Dean Gordon James was a man who took his job very seriously.  No funny business; he was Dean of Dalton Academy, he couldn't just let these boys walk all over him.  Always sure of himself and his decisions, the boys knew not to cross him. So on that October morning as he sat staring at the aging man  in front of him, the Dean was surprised to find himself at a loss for words. "Henry, you are aware this is an all boys school? Hence the Dalton Academy School for Boys?" he said in awe. "We're very aware but no other schools will take her, because of her record. I assure you she will be no trouble to you or your academy. But, Maria needs an education and my wife and I cannot provide that for her. With my working all the time and Natasha being away we simply can't homeschool her."  Henry paused for a minute, removing his glass and rubbing his tired eyes. He continued:  "I know this is a big favor to ask of you, but we're old friends Gordon and I am in need of assistance. No one else will consider taking her after what happened at Crawford Country Day." Henry, placing his gold framed glasses back on their perch at the bridge of his nose, paused for a minute. Waiting for Dean James's reply.

I must be insane for considering this, The dean thought. She's a girl, I can't throw her into an all boys school; let alone DORMING arrangements. The boys will surely take advantage of her; zero-tolerance bullying policy or not those boys would surely find use of her. Looking up, the dean looked into the eyes of his long time friend. He saw desperateness and tiredness behind the blue of those eyes; he knew he couldn't turn him down. With a sigh he simply stated: "Bring her in and let me have a few words with her before I decide." Henry eagerly jumped up and opened the door of the office, gesturing the young lady sitting outside to enter the room. The tall, lean frame walked into the room and sat down where her uncle had before. "Yes?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think you'd be alright at this school? I cannot account for the boys behavior. Not to mention you'll be rooming with a boy too. Things could get very awkward around here for you. Can you handle that?" the Dean asked. The girl sat and pondered for a minute before looking into the dean's amber eyes and saying: "I've been through the ringer and back. I'm damn sure I can handle a few teenage boys." The deans eyes widened and he began to laugh. The girl and her uncle stared at the man as if he'd lost his mind. Maybe I have he thought. I can't seriously be considering letting a female into this school. She may be fine though, she's definitely ballsy. What with cursing in front of me of ALL people. The best I can do is give it a shot. Both of them look as if they've run through hell and come back; what's the worse that can come of this?  The dean the realized he'd been silent too long, he cleared his throat then stuck his hand out to the girl sitting in front of him. "I'd like to welcome out first lady student. You may begin you're stay here for the next two years after fall break."  A smile burst onto Henry's face and the girl looked up at her uncle in disbelief. Needless to say she was surprised; she hadn't expected to be let into the school. A smile crept onto her face as well as she looked back at the Dean and shook his hand. "Thank you." She said, in her sing song voice.  "Now, before we get you, your schedule and dorming arrangements there are a few things I need to tell you," the Dean warned. Her eyes met his. " Here at Dalton we have a three strike policy. Three suspensions and you will find yourself out of this school.  But we also have zero- tolerance policy on bullying here. If you are caught harassing anybody your expulsion will be quick. Understood?"  She nodded. "Wonderful, we have four housing wings here, along with the school building and nurses wing. Inside the school building you will find all of the classes we have to offer, along with our ballroom, cafeteria, and Warbler hall." Stopping for a moment he let this sink in, then he proceeded with:  "Warbler hall is where our glee club holds rehearsals, they are the only form of a choir we have at this school . Those boys are housed in the D Wing. Which is the less crowded wing, as it holds all the performers; it only has 15 boys housing. Thus, you will be a resident of the D wing as every other wing is filled to capacity." Gordon was typing some information quickly into the computer. Filling out information and placing her into the system so she may receive her arrangements. He paused to look at his new student. She was listening with a glimmer of happiness in her eyes. She finally spoke, "So I'll be housing with the performers? Actors, singers, dancers..."  Dean James simply nodded, clicked print on the screen and then out of curiosity he asked why she was interested. Her uncle responded for her  "Quite the performer this one was, singing and dancing. After her...incidents..she seemed to loose intrest." The Dean made eye contact with the young girl only to see the light in her eyes flicker into anger as she recalled her "incidents" as they seemed to be named. He simply smiled and gave her, her newly printed schedule and rooming assignments for the next week when the school came off break. "Now, dear, if you'd kindly make your way into the hallway I have some paperwork for your uncle to fill out." She stood, and walked towards the door. "OH! And Maria?" she turned and looked at the man. "Welcome to Dalton Academy." She smiled and walked out the door.