Chapter 2 THE RULES

Marilyn looked up at the building in front of her, today was her first day at the new school. One thing she must underline, that apart from being covered in shady trees, the Alexandria building stands right next to a banyan tree which is quite dense and large.

Rumor has it, the banyan tree is known to be full of mystique. It is said that the long dangling tree roots can turn into the hair of the female guardian. If you intentionally or unintentionally pollute the tree, be prepared for the female guardian to follow you home and return to school the next day.

Marilyn gulped down her saliva roughly. Even if she was a little scared, she had to be brave after all it was just a rumour, right?

Marilyn took a deep breath and then stepped into the school grounds.

"Wow, it's really beautiful," she said, looking at the view in front of her. She was amazed, this school building was very beautiful, especially the design that was plastered on the wall.

"Beautiful?"

Marilyn was surprised to hear a voice right next to her, she turned to find a middle-aged man who she believed was a security guard at this school. The man smiled making Marilyn smile too.

"Are you the new student?" asked the man.

Marilyn nodded. "Yes, I'm a new student, sir," she replied politely.

"Sometimes, we can't judge something from the outside." Marilyn looked at the security guard with an uncomprehending face, while he looked at her with a faint smile.

"Hope you are well," he said again and turned to leave, but before that his hand rose to rub Marilyn's head making her wince.

What does it mean? She could only watch the man leave with a confused look, the security guard looked friendly but also a little strange. Never mind, don't think about it, she stepped back.

When Marilyn entered the school corridor, for some reason she felt a different air as if she was astonished, moreover finding the presence of students passing by.

Marilyn once again swallowed roughly. Look at their faces. Just like an undead, very pale. It wasn't just one or two people, but all of them had the same face color. What really happened?

Not to mention the way they walk, very stiff. Looking straight ahead, none of them even glanced at Marilyn. Seeing that, she was afraid to say hello first.

Marilyn rubbed her neck, didn't the sun shine hot outside earlier? But, why is it cold here?

Marilyn felt the chills on the back of her neck, she couldn't believe a school as good as this had such a sinister aura. She was silent when she remembered the security guard's words earlier, maybe what he meant was this? The girl shrugged nonchalantly, not wanting to think about it anymore, Marilyn immediately stepped into the principal's office.

When she knocked on the door, she saw a middle-aged man coming out of it, looking straight at her with a pale face, exactly like the students who were passing by earlier.

Marilyn smiled kindly and explained her aims and objectives. During that time, the man who was known to be the principal of the school was silent, but Marilyn tried to understand the situation, positive thinking.

Later, he was given a school uniform and also a small map, indicating the location of Marilyn's class. She got out of there and started wandering around looking for the whereabouts of her class.

About five minutes of searching, Marilyn stared at the door in front of her then looked down at the map the headmaster had given her. She smiled, there was no mistake this class. Her hand lifted to knock on the door. After a while, the door opened and a female teacher appeared.

"Excuse me ma'am, I am a new student in this class," she said when she saw the teacher's confused look.

The teacher smiled. "Ah so, come on in please," she said invitingly. Marilyn smiled, nodded then walked to follow the teacher.

"Wr have a new student, please introduce yourself," she ordered.

Marilyn nodded, then looked ahead. "Hi, my name is Marilyn Cassandra, just call me Marilyn. Greetings all!" She said with a smile, inside she was grateful to see everyone seemed happy with her.

"Okay, Marilyn, please sit next to Jessica," sje said.

The school girl in question raised her hand, telling Marilyn. Marilyn just nodded and walked towards the bench next to Jessica. After she sat down, the teacher returned to writing on the blackboard which she might have delayed because of it.

A few minutes later the recess bell rang making the teacher say goodbye, after the teacher left all the students scattered out, but not Marilyn and the girl next to her.

"Hi!" Marilyn looked up at the girl next to her. She smiled. "Hi," she replied.

"I'm Jessica. Jessica Lincolin. Em, by the way why did you study here? Even though there are many other good schools," Jessica asked. To be honest, Marilyn was slightly offended, but she knew what the question mean. "I just want," Marilyn answered casually

"This school is weird, you're not afraid?" She asked again. Marilyn shook her head slowly, smiling a little. "That banyan tree, isn't it? I hear it's just a rumour?" she asked back, yes even though this school seemed like nothing was wrong because it had a frightening aura, Marilyn still couldn't believe it a bit.

Jessica shook her head making Marilyn wince. "You're the one who wants to be here, right? There is a risk, you have to face it."

Marilyn still didn't get it.

"Even if you're not an indigo, at any time you'll be able to see ghosts even if only briefly. There have been many testimonials from students here. So I'm saying this so you won't be surprised, when you meet one of the ghosts, it's normal. That's it, calm down," she continued.

Marilyn was silent hearing Jessica's explanation, it felt like her body was stiffening and even her heart was beating faster. So that means, this school is really haunted, is that it? And students often get disturbed and they are required to act normal?

Marilyn's body tensed, her breathing began to be erratic, her gaze fixed on a pale white hand that appeared behind Jessica. Then Marilyn cringed as the hand suddenly disappeared. However, it wasn't long before her body stiffened again when Marilyn felt her shoulder being held from behind.

"You can see me that means your life is not long anymore ...."

Deg.

Marilyn closed her eyes, shook her head as if she was coming to her senses. Convincing herself that he was just hallucinating.

"There is one thing you should know. This is mandatory for all classes at this school," Jessica said seriously.

Marilyn took an exasperated breath. It's not even a day of going to school here, strange things often appear. She tried not to think about it. Because her initial goal here was to continue her education.

"Listen to me. Plug your ears carefully. If you want to study comfortably here, obey the rules. If not, get ready for big trouble."

Marilyn nodded in understanding.

"Don't look back. We're not the only two here, there's a quiet guy in the far left corner. He has a dragon tattoo on his neck. Rule one, don't even try to look him in the eye. Never! Stay away from him as much as possible."

Marilyn's brows knit together. "What's wrong with him?"

"People say he's weird, never made friends with anyone at this school, aloof and anti-social," she whispered. "And you should stay away from him."

Marilyn nodded obediently. Hearing Jessica's explanation made her want to be more aware of her surroundings.

"Second rule, as much as possible don't do anything that can get his attention at any time. DON'T EVER ATTRACT HIS ATTENTION. Remember!"

"I understand, Jessica," said Marilyn very understandingly.

"Rule three, never say a word to him. Please understand!"

"Understand!"

Jessica seemed to sigh. "I don't want weird things to happen to you. So wherever you're going, I have to come with you!" press it.

"Oh, I can take care of myself, besides the rules you explained just now are very well understood, I don't even think I dare to invite other people's friends."

"It's okay to be friends with other kids, as long as it's not with him. It's dangerous!" She warned.

Continued...