Case of the Christmas Burglary
Perils Of Dawn
Your soft little chin rests on your knees where you are perched on the window sill. The warmth from your breath flashes in ice crystals on the pane of glass. Your thoughts drift across the world to your father, and the mother you never knew.
Outside, down there, is a sea of buses and cars. They are receding down the slushy road to the main gates. Their puffing clouds of exhaust are visible in the chill winter air. It's holiday break at Saint Hilda's, and most of the girls are going home to families, fireplaces, and Christmas trees.
"You're going to catch your death up there Amanda!" Your roommate Stacy draws you out of your contemplation and watches you roll your blue eyes at her. She puts her hands on her hips, "I don't suppose you're going to change out of uniform and come join me for the holiday dinner?" You're wearing your regulation dark plaid skirt, white dress shirt with a blue sweater vest over it, and a pair of sheer black pantyhose to dress your legs. Your cute little black flats are neatly lined up next to your desk, giving your stocking feet a rest.
"I know, I know," Stacy continues, "I probably should know better than to even ask. After all, you've been itching for the school to empty for the holidays so you can have a proper look about."