Angelo sat in the backseat of a rented Lamborghini, his back straight and his head held away from the seat to avoid messing up the perfect curls in his blond wig. The skirt of his baby pink and lacy lolita dress was arranged in a slightly inelegant way in order to fit in the car without warping the hoop skirt. In a small travel cage on the seat next to him was his pet chinchilla, Cookie.
The small clutch purse in Angelo’s lap vibrated. Angelo unzipped it and took out one of the very few things that fit in the bag, his phone. He played the voice message from his mother, “Hello my darling boy!” Angelo’s mother’s voice spoke in Italian, “I know you must be on your way to school now! Your father and I wanted to let you know we are very proud of you! Love you so much!” Angelo listened a second time, took a deep breath and put his phone away.
He looked up and out the window in time to watch the wide open Ravenhold Academy gates as the car went through them, amidst the parade of buses and other vehicles entering the gates. The car slowed to a stop.
Angelo took a steadying breath in and got out of the car. He patted and shook his skirt until it fell properly and then ducked his head back into the car to grab his parasol. Once he was sure he looked presentable, he looked up. All around the car were people flooding out of the buses, some of them strange-looking paramorphs, some of them all too normal looking. There were a few people staring at Angelo as well. Angelo raised his hand in a small wave.
The driver came up to Angelo’s side, “What would you like me to do with your bags, sir?”
“Just wait here with them for now. I’ll come back and find you when I know where my room is.”
Angelo started walking, following the stream of students. He paused briefly when he saw a single file line of students exiting a bus and getting power inhibitor collars removed. Angelo forced his expression to remain neutral when looking at those criminals he may have to share not only classroom space, but living space with. He forced his gaze away, pointed his nose in the air, and continued on his way.
Ravenhold Academy 
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