Free Spirit

1

The middle of the school day was already underway when two new students stepped into the PCA dean's office.

Angelcent Myers stood beside her older brother, Ricky Myers, both carrying their luggage and looking exhausted. They were supposed to have arrived hours ago, but their flight had been delayed after a bizarre incident at the airport involving a screaming woman who had somehow decided Angelcent and Ricky were responsible for ruining her vacation. Neither of them had done anything except say goodbye to their parents before boarding.

Now they were finally here.

"Sorry we're late," Ricky said.

The dean chuckled. "Trust me, compared to some of the things that happen around here, being late isn't a big deal."

After handing them their schedules, the dean spent the next half hour giving them a tour of Pacific Coast Academy. Angelcent was fascinated by the engineering labs and workshops while Ricky admired the campus theater and music rooms.

Eventually they reached the dorm building.

"Well, this is where we split up," the dean said. "Angelcent, you'll be staying with the girls. Ricky, you're with the boys."

The siblings exchanged a look.

"Try not to get expelled on your first day," Angelcent teased.

"You first," Ricky shot back.

The dean laughed before leading them in opposite directions.

Angelcent followed the dean down the girls' hallway until they stopped outside a dorm room.

Inside stood a blonde girl sorting through clothes.

"Zoey Brooks," the dean said. "This is Angelcent Myers. Think you can show her around?"

"Sure!" Zoey said with a smile.

After the dean left, Zoey helped Angelcent carry her bags inside.

The room was larger than Angelcent expected, and Zoey quickly pointed out where everything was.

"Bathrooms are down the hall. Lounge is around the corner. Don't eat anything Michael leaves in the fridge unless you want food poisoning."

Angelcent laughed.

Zoey glanced toward an empty side of the room.

"Actually, you got lucky."

"Huh?"

"Your roommate's Quinn Pensky."

Angelcent noticed Zoey hesitate.

"What?"

Zoey shrugged.

"She's... really into science."

Angelcent blinked.

"That's it?"

"Well, she can get a little intense."

Angelcent grinned.

"I like science."

Zoey looked surprised.

"Seriously?"

"Engineering, robotics, comics, inventions. That's my thing."

"Wow," Zoey said. "You and Quinn might actually get along."

As if summoned by her name, the dorm room door opened.

A brunette girl carrying several books stepped inside.

"Hey, Zoey—"

She stopped upon seeing Angelcent.

"Oh."