courtyard, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She knew being a scholarship student at an elite academy like Bellmont School wouldn't be easy. But more than that, she had a hidden mission: to uncover the truth behind her mother's death, which she believed was connected to someone from this school.
—
First Day, First Night
Room 203.
It was bigger than their old rented home. A bunk bed, a sleek study desk, a towering wardrobe, even a small balcony overlooking the school's artificial lake.
But what left Rossie frozen wasn't the room's facilities—it was the figure sitting at the desk near the window. A boy, in full uniform, wearing a grey hoodie that partially covered his face. His eyes were sharp, and his expression, cold.
Rossie frowned.
"I thought this was a girls-only dorm?"
The boy didn't answer. He glanced at her briefly, then returned to reading the book in his hand.
Rossie felt awkward.
"Um… who are you?"
Finally, the boy spoke—calm but firm.
"Liam."
Just one word. No small talk. Rossie stood stiffly by her bed.
"I'm Rossie. A new student. I'm supposed to share this room with…"
She opened an information envelope from her suitcase.
"Actually, it says I'm supposed to be alone."
Liam closed his book and stood up. His gaze wasn't accusing, but not exactly friendly either.
"If you've got a problem, go to admin. I've been here since last year. No one dares move me."
Rossie swallowed hard.
Okay. This is going to be trickier than I thought.
—
Midnight
Rossie woke up. The rain outside had grown heavier. She got up quietly, planning to go to the bathroom. But her steps halted when she saw Liam standing on the balcony, staring into the rain. He was holding something—like a pendant or a small badge. Rossie watched from behind the curtain, not intending to eavesdrop, but her curiosity got the best of her.
Liam whispered softly,
"Mom, I promise… I'll finish everything here."
Rossie held her breath. There was pain in his voice. A pain she recognized. A pain she herself had brought to this place.
—
Second Day
Mornings in the dorm felt like a parade. Every student wore neat uniforms, walked in formation, and greeted teachers like trained robots. Rossie felt like an alien among them. When she sat in class, the whole room turned to look. A long-haired girl with a fake-sweet smile approached.
"You're Rossie? The scholarship kid?" she asked, voice sugar-coated but not sincere.
"Yeah, so?"
"I'm Sienna. Student council president and—so they say—everyone's best friend. But if you're looking for friends here, a word of advice: don't get your hopes up."
Rossie gave a faint smile. She was used to passive-aggressive comments like that. The only one who greeted her warmly was Nichole—a bubbly girl sitting beside her.
"You're from Surabaya too? Your accent's just like mine!" Nichole said excitedly.
Rossie smiled wider. For the first time since arriving, she felt a little at ease.
—
Third Night
Rossie opened her wardrobe and found an old book with a black leather cover hidden on the bottom shelf. No name, but on the first page was written in blue ink: "I'm not who you think I am."
Her heart raced. The book was filled with handwritten notes, sketches of fire, maps of the school's old building, and even old newspaper clippings about a dorm fire two years ago. And most striking: Liam's name appeared several times. Rossie quickly closed the book just as Liam entered.
"What are you reading?" he asked, suspicious.
Rossie smiled nervously.
"Just a notebook. Not mine though…"
Liam didn't respond. But his piercing eyes seemed to look straight through her soul.
—
Closing
Rossie sat alone in the garden behind the dorm. The leaves were wet after the rain. She opened a letter from her mother faded and worn, carried since middle school.
"If one day you arrive at Bellmont School, remember this: not everything that looks pure is holy. And not all that is silent lacks a voice. Seek the truth, Rossie."
Rossie closed her eyes. She knew. Beneath the pristine uniforms, towering buildings, and strict rules something was being hidden. Something that involved her mother. And maybe… Liam too.
—
End of Chapter 1 – To Be Continued…
Next: Chapter 2 – The First Day at Bellmont School, featuring more drama and rising conflicts among the characters.