Rose Thorn Academy, page 1
Rose Thorn Academy
By Vanessa Bernatchez
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons;living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2022 Vanessa Bernatchez
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.
For permissions contact: bernatchez.vanessa@gmail.com
Book cover done by: Alisha Williams
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgment
Before you begin.....
Canada Suicide Prevention Service | 833-456-4566 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Epilogue
RIVER MEADOWS BOOK ONE- ADDICTED
Prologue
About the Author
Acknowledgment
I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who has helped me with my journey in the Reverse Harem world and for helping me complete my first book.
I wanted to say a BIG thank you to my long time friend Alisha Williams for introducing me to a book genre that I never thought I'd be interested in, and for all the advice and help she has provided along the way. Without Alisha, I wouldn't have started my journey as an RH author. It feels good to have someone to talk to about ideas and to ramble about what fits and if something sounds right. I'm fortunate to have her constant support and to have her as a role model in this line of work.
I wanted to also thank my Beta Team, my Alpha Team for providing feedback and editing, as well as making sure my vision was coherent. I also am thankful to my Arc Readers and my Spooky Peaches for the support and taking a chance on me.
I wanted to also thank my daughter, Ariel. She may only be five years old but she let her mommy work and didn't put up a fuss when that meant no more Netflix for a bit. It's always been us against the world and I couldn't be more blessed to have such an amazing child.
Thank you everyone. Without your help, whether big or small, I appreciate it immensely. Rose Thorn Academy would not be here if it weren't for your kindness.
Before you begin.....
This novel is a Reverse Harem/ Why Choose romance, meaning the female character in the novel does not need to choose between her love interests.
Rose Thorn Academy is a bully romance novel and contains explicitly described sexual content between two male characters as well as male characters with the female character. There is also excessive use of mature language.
THIS BOOK ALSO CONTAINS TRIGGERS:
Rose Thorn Academy contains self harm, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. These topics are not described in grave detail, but have been written into the story as a way to help the author throughout her journey of healing.
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.
The author does not condone bullying in any way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts/ideation please seek help.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
833-456-4566
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Please keep this message in mind as you have been warned before continuing with this novel. Thank you for your support and please enjoy.
Prologue
Growing up in Vanhorn wasn't that bad. It's a small town so everyone knows everyone. We have one grocery store, a Wal-mart and a gas station. I grew up with two loving parents, but at the age of five dad went to work and never came back. Mom took it hard which resulted in me being left alone most days, but if anyone asked she was gone to the store and would be home any minute. I had rebelled by dying my hair blue. It wasn't even really a rebellion though, mom liked it and has let me dye it ever since.
I wasn't really bullied at school, stuff like that doesn't happen when everyone wears the same clothes or lives in the same type of apartment that you do. If you chose to pick on someone, you were only putting yourself down at the same time. I love my home, but I'm not stupid. I know that the rundown apartment we live in isn't normal. That, the fact that I sleep on the floor in a room with two bunk beds filled with kids, and have to keep all my clothing and belongings in a garbage bag due to no space speaks volumes. It wasn't always like that, but mom got pregnant again and again. She says it comes with the type of work she does, she doesn't think I know but it's pretty obvious. Wal-mart cashier by day. Escort at night. And that’s me being nice. We don't have escorts in Vanhorn, we have hookers or prostitutes, I don't really understand the difference.
So, what once was a spacious two bedroom apartment soon turned into a small two bedroom apartment with five other people, it's claustrophobic. I have to wake up at five am everyday so I have time to shower and get ready without all the kids running around. By the time I get the kids all washed, dressed and fed, we are already running late and I have no time for myself; so I learned to accommodate and just wake up early.
It's me, Daisy who is eight, the twins; Chloe and Zoey who are six, and Max who is two. Mom works the same two jobs to keep up with the rent and bills. She tries her best and leans on me for help. I'm not ashamed of my upbringing, but when I read about Rose Thorn Academy; a prestigious school that carries the highest grade point average, that has the most skilled professors money can buy, plus the fact that graduating from the academy opens endless doors of opportunity... I knew I had to try and apply.
Rose Thorn Academy is where the elite and wealthy go so the only way to get in if you're someone like me is to apply for the scholarship they have. Hundreds of people apply and this year I'm throwing my name in. I can only do so much at my public school, they don't offer advanced classes, they don't have the resources to offer a top education. I need to graduate and go to a good college or university. I need to build a future for myself, help out my family and not have to struggle anymore.
