Looking out the window I see the countryside pass by as my mind wonders. The dark day just seemed to reflect my feelings at this exact moment. Being sent to boarding school was never what I wanted but when I was faced with the choice of it or going to live with my mental aunt, well, you can see why I chose this. I thought back to all the bullying I had back in the states and I was sort of relieved that I was able to leave it even if I have to go to a completely different country.

We passed kids playing in the streets and it all reminds me of my life back in America. I would miss all my friends from back home but I guess this is my life now. I look down at myself in my jeans and this new shirt my mom bought me thinking that the kids at this school will probably think that I am out of place. I argued with my mom over making me wear this monstrosity, and she agreed that I could wear my Beatles tee shirt underneath with my black hoodie on top. I look like a plainly girl with my straight should-length light brown hair and a very light complexion. I'm sure I will blend in here well. I decided to put my hair up in a bun and I pulled my hood over my head. I hope no one will notice me.

"Judith, we are almost to the school." My mother, Helen's voice broke my daydreams.

"All right Mom," I sighed. Boarding school was one thing that seemed like belonged in books. I do have to admit that I wished I were at one every once in a while but I was never serious. I've never even been on a vacation without my parents before so of course I am nervous.

I actually read stories about this place on the Internet before we made the journey to England. Supposedly, there is a house here called "Anubis" and the family that once owned the house died suddenly leaving their only daughter alone to be raised by the caretaker of the house. I think that this is just a story but I'm sure interested into learning more about this family, the Frosbisher-Smythes.

I got special permission from the headmaster to be driven in to my first day by my parents. You see, I am not your average girl and I don't have the average parents. My mom and dad are head of their departments in the US government working with foreign affairs. They have had the opportunity to come over here to England for about five years but because I loved my life back in America so much they decided to turn down the offer again and again. Now that we had a reason to want to move they accepted the offer and here we are.

The car stopped in front of Anubis House. So this is my home for the next few years, let's do this. My dad came around the small car and opened my door. I took a deep breath and exited the car, this is the first step to a new me. A tall man greeted me; well more like grimaced at me, and took my bag from my mom.

"Surprising an America on time for once," He gave me a once over, "I see that you prefer to dress rather casually. I hope you know that the dress code requires a skirt?"

"Of course, I just decided I would wear this my first day so no one would really try to get to know me. After all a child is meant to come to school, get good grades and go on to be an outstanding citizen." Can you tell that I am a bit of a kiss ass?

He gave me a sickeningly fake smile and walked inside the house with my bag. I guess this is the time to say good-bye to my parents. Suddenly a tear came to my eye but this is not the time to cry.

"Honey, don't forget to write everyday since we both know you need the practice. With you wanting to be a writer and all." She pulled me in for a bone-crushing hug.

"Of course Mom, you know I never miss an opportunity to practice. After all Oxford doesn't except just anyone into their writing program." I shook my head and reached into the car for my book bag. Oxford has been the plan for me for college since I can remember, no matter what major I had. Apparently I am this writing genius so my mother's latest obsession.

I gave my dad a quick hug then went to meet Victor inside. Not before taking off the ghastly shirt my mom bought me, and also throwing my hoodie back on. He was standing there with a rather friendly looking woman. The woman came over to me and gave me a hug with a huge smile on her face.

"Hello Sweetie! Welcome to Anubis House! I'm Trudy, your house mother and I see you have met Victor," she pointed over to the man who met me at the car, "Victor be a sweetie and take Judith's things to her room please?"

"Trudy, I prefer to be called Jude if you wouldn't mind." I really hate my name but thank god I have Jude as an option as a nickname.

"Of course Jude! Let me guess, you use that nickname because you love The Beatles?" She had such a warm smile.

"How did you know? Oh it's the shirt isn't it? Well yes that is why, thank you for noticing!" I followed her around the house were she pointed out all the different important places like the kitchen and the bathrooms or the washrooms as you Brits call them. Finally the tour ended upstairs where Victor took over and told me all the different places where I couldn't go. The list was surprisingly short with only his office and the attic off limits. I could live with that.

My little adventure ended in front of what I assumed to be my room that apparently I was going to be sharing with a girl named Mara. I placed my book bag down on the bed and walked downstairs. I could unpack later. Trudy was in the kitchen cooking, and she offered to make me a small bite to eat. I accepted, of course, and while I was waiting I decided I would catch up on some reading. What book you may ask? Well, Harry Potter of course! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to be exact.

I was just about at the part where Ron got poisoned when I hear some kids come in the front door of Anubis House. Lets see if any of the notices the new kid shall we? Exactly! Someone noticed me right away because they all went silent. I heard the door open and close again, then a voice.

"Awesome! A new guy in the house! Finally now we are evenly matched!" He had an English accent so I could tell he was from here. I decided to turn around and show him I wasn't a boy.

"Hey, what's up? My name is Jude and I'm the new addition here. By the way, I am a girl to whoever said that." The group of kids looked like they were all surprised. "Let's see if I can figure you all out. Long blonde hair guy, yeah you are the jock. Curly brunette next to him, you're the current girlfriend of jock boy and you have a brain! Slightly red-haired girl, you are the conspiracy girl with a prankster side. Tall guy with the goofy smile, you are the jokester. Long dark blonde girl, you are the problem solver. Kind of long brown haired guy, you're her boyfriend and you are the heart of the house. Blondie with all the rhinestones, I can just tell you are the rich girl. Straight brunette in the back, you are the popular one, or you use to be. That leaves you big guy, let me guess. You are the rat of the group." All around I saw shocked faces except for Mr. Rat standing, or well towering over me.

"And you are the newbie from America who think that she can come in here and run the place. Cut the arrogance and why not try to be nice to everyone? By the way, my name is Jerome not 'the rat'" He and I were inches apart from each other's faces but I was too pissed to care.

"Well, Jerome, I am not here to make friends and I am not here to get in little fights. I just figured you all out in two minutes. Be prepared to be written into a novel one day. I just need to know who here is Mara." The curly haired brunette walked forward with her hand raised. At least I have someone with a brain to talk to.

"That's me. I just want you to know we all aren't like Jerome. Let's go up to our room so we can go over some ground rules ok?" She is actually nicer than I expected.

"Yeah, sure. Let me just go tell Trudy to hold the grilled cheese she is making me." I ran over to the kitchen, told Trudy and ran up to Mara and me's room. Time to get better acquainted with the students.

Well that's the first chapter! I'm probably going to change it and adjust it a lot over the course of writing this. I really am liking Jude. She has to be one of my favorite characters. Yes, the song "Hey Jude" from The Beatles will come into play at some point. If you have an suggestions for things to do with this story I will be happy to accept them. All you need to do is either review this or write me a message. I know there is not many stories in the House of Anubis category so enjoy this! I will be updating when I can!