Alice's Secret Diary

Day 1

Here I am. Starting high school feels like stepping into a brand-new life. From now on, new memories and new people are waiting for me.

Hi. My name is... Alice. I'm fifteen years old, and I was accepted into one of the best high schools in Poznań. I still can't believe I actually got in. I'm so happy. I already like this school. It's close to my house, which is a huge advantage. More than anything, though, I hope I'll find some wonderful friends here. Wish me luck! As soon as I walked through the front doors, I found myself in a spacious hallway with white walls and beige floors. Comfortable chairs and sofas lined the walls."They actually look pretty comfortable", I thought. Above them hung paintings, bulletin boards, and displays filled with school announcements. It was interesting to look at while I waited. At the same time, I was surrounded by a crowd of students, all heading toward the auditorium. The principal and teachers were supposed to welcome us there. I glanced around. Almost everyone was dressed the same way—a white shirt with either black trousers or a skirt. I was wearing the same outfit, although I had added a black tie because I thought it completed the look.

Finally, I reached the auditorium. It was packed with first-year students as well as older ones. The teachers were already seated near the stage, preparing for the opening ceremony. Even though I felt a little lost in such a huge crowd, I slowly got used to it. I sat down next to a girl with long brown hair and green eyes. She wore a bright smile, as if she had been waiting for this day forever. She looks really excited... isn't she?"I wondered.I found myself curious about which class she belonged to.

About ten minutes later, the principal stepped onto the stage:

— Good morning, everyone! I'd like to warmly welcome all of our new students to the school!

She continued talking about the school's achievements, the teachers, and the rules we'd need to follow. To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention. Instead, I found myself watching the other students around me. It wasn't until everyone suddenly stood up that I realized the speech had ended: Oh no... Which classroom were we supposed to go to? I wasn't listening... Oh my gosh... I have to ask someone! I'm in Class 1B... right? Panic rushed through me, although I tried my best to stay calm. Then I spotted the same girl I'd been sitting next to. I quickly walked over to her:

—Hi! Which class are you in?

— Hey! — she answered cheerfully. — I'm in Class 1B! It's my first day here too! Are you new as well?

— Yeah. I'm in 1B too... Do you know which classroom we're supposed to go to? I kind of wasn't paying attention... — I admitted with an embarrassed smile.

— Oh! Room 218. Come with me!

She immediately started walking toward the staircase, gesturing for me to follow. Together we climbed to the first floor and headed toward Room 218. She's so energetic... completely different from me. Maybe I should ask her name. :

— What's your name? — I asked.

— Harley! Harley Zielińska. And yours?

— I'm Alice. Alice Wiśniewska. Nice to meet you.

— Wow! I love your name!

— Thanks. I like yours too.

After a brief silence, Harley spoke again.

— Nervous?

— A little.

— I could barely sit still all morning!

— I was more afraid of getting lost...

— This school is huge! But it's amazing! I'm really glad I chose it!

— I like it too. I hope it'll help us develop our passions and learn lots of new things.

— Me too!

A few moments later we entered the classroom. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it felt warm and welcoming. There were potted plants on the windowsills, and our homeroom teacher's desk stood at the front. Harley smiled and gestured for me to sit beside her. I nodded and took the seat next to the first friend I'd made today. Our homeroom teacher explained the school rules and how the year would be organized. This time I listened carefully. I didn't want what had happened earlier to happen again. Honestly... I wasn't even upset that I'd zoned out during the ceremony. If I hadn't, I probably never would have met Harley. The class seemed nice. Our teacher seemed kind too. Still... One girl immediately caught my attention. She had jet-black hair and dark eyes. She's really pretty", I thought. "She looks so confident... I wouldn't be surprised if she became one of the most popular girls in our class.

After everything had been explained, we were allowed to go home. Harley walked out with me. As soon as we stepped outside the school, I heard her familiar voice again:

— So... want to meet here tomorrow?

— Of course! — I answered with a warm smile.

—See you tomorrow!

— See you!

Then we headed off in different directions. Luckily, I lived close to school, so the walk home didn't take long. As I walked, I listened to birds singing, passing cars, and conversations drifting through the streets. For the first time that day... I finally felt calm. After getting home, I changed into comfortable clothes and ate the delicious lunch my mom had made. Later, I sat down at my desk by the window to prepare for my first real day of classes. I put on my headphones, started some relaxing music, and opened a book. Reading had always helped me clear my mind.There was only one thought in my head. This is going to be an amazing year at my dream school...

Diary enter  1 — September 1,  2026

Today was wonderful! It was even better than I'd imagined. My class seems really nice, my homeroom teacher does too, and most importantly... I've already met someone I genuinely enjoyed talking to. Harley is so energetic and optimistic—the complete opposite of me—but somehow I really like that about her. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. After all... Tomorrow will be my first real day of high school. I hope everything goes perfectly...