North Ridge High School.
Those beautiful words possessed my heart a type of joy that couldn't be explained. It was practically impossible to prevent a large smile from breaking on my face as I stood in front of my new school.
Mum had dropped me off, but not before spelling out her list of rules, which had failed to capture my attention as I was too busy imagining what my new classroom would be like.
There were throngs of students all over the parking lot, pushing their way to the front doors—but not me.
Taking a step back, I let my vision take in the tall grey building right in front of me.
It was simply magnificent!
With my feet still rooted to the ground, I let air into my lungs—as much air as possible. This air was special. Why? Because it carried the smell of that one thing I'd been praying for my whole life—freedom.
Well, not full freedom, but at least Mum let me attend a public school.
This single action of hers had become a fuel to my fire. The fire of hope in my heart that one day, she would let me socialize more and, ultimately, allow me to study Fine Arts in college.
She would have to give in to my demands, just like she did today. But for now, we were taking it one step at a time.
Unconsciously, my fingers found my necklace—my only grounding in nervous situations like these. It was the only thing that could stop my heart from pounding so ceaselessly but however, seemed to be working less than usual.
As a result, my heart continued its rhythmic dance against my chest as I walked, just like everyone else, through the front doors.
My field of view was immediately filled with long rows of lockers on both sides of the wall. The hall was packed with students, numerous voices bouncing off its wall but my brain was zoned out.
The only thought that ran through my mind was how I would soon own a locker like every single teen in the school.
Tentatively, I leaped forward, venturing down the hallway. Different eyes prickled the back of my neck, following my movement and unsettling my nerves even more.
Calm down, Rachel. You're the new girl. Of course! Everyone is going to stare at you.
I walked slowly—not knowing where I was headed—while my brain fought the urge to run like hell! There was no way I could do that though. I didn't want people to start thinking I was a psycho new girl. But when my mind was in full freak-out mode, I hardly became aware of my surroundings.
My attention was fleeting, and I didn't realise when I slammed into something hard—not hard enough though since the force of the hit didn't make me fall. I heard a sharp curse and my eyes dipped to the floor to find a girl right there, busy gathering scattered papers and books all around her.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" I crouched to her level and joined in gathering the papers.
"Didn't see you coming there." I tried to explain, while handing her the books with me as we both found our feet.
My eyes locked in on a set of sparkling emerald orbs coupled with a lazy smile that got me stunned.
"It's no problem." The new girl waved her free hand dismissively. "I wasn't looking either."
"Still, I'm very sorry." The nervousness that had settled in my stomach made my voice shaky. "It's just... I'm new here and still so confused about where I'm supposed to go so—"
"You're the new student?!" Her large eyeballs widened, fuller brows elevating as relief flicked across her face. "This is just great! I was actually looking for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah," she said, chuckling. "The principal actually asked me to get you. And yes... My name's Charlotte, nice to meet you." Her irises gleamed as she smiled, extending a hand towards me.
Mirroring her, I curled my shaky fingers around hers, and we shook slowly.
"I'm Rachel Morgan, nice to meet you too."
Does this look like an office setting to you? You don't have to give your freaking surname!
Her hands left mine to curl a golden-blonde strand of her straight hair behind her ears. Then it travelled to the neck of her white turtleneck sweater, which was tucked into a short pink flowy skirt.
My eyes couldn't help but trail down my shorter length. Clad in my usual skinny jeans and black top, I felt underdressed.
"Come on!" She grabbed my hands, stirring me through the cluster of students. "Let's get you to the principal."
Without uttering a word, I let her lead me down the hall until we reached a steel door which read—Principal's Office.
"Here it is." She beamed, her smile contagious, causing me to smile as well. "Don't worry, I'll wait for you out here. I'm sure you still don't know your way around."
"Yeah, you're right. I certainly don't wish to get lost in a school as big as this one."
My voice had returned to its normal state and I couldn't help but joke around. Charlotte's energy was contagious. In just less than a minute of conversing with her, the nervousness sitting in my belly had waned into nothingness, leaving nothing but excitement and exhilaration in its place.
Just then, the harsh sound of the school bell filled the halls jerking me to place three consecutive knocks on the door.
"Hurry up in there, that was the bell for the first period," she explained, and a voice from inside the office was heard, telling me to come in.
After listening to the principal outline the "rules and values" of my new school, I knew instantly that he wasn't going to be my favourite person. I already had enough rules at home, but it turned out that school had even more of them.
Finally, stepping out of the office into the hall, my gaze scanned the thin paper in my hands, containing all the subjects I was going to offer in my schedule.
