Page 1 of The Bleak Beginning

Chapter 1

Alex

Idesperately rub my tired eyes, but no amount of pressure can alleviate the exhaustion I feel inside. As if that wasn’t enough to handle, the journey to this new place seems endless. The once clear blue sky has transformed into a beautiful blend of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun slowly descends toward the horizon. The clouds are tinged with a golden hue, casting long and dramatic shadows over the landscape as evening approaches. It hasn’t fully hit me yet how drastically my life has changed since my father and I got in the car this morning.

“Almost there.” My father tries to encourage me with his words, but I know it won’t make a difference. We’ve been driving for what feels like forever, but I haven’t bothered to ask him about this place. Honestly, I don’t really care. I’m only here because this was my last option apparently, so it’s irrelevant to me that this is the college he attended.

My sister Clara and his new girlfriend Elle assisted in loading me into the car this morning after he made a call last night.

My track record with college isn’t great, but they say third time’s the charm, right? My first college offered me a full scholarship based on my piano skills. I couldn’t deny my talent - even my mother called me a prodigy - and it was the only compliment she ever gave me that wasn’t back-handed or filled with ulterior motives. But after quitting at eighteen, that all changed.

That’s when botany became my sanctuary. When I was surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the earthy scent of soil, my mother’s voice would finally fade to a distant whisper.

Three years have passed since I stopped playing piano and cut ties with my mother. It was a decision she didn't handle well, to say the least - but then again, she never gave me much kindness either. The university I’d chosen instead of that one was fine, but mundane and monotonous and I found myself acting out just to occupy my time after my parents divorce.

Which leads us to the present, me riding in the passenger seat of my father’s car as we head to his alma mater - the same university he has reminded me about at least a dozen times during our long drive.

I stared out the window, the landscape shifting from familiar to foreign, like a seedling being dropped into a pot far too big, I doubted I would ever find the sunlight again.

My father nudges my shoulder, and my eyes follow the direction of his finger. I remain still, just as I have since we left.I have no desire to put forth any extra effort. I am quite content with my feet propped up on the dashboard and my hood pulled over my ears.

A wide bridge stretches out before us; its structure is a testament to skilled engineering. From what I can see, each intricate detail is carefully carved, from the ornate wood railing to the arches that support its weight, blending seamlessly into the surrounding wooded landscape. But it is the view that my father was pointing at that truly leaves me in awe. Beyond the bridge, to my right, a powerful waterfall cascades from the cliffs, its sheer size and grandeur taking my breath away as it tumbles deep below us.

The roaring sound of the waterfall fills my ears, drowning out the hum of our car’s engine.

“I know you're upset about this decision, and I regret not being around more while you were growing up. But I truly believe that attending this university will be beneficial for you,” my father says, trying to engage in conversation once again. “It might help straighten you out.”

Straighten me out? I can't help but let out a hollow laugh at his words. If he had been there during my childhood instead of constantly traveling for work, maybe he would have seen how rigidly my mother controlled every aspect of my life. My sister Clara always forgave more easily, which is why she still keeps in touch with her. Meanwhile, I want nothing to do with her after what she did. What she put me through.

He let out a heavy sigh. “This university is your final fallback,” he says, being brutally honest. “I can't afford to keep bailing you out, and as an adult, it's time for you to start taking some responsibility for yourself.”

I snort, a sound that disgusts even me. “Let me guess, Elle was complaining again? About how the little money we have goestowards helping your daughter instead of buying new magazines for her?”

“You and your sister are too harsh on her, she’s a good person. She makes me happy in a way I haven’t been since…well, in a really, really long time,” he defends her, as expected. My own mother never took my side either.

I shake my head in disbelief, not bothering to respond. Elle may bring happiness to my father's life, but that doesn't mean I have to like her. She constantly tries to act like a stepmother, even though my father hasn't even proposed yet. It's beyond irritating. I've already had one mother who couldn't care less about me; I'm not ready to welcome another into my life anytime soon.

As we approach the bridge, a refreshing breeze fills the air, carrying with it a hint of moisture from the nearby waterfall. The scent of moss and pine trees permeates the space, enhanced by my dad’s open car window. I caught a glimpse of a rainbow beneath the mist at the base of the waterfall, but before I could confirm it, we had already crossed the bridge and returned back to solid ground.

“You know, I have my own regrets about my past, especially at your age. But I want the best for you, and I genuinely believe this place could be it.”

“You're only saying that because you went here,” I scoff. “Isn't there a chance you might be a little biased in your opinion? And let's face it,” I add. “I won't exactly stand out among all the other students.”

A slight wince crosses his face, but he otherwise keeps quiet as the vehicle comes to a rolling stop. The closed gate before us an impressive sight, with intricate details and craftsmanship that rival the bridge we just crossed. The wrought iron fence stretches out in either direction as far as the eye can see. Thegate’s thick columns sit on either side with lit lampposts above, and a mysterious object atop its center.

As the gate slowly creaks open, the object takes form, and I crane my neck to an uncomfortable angle to get a better view.

Are those…wings?

I blink. A majestic bird made completely of brass, with feathers that glisten in the setting sun stretches out its wings, each double the length of the gate itself. Its head is no longer tucked beneath the safety of them. Perched upright, it gazes down at us, strong and fierce.

As my father moves the car forward, I feel it lurch beneath me. He looks calm and collected, and at one point I think I hear him stifle a laugh, but I’m too lost in my own thoughts to pay much attention. Did that creature really fold one of its massive wings across its body like some kind of grand gesture? Did it…bow to us?

Is this what madness feels like? My jaw remains agape as we navigate down another twisting road, but I quickly shut it once the car comes to a stop and the engine shuts off.

I step out of the car and close my door just as a woman’s voice greets my dad at the bottom of the stone steps. “Magnus, it’s wonderful to have you back!” The woman, who appears to be in her early sixties, exclaims with genuine enthusiasm. “We were thrilled when we received your unexpected call,” she adds.

I can’t help but roll my eyes in irritation, but I quickly stop myself. At least one person seems to be enjoying this forced interaction. I catch a glimpse of her mouth twitching at my reaction, but she smoothly regains her composure. “You must be Alexandra,” she says with a hint of condescension.

---