Disclaimer: Not mine.

Chapter One

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Joanne walked through the large arch towering above. So this was Miss Porter's. It was as grandiose as she expected, complete with Victorian style architecture and a large fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The timid girl saw several girls lying in the middle of the courtyard, listening to a CD player booming with music. None seemed to care that their green, blue, and white plaid uniforms were getting soiled by the previous evening's rain. Joanne smiled up the sky. She was sure she would like it here.

"Well tell them we don't take no for an answer. Tell them we'll fire them if they don't comply—yes, yes I know they're the best in the field but we all have to make sacrifices occasionally. We need to close this case soon, Jeff. I'll be in the office soon." Mrs. Jefferson flipped her cell closed.

"Kitten, there's been a slight change in plans. I realize I promised you I would stay here most of the day to help you settle in, but I am needed down at the office. Will you be okay by yourself? Tom is here and waiting for you."

Joanne sighed. This always happened. Her mother didn't know what a promise was. Work was always her first priority, even above her own family. That was why Joanne was being sent to Miss Porter's. Mrs. Jefferson didn't have time to deal with her anymore. "I'll be fine, Mom," Joanne said, grabbing the suitcase her mother was pulling. "I can find my way to Coll—I mean Tom's office in no time."

Her mother beamed and kissed her cheek, then scurried away as her cell phone rang again. Joanne looked at her map and then back at the building she was in front of. She took a deep breath and stepped into the unknown.

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Collins sat as his desk, feet propped, laughing at what whoever he was on the phone with had just said. "Well did you at least get away with it?" he asked into the receiver. He groaned before breaking into laughter again. "When will you learn, boy? My main motto, never get caught—"

Knock knock.

A small head popped in from behind the doorframe. Collins smiled and gestured Joanne in. He then spoke into the phone, "Hey, I got to go. Have fun in detention." Hanging up, he jumped over his desk and embraced his little sister. "Jo! It's been a long while. Great to see you."

"It's great to see you too," Joanne replied, sitting in the seat Collins offered. The two were technically half-siblings. Joanne and Collins shared the same mother, but different fathers. "How did you end up as the Dean here? When Mom told me, I about choked."

Collins chuckled. "My dad was the Dean here when I was growing up. I love this school. When he retired, I was still without any job except to wreak havoc on NYC, so I took over for him. It's not the hardest job. Just breaking up cat fights and making sure everyone gets where they are going. And the girls here love me, believe it or not."

Joanne smiled. "I'm sure they do. If I remember right, your dad was a stickler for the rules. Nothing like you, correct?"

"Correct, indeed," Collins answered. "But I hate to see Mom just ship you off here. No worries, you'll be safe here with your big bro in charge—" Joanne snorted "—Hey! I know what I'm doing. Now, on to your room assignment. I know your roommate well. She has spent many hours here in my office for…discipline. We've become pretty close. I think the two of you will hit it off."

"Discipline? What kind of discipline? And for what?" Joanne fretted.

Collins chuckled. "Yes, you two will get along very well. This is going to be an interesting year at Miss Porter's. You have your map. Your room is 14B in Kale Hall." Before Joanne could protest further, Collins shooed her from his office. Only seconds later, however, there was another knock at his door. A small Latina quietly slid in to his office.

"Mimi!" Collins exclaimed. Mimi was a friend of Joanne's roommate who Collins had gotten to know very well last year. "How was your summer break?"

"It was great, Professor," she stuttered. She seemed very nervous, unlike her usual self.

"What's wrong?" Collins asked, genuinely concerned.

"Nothing's wrong," she replied. "At least not with me…you see, I have this friend and I was hoping you could find a place for her to stay for the duration of this year…"

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A/N: So this is very AU. I was watching the Tango: Maureen and the idea came to me for a fanfic to be set at Miss Porter's. Don't worry, all the Boho's will eventually be in this, though some obviously play bigger parts than others. It will most likely switch between the point-of-view of Joanne and Collins, but the story is Joanne-centric.

Reviews are love!!