My heart dropped at the sight of different science classes, but not one connected to anything art.
"Hey, what's with that long face?" A very concerned Charlotte came into view and I realised I didn't do a good job concealing my emotions.
"Is there something wrong with your classes? Here, let me see." Before I could protest she snatched the paper from my grasp, eyes moving rapidly over its contents.
"This is just great! We have almost the same classes. But I'm quite shocked that you're in the science department. You don't look like a sciencey person."
That's because I'm not!
"But, I'm not complaining. I now have someone to share all my classes with!"
Although there was a valid reason to be sad, I shifted it aside. It was my first day and I already had a new friend who seemed really happy about sharing classes with me.
"Come on, let's go! Classes have already started, and we're having English now."
"Wait!" I halted both our movements with a raise of my voice. "Can we first visit the restroom? You've got no idea what nervousness can do to one's bladder."
My statement made her burst in laughter. "Sure, mate. But you have to make it quick. The English teacher's not so nice, and we don't want detention for coming late to class, especially on your first day."
"You got that right. My Mum's gonna kill me if ever that happens."
"Then, let's hurry!"
It was my first day in school, and I was already so tired of the super-long boring classes. It was starting to feel like an eternity in hell, listening to the chemistry teacher blabber on, and on about chemicals and other scientific stuff.
After wishing to be here for so long, here I was about to drop dead from boredom and exhaustion. Could my life become more ironical than it already was? Maybe not. But something told me that if I'd been allowed to have art classes, then I probably wouldn't feel so tired.
Charlotte and I had passed the art studio on our way to class and my eyes stole a quick glance at the beautiful, artistic room. But I didn't let myself gawk at it for too long, else my sadness and feeling of loss would return.
Unexpectedly, the bell for lunch break rang, sending the class into a rush of motion as students made their way out into the hallway. I slung my backpack over one shoulder and followed Charlotte out of the classroom.
We had attended all our classes together and it was nice, having someone keep you company although she hardly ever spoke during class. The girl had been so focused, paying rapt attention to our all-knowing educators.
While Charlotte was busy listening and taking notes, I had completely zoned out. Even if I wanted to concentrate, the rumbling in my stomach was too persistent. This was the reason why breakfast was my most important meal of the day. But I had skipped this morning and therefore, my brain kept on ringing with just one word—Food!
"Hey, Rachel. Do you think you can find your way to the cafeteria? I have to use the restroom."
"Yup." I lied quite smoothly, and thankfully Charlotte didn't notice. I was too damn hungry to wait for her. Who knew how long she would spend in the restroom?
I watched her slam the locker door closed, turning to me with another one of her infectious smiles. " That's great! Save me a seat, will you?"
"Of course!"
My newest friend's smile widened as she spun away, and I let my feet surge me forward. Although I had no idea where they were taking me.
Much to my surprise, the cafeteria was super easy to find and I couldn't be any happier.
Time to get some food into my empty stomach!
After ordering a decent-sized hamburger, I settled on an empty table, ready to devour the delicacy before me.
My stomach was growling louder than normal, and my mouth had begun salivating in anticipation.
I took the first bite.
The nerves on my tongue began to dance with joy, letting the flavour surround my entire mouth. An overwhelming sense of euphoria clouding my brain as I chewed until it was time to swallow.
What could be better than this?
Nothing at all... Well, maybe chocolates.
I swallowed again, ready to take another bite when someone slapped my hands, causing the burger to slip down my shirt and onto the floor.
I watched my delicious burger drop to the floor, eyes popping out of their sockets, mouth wide open, wondering what I did to deserve this sort of punishment.
"Hey! Burger face!" An unfamiliar voice reached my ears, but I failed to acknowledge it. My eyes were still glued to the floor.
My delicious burger was still on the floor!
Then the heat started. Slowly but hot and blazing. My blood turned into a volcano, boiling as my fingers curled into tight fists.
With narrowed eyes, I looked up and found myself surrounded by four tall assholes. But decided to fix my glowering gaze on the person who had decided that he wanted to get the beating of his life.
A strange boy with stupid light-blonde hair and even more stupid, icy-gray orbs stood before me.
I glared.
And he had the nerve to stare right back at me, showing no fear. Boy had no idea that the hungry lion inside of me was about to chew him to pieces.
I was already conjuring up ways to make his foolish life miserable in my head. But I had to start from somewhere, didn't I? This idiot had to know that no one messes with ME and MY FOOD!
But then, he beat me to it when he spoke:
"What are you doing at my special table, Burger face?"
***
A short chapter but I hope you enjoyed it.
Seems like Rachel's fareing very well in her new school isn't it?😉😉