“A mini menu?”
“Invitations can be very elaborate, just like the event. There’s an invitation, an RSVP card, and a return envelope. Some will contain a copy of the menu they’ll have at the dinner, or perhaps another card with the order of events on the wedding day. Some can include info on the rehearsal dinner or lunch.” I stared at her and shook my head. “You have lots to look forward to, Ryder,” she teased.
“No, thank you. None of that sounds remotely fun.”
As I walked into the kitchen, I thought about any possible friends whom I could picture getting married. I knew lots of couples in high school, but I couldn’t imagine any of them getting married so quickly after graduating.
I picked up the black envelope, which was much larger and thicker than I expected. I tilted it from side to side, taking notice of how the light reflected off the metallic gold foil font. I frowned when I noticed it was addressed to me using my first, middle, and last name.
Weird. Very few know my middle name.
In the return address section, in the same metallic gold font were the initials O.A., and the return address was in New York City.
Who did I know that had the initials O.A. and had moved to New York?
I flipped the envelope over and saw the wax seal Pam had mentioned. It was gold and had the initials O.A. in the center of the wax.
“Fancy,” I murmured. I set it on the kitchen table and went to get some leftovers from the fridge. I took out the plastic container and plated the rest of what was left of the spaghetti. I popped it into the microwave, and while it warmed, I poured a glass of Coke from the plastic bottle.
With a few forkfuls of spaghetti in my system, I set my fork down on the plate and tore open the envelope. I pulled out a small, glossy black folder with large gold O.A. letters on the front and set the envelope to the side. Flipping the folder open, a beige piece of paper had “You’ve been selected…”in large letters written in the center of the paper. I pulled the small stack of papers out of the folder and set the cover page to the side to look at everything. The second page had O.A. faintly in the background, like a watermark. I took a sip of Coke while I read over the letter.
Dear Mr. Ryder Smith,
We are delighted to inform you that the admissions council of The Omnia Academy for Young Men has selected you to join the distinguished pantheon of students and alumni. You have been assigned to one of the five Omnia cohorts and will receive details about your cohort later.
We have enclosed an initiation package with this letter so you can better acquaint yourself with the academy andits expectations. In the package you will find the contact information for the mentor who has been assigned to you. He will ensure the transition of your journey from ordinary to extraordinary is as smooth as possible.
The invitation is for the term starting on January 1st and will continue for four years. The education you receive will be for life. Welcome to The Omnia Academy.
Sincerely,
Hugo Vetter
Headmaster of Omnia Academy
Kaleb Andrews
President of the Omnia Academy Council
What the fuck?
I read over the letter two more times. What the fuck was this? I had never heard of Omnia Academy. I set the letter to the other side of the folder and looked at the next sheet of paper. I smiled as I read the name of my mentor. Atlas Christos. Someone was fucking with me for sure. Some kid from school or something. Atlas Christos! Ha! There was no way someone would actually be named that. But whoever was messing with me went as far as giving me a mailing address, an office phone number, a mobile number, and an email address.
Well, alright… Let’s see what other laughs are in here.
I set the contact info page for Atlas—ha!—Christos to the side and looked at the sheet with Clothing & Supplies at the top.
Clothing & Supplies
While this list is extensive, it is not a complete list of clothing and accessories you’ll need for your first termyear. Please DO NOT obtain anything on this list without the assistance of Atlas Christos. There are certain stores in New York City where all items for Omnia Academy can be found. Atlas will help you navigate the stores and ensure everything fits properly and that you have anything additional that is not on the list. These will be of no cost to you, and they will be sent to your room at the academy. Atlas will be reaching out to you regarding the clothing and supplies.
- Black slacks
- Black blazers
- White button-down long-sleeved dress shirts
- Cashmere pullover sweaters
