Chapter Text
"This isn't bad for a countryside school," I think as I step through the courtyard. Fountains, manicured lawns, ivy climbing up every building. It's all ridiculously perfect. And then in the distance, there's an acorn statue, staring at me like it owns the place. An acorn. "Who thought this was a good choice for a mascot?"
I glance at my reflection in a nearby window, looking to fix any imperfection. I finally enter the academy. The floors gleam so much I half expect to slip at any second. Too proper. Too clean. Way too much. But there's no turning back now.
After wandering for what feels like forever, too stubborn to ask for directions, I finally find the principal's office. I take a deep breath and knock.
"Hello there! You must be Ms. Serenity. Come in! We have much to discuss." My first thought: "This guy is too excited. Must not get many new students."
I step in and take a seat in the big brown leather chair across from the desk. There's a nameplate that reads Dr. Rolagan.
"You can call me Seren." I say. "Ah, Seren! A delightful name. Well, I see you've already been assigned four classes." "Four?" I raise an eyebrow. Usually high schools give eight per quarter.
"Don't you worry! Four is the most we assign here at Crestwood Academy! We want our students to feel relaxed as they navigate their courses," he says, practically beaming. I try not to yawn.
The knock on his door makes me jump. "Come in!" Two boys walk in. "Of course" "Hey Mr. Principal. We heard you needed us to guide a new student. This her?" I immediately want to disappear. The way he's looking me over. "I'm Zeke, by the way. And this is my twin brother Ren." So they're twins. "No way I would have known." Zeke looks like a walking disaster of confidence. His neon jacket is practically screaming at me. Ren, on the other hand, has a softness to him, like he might cry if the wind blows too hard. I try not to laugh while thinking about it.
"Alright, we can lead you to class. You have english with us, Let's go."
I follow, relieved to be out of Dr. Rolagan's office.
"So, what made a girl like you transfer here?" Zeke asks with a smirk.
Ren elbows him. "That's rude to ask. People may have their reasons, Zeke."
"So Ren's