Sophie :
Ow, ow, ow! My knee..
I have literally only been on campus for ten minutes, and the first thing I do is crash into someone. Well, technically, that person fell on me, but I still feel bad. I should probably apologise if I see him again.
Today was transition day, so there weren't any classes. However, there was this dinner thing at five p.m., which gave me an hour or two to unpack and fix myself up.
I half limped and half skipped towards the registration desk in the school vestibule, spotting a middle-aged woman sitting behind the counter. My social skills aren't the best, so let's see where this goes...
"Good afternoon, Miss. I'm looking to register for my dorm." I said it quietly, chewing on my bottom lip like a hungry dog.
Her head shot up from behind the ledge. I definitely projected her taller. But the skirt she wore was very pretty. I hung my head low, avoiding eye contact and reflecting on how judgemental I just was. You know those imaginary angels characters have in cartoons? Mine would slap me right now.
"Name?" She grunted, seemingly worn out. Poor registrar.
"Sophie Bellerose, thank you."
The desk lady picked up a binder from the shelf beside her marked S and flicked through it before pulling out a key and handing it to me.
"Alright, go up two floors, turn right, then forward, then left. That's where the single dorms are. You're room number, eh, 231. Now go." She shooed me off along with a small square of parchment before I could even say thank you. But I muttered a thank you in reply anyway. She's a nice lady; maybe she needs it.
I got assigned to a single dorm. I was hoping to make a friend though..
I made my way to the large spiral stairs, mesmerised by the carpentry and intricate detail carved into just one part of the handle. This place is huge. I let out an audible huff before climbing up the stairs, not skipping any because I felt like it would be cheating.
After I reached the top of the floor about five minutes later, I tried recapping the instructions from the lady. I think I have to turn right first.
Then forward, no left?
Yes forward.
Then left.
Once I completed following the stated directions, I came to a halt at the sight of my dormitory door. Two thirty-one were engraved in gold into the door beyond me. I opened the door to be met with an empty, vacant room. Containing nothing but a single bed and desk.
That's alright. I'll make it homey somehow.
I dropped my duffel bag on the bed, landing with a raucous thump. It was already four p.m. So there was only about an hour before the transition dinner took place.
Less time to unpack than I interpreted.
I pulled out my clothes and divided them into sections. Shirts and sweaters will go in the closet, and leggings, underwear, shorts, skirts—anything below my torso—will go in the dresser.
I spent the next half hour folding and hanging my clothing until the majority of my bag was empty.
Anything else, like my backpack and unicorn, went elsewhere.
I didn't have time to think about anything else to unpack or about what to wear. What I wore should be proper enough. At least I hope so.
I quickly pinned light pink hairclips into my hair before bolting out the door. I was in the east wing. The dining hall was in the west wing, according to the map I grabbed earlier. It was going to take fifteen minutes to get from one end to another.
I walked as fast as my five-foot-four body would go. Not running because it would be deemed speeding in a hallway. Taking greater strides than I've ever walked.
Surprisingly, there were still other students making their way to the dining hall. Of course, my brain didn't notice as I continued my fast walking.
My journey came to an end when the crowd of people clogged the entrance. I pressed my back against the column nearby in an attempt to avoid the waves of students. It worked..partially. Everyone was so tall here. well, taller than me at least.
I stood there for a while. Just when I saw a glint of familiarity. I searched through all the pupils to find a parting in the crowd. That boy. That boy I fell on.
Instead of staying still and facing the painful reality of guilt, I pushed my way into the dining hall, somehow not falling on anyone once again.
It was huge.
The tall, painted glass roof curled into the centre of the room, where a chandelier hung. Its perfectly carved jewels and candles bounced their reflections on the wall, creating the most beautiful light display I have ever set eyes on.
My trance was interrupted by an older student; she possessed blonde curls and the most lavish clothing. It was likely that she was rich. 'Hey junior, do us a favour, stop blocking the way, and go sit with the rest of the lower sixth.' The girl pushed me by the head towards a lengthy table labelled 'lower sixth' and walked away, catching up to who I think were her friends. Ouch.
I took a seat in an empty spot by the very long bench where I had seen other students eating.
Eating. Right. Maybe not today? It should be fine. I looked back at the buffet table, where there were plates and plates of food being offered. Everything and anything I can't eat. I knew restricting myself from food wasn't really beneficial to my health at all, but sometimes you have a reason not to instead of to.
I almost caved, as I knew the entire convention was going to be torturous for me, but I pushed myself away from it. I'd rather this than the state I was in for the whole of last year.
I watched the hall fill up with buzzing students and the other table full of seniors enjoy their meals and conversations with each other. Just when I spotted the same girl that, uh, guided me to my table and the boy I crashed into earlier sitting side by side, the boy's friend was accompanying his left. They must be friends. That's cool.
"Aren't you a little spaced-out girl?" An older man sat down next to me. "Maybe a little," I admitted sharing a smile with him. "I'm Mr. Crichton. Lovely to meet you dear,"he held out his hand for me to shake. "I'm Sophie. It's nice to meet you." I shook it lightly before letting go.
"Why aren't you eating?" He asked, munching on the duchess potatoes he had on his plate.
"I ate some earlier just now, yes."
"Are you sure? I didn't see you with a plate." He eyed me with suspicion rising in his gaze.
"It's alright. Maybe you did. My peeps are getting old; I can't see them any more. Must've been busying myself with something. You're going to be one of them next year, you know." Mr. Crichton must've noticed I was looking at the seniors, seeing as he very obviously pointed it out.
"You should at least get some dessert, or are you against that as well?" He chuckled. I pursed my lips at his comment, allowing myself to steal a glance of the mini Victoria sponges and confectionaries displayed on the buffet table.
I stood up and walked to the buffet table, searching for an apple or something small to tie me over for the rest of the night. He might be right, not eating for over twenty four hours isn't healthy.
Just before I grabbed the apple, I spotted hurtful words in the air.
"-the new junior girl? In the brown sweater? Look at her calves; they're monstrous. But I'm sure she'll let you spend the night with her. She does have a pretty face after all.'
The same blond girl arched over the junior dining table pointing at me. Everyone's faces altered into ones that stared into me like I was an toy. I felt like an object being exhibited.
Monstrous?
I dropped the apple and sped off out of the room, away from the group who were ever so clearly talking about me. On my way out I could hear a female teacher calling after me, saying, "Where are you going?". I would've told her if I wasn't three seconds away from making a fool out of myself.
Tears pricked the brim of my eyes, threatening to make me cry in front of everybody.
I'll apologise later, when I'm not crying.
I rushed back to my dorm. The moment I heard the lock click, I began searching for a mirror to see my calves. I burst into the bathroom and stared into the mirror. My calves were monstrous, so fat and uneven. Tears fell from my eyes at the realisation of how ugly I looked.
They're so pretty; of course they think so.
A/N : I feel so bad for Sophieee :(
Bro Noah you better come and save her soon..