Page 9 of Brutal King

As we followed the indications on the wall that told us that room 37 was to the left, we marveled at the cornicing and rosettes that adorned every light fixture. Between every dorm door, were vases filled with fresh flowers that sat atop a pedestal.

“I feel like I’ve walked into some sort of castle,” Layla said.

“I’d heard the dorm houses were impressive,” I said as I reached our door. I pulled out the key Mrs. Brighton had given me, opened the door and let Layla enter first.

“Oh, wow!” Layla shouted as she got the first glimpse of our room. “Look at this place. It’s crazy enough that it looks like a castle outside but look at this. I can hardly believe it.”

I pulled my suitcase inside and looked around.

“I know you’re probably used to nice places like this... but I have to tell you, my room back home never looked anything like this.”

I had to admit, I was impressed. While I knew the academy catered to the rich elite, I hadn’t expected such luxury in our dorm room.

A cozy sitting area housed a white leather loveseat with matching armchairs on either side, all around a rustic coffee table made of old railroad ties topped with a thick sheet of tempered glass.

On the wall were old black and white prints of workers that built the railway and of some steam engines.

A wall of glass blocks separated the sitting area from an ultra-modern breakfast nook where a tall bistro table and stools were tucked into a rounded window. A coffee machine, toaster oven, microwave and a small shelf stack with cups and sauces was all we needed. After all, our meals were to be at the main cafeteria.

“There’s an orange, pink room and a purple, pink room,” Layla called out from the doorway to one of the bedrooms. “Do you have a preference?”

I shrugged as I walked up to her. “Not really. Take the room you like.”

“What’s with all the choo-choo trains,” Layla said. “This is a culinary school, not a transportation academy.”

“Actually, this and two other buildings are all part of the Stanfield Estate. This building was once the living quarters, a huge castle-like mansion that was built in the early 1900s.”

Layla shrugged. “I still don’t understand what that has to do with all the trains.”

“The original owner of these buildings was a railroad baron. He made his fortune off of the backs of those workers in those photos in the sitting room. He must have considered himself something akin to royalty to have built himself such an estate.”

“Such luxury... it just seems like such a waste...”

“Well, with tuition here being what it is,” I said, “I think we deserve a little luxury. My mother checked; this place is three times more expensive than any culinary institute in the world.

“I think you’re absolutely right,” Layla said with a definitive nod. “So... what will it be,” she added, gesturing to the two bedroom doors.

“I’ll take the orange room,” I said, sensing that she was partial to the purple pink room.

“Oh, goody,” she exclaimed. “I love the purple room.”

“Great. I’m going to go put some of my stuff away. How about we grab lunch afterwards. I hear that the cafeteria here is staffed with student chefs and the food is great.”

“Good, cause I’m so hungry, I can eat a horse!” Layla exclaimed. “Of course, not literally.”

With an amused nod, I entered my room, opened my suitcase and put my things away in the walk-in closet and dresser drawer. There was more than enough room and I knew I’d be able to bring in my second suitcase. Come to think of it, I could have almost brought the third one.

Oh, well.

For a moment I considered changing into something more casual but decided against it.

“You ready to go?” I said as I came to Layla’s open door.

“You bet.”

We left our dorm room and slowly made our way to the cafeteria, admiring the unexpected architectural details along the way. The stonework, cornices and ceiling rosettes were masterfully blended with modern touches of black glossy wood, brushed metallics and several pieces of colorful abstract art.

And as we reached the cafeteria, the blend of old and new continued.

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