That scholarship can open those doors for me, something that being in Vanhorn prevents. I need this scholarship. I worked my ass off since grade nine, staying up late to do homework while taking care of the kids for mom. I didn't get to enjoy myself like other kids my age, I had better things to do, I had obligations.
One time, way before Max was born, I put the kids to bed and snuck out. There was a party at the football field and for once I convinced myself to let loose. I drank and I danced, I made out with guys and I actually had fun. That night soon turned into a nightmare though, the cops busted the party looking for me in particular. Turns out that Daisy had appendicitis, she was in so much pain that she woke up the twins, they ran to the apartment across from us and they called 9-1-1. Mom was called into the hospital, causing one of her regulars to leave. Daisy was okay once they removed her appendix, but the results of me acting like a typical teenager for once was not worth it.
Since then, I told myself that after all my hard work, after I get the things I have slaved for, then I can enjoy myself, then and only then. I don't want to leave the kids, and I know that if I'm awarded the scholarship that they will most likely go into foster care. Daisy is too young to take care of the twins and Max, even if she was of age I don't think I would let her. I don't want her to miss out on being a kid. I cross my fingers that they put them all together though, that they aren't separated. They'll probably hate me, think I abandoned them, and in a way they are right. But I'll make it up to them.
Mom doesn't know that I applied for the chance to leave this place. Lately she's been strung out. I know she's tired and I see the bruises when she gets home late. The life of a prostitute isn't easy.
Sometimes the guys she serviced during the night will follow her home. Every time I hear her come in and see them she waves me back to the room. She doesn't want them to know she has young daughters. She doesn't want to risk the chance of them looking for us, using us. That's why as much as I dislike how things are, I love her. She's trying. You can't stay mad at someone who is trying their best.
When I get home from picking up the kids from school and daycare, I notice the mailman leaving the building. I pick up Max and run to the mail boxes, Daisy runs after me with the twins close behind her. When I finally get the mailbox opened I see it, the red packet I've been dreaming of. The girls came in and I must have looked crazy because the twins quickly backed away from me.
“It came... It... ohmigod,” I'm jumping up and down and Max is giggling as we jump. I hurry to open the door
and usher the girls into the building. We climb up the stairs to the third floor and I rush to get into our apartment. Once we’re all inside, I let Max go so I can open up the letter.
Taking a deep breath, I open the blood red packet and a letter falls out. Before I have the chance to pick it up and read the words scrolled on the paper Max grabs it and runs. He's giggling and as cute as his giggle is, I am beyond angry. I tried to chase him but the kid's got speed. When I finally catch up to him it's too late, the cute little devil child that is my brother has thrown my letter into the toilet.
“MAX! Fuck, why did you do that Max?” I quickly grab the letter, it's soaked with toilet water and as much as I know the toilet is clean I still gag. Max is sitting on the bathroom floor crying from my outburst, I hate that I yelled at him.
“I'm sorry Maxie, sissy is just upset because that was a very important paper.” I pick him up and bring him to our room.
“Daisy, please watch him. Give me a couple of minutes and I'll start on supper.” She groans in annoyance and I roll my eyes at the drama queen before running off to the bathroom for the hair dryer and the soaked letter. I spend about fifteen minutes drying the damn thing until it's readable.
Dear Miss Daniels,
Congratulations! It is with esteemed pleasure to inform you that you have been selected from a total of 342 submissions for our Scholarship. Your essay and grades have stood out from the rest and we are pleased to have someone with your academic abilities attend Rose Thorn Academy. Please review the handbook we have provided you as it touches base on our expectations from each student. Inside your acceptance packet there is a boarding pass. You may call the number in your handbook once you arrive, the yellow taxi cab will bring you to the academy. Please refrain from taking any other form of transportation as we do not allow unexpected guests into the grounds. Again, congratulations on your acceptance. You will soon be a part of the privileged youth that attends Rose Thorn Academy.
We look forward to your arrival.
- Rose Thorn Academy Staff
Looking in the packet I found the boarding pass and handbook mentioned. The handbook contains rules and expectations. It states that the academy is made for those who are privileged, that the wealthy and elite now have a place to meet their standards. Unfortunately I'm not privileged, I don't know what to expect when I arrive. People like me don't exactly belong in a place like Rose Thorn, but with the scholarship I get to attend. So will my fellow students treat me like everyone else? Looking back to the clock on the microwave I notice it's getting late.
I gather up the contents of the packet and put it on the counter, then go to the stove to make some Kraft dinner. Good ol’ mac & cheese. I call the kids to the table, and after supper I give Max a bath, then put him to bed. Then I get the twins bathed and in bed too. When I get back to the kitchen I see Daisy reading my acceptance letter.
“What is this!” She's upset, I can see tears forming in the corners of her little blue eyes.
“You're leaving us...” It's not even a question, she knows I'm going. My heart breaks seeing my sister this upset, that she feels betrayed.
“Daisy... I... I have to go, I'm doing this for us.” She shakes her head at my words
“No. Don't lie. You're doing this for you. You're running away from this dump and leaving us behind!” She rips up the letter, throwing it into the air like confetti.
“So what now? Your ticket says you leave tomorrow morning. Were you planning on sending us to school and then we just wait and wait for you to show up but you never do?”
I'm trying to stay strong but her words sting. Am I being selfish? I walk up to her but she just pushes me back. Her eyes are red, her cheeks stained with tears as she walks past me and locks herself in our room. Is following my dreams for a better future really being selfish? I intend on coming back for them once I have the money to... but by that time will they even want me?
I spent eight years of my childhood taking care of those kids. I'm supposed to be their big sister, yet had to act like their mom. I deserve this. I deserve a better life. I worked hard and it paid off. She may hate me now, she may even turn the others against me, but when I graduate from Rose Thorn Academy, when I go off to a fancy college, or university and get a good ass job and can finally provide a decent life, they'll forgive me. They'll forgive me, right?
I spend part of the night quietly packing my bag with things I'll need. Writing a letter for each sibling explaining why I had to leave. I go across the hall, give our neighbor my letters and explain that I'll be leaving, to call CPS in the morning, so the kids won't be left alone at school. I pack their lunches, gather up their book bags and then head to my thin single mattress on the floor.
When morning comes, it's the same routine as always except Daisy won't look or speak to me. I give them all big hugs and kisses, trying to hold back tears as I say goodbye. Once they're all dropped off, I take the bus to the airport and start my journey to a better life.
Rose Thorn Academy, here I come.
Chapter 1
Embrey
When I get out of the yellow taxi cab, I see it; my new home. I worked hard every day for my scholarship to attend here and now I'm staring at a castle-like building made of red bricks, black trimming and a black roof. It's like being in a fairy tale, it's so beautiful and not at all like the home I'm used to. I never considered myself poor, but compared to the building I'm currently looking at, it's safe to say I don't belong here. I look up to the sign on the big double doors that greets me; Rose Thorn Academy, School of the Privileged.
Privilege; meaning either your parents had the money to pay the hefty entry fee or you're smart enough to get a scholarship.
I open up the big double doors that seal the beautiful interior of the school, then turn to my left admiring the art on the beige walls when I see a sign marked OFFICE. I open it up and tell the secretary that I'm the new student.
As soon as she points me to a chair, a door swings open and a tall woman in a pink pantsuit and black heels looks at me and smiles.
“Ahh yes, you must be Embrey Daniels. Welcome to Rose Thorn Academy, School for the Privileged. I’m Dean Hawthorn, follow me to my office.” She leads me into her office and I take a seat on one of the leather chairs in front of her wooden desk.
“Miss Daniels, I'm very glad that you chose my school to be your new home and learning platform.” She smiles and I just nod back at her. “Here is your class schedule. Let's go over some key rules.” She starts listing basic rules like no texting during classes, curfew is at eleven pm, boys and girls are not permitted in each other's dorms after curfew, blah blah blah, I zone out completely to be honest.
Rose Thorn requires students to wear uniforms during school hours, I'm handed a couple of white dress shirts and some black skirts. At least I can wear my normal clothes on the weekends. Dean Hawthorn shows me around the school, pointing to the library, the gym, dining hall and the stairs to the dorms.
“Here is the key to your room, the girls' dorms are on the second floor. Now I must be off as I have important work to do.” She turns and leaves me in the hall. I look at the key she gave me and it has the number twenty-two on it. I make my way upstairs to the girls dormitory and search for my room. Eighteen...Twenty...Twenty-two, there it is.
I put my key in the door handle and enter. There are two beds, one on each side of the room, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom. I repeat, there is a bathroom in this bedroom. It's fancy, back home I'm used to sleeping on that thin single mattress on the floor. I didn’t have a closet or a dresser and sharing a bathroom with five other people was hell. Now I'm here, living out my dream. I make my way over to the bare bed and start to put my things away.
The other bed has a beautiful pink duvet on it so I assume my roommate has claimed it. The door to my room bursts open and a blonde girl who has a muscular tattooed guy all over her comes in, they're making out and things look heated. He starts to take her shirt off when I decide to make my presence known and clear my throat. The blonde who I'm assuming is my roommate glares at me, while Mr. tall, dark and handsome looks annoyed.
