A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days

The autumn term rolls in on a crisp November morning, and Avondale College awakens from weeks of quiet renovation. The newly painted corridors, stained‑glass windows and updated classrooms are buzzing with three hundred and eighty‑seven pupils eager to reclaim their routines. Among the throng, a tight‑knit group of mid‑teens gathers in the Junior Common Room, swapping stories of summer adventures and debating the latest school gossip. Their chatter sets the tone for a year packed with friendships, rivalries, and the occasional school‑yard drama.

At the heart of the commotion is Dorothy Greenfield, a thoughtful girl whose sense of fairness often lands her in the middle of school elections and classroom debates. When the new girl, Alison, arrives with a spark of confidence, the two quickly forge a partnership that mixes ambition with a touch of mischief. Together they navigate a series of small challenges—a literature exercise, a promise to help a classmate, and a secret shortcut through the garden—that test their loyalty and courage. Their budding friendship hints at the many adventures waiting beyond the term’s opening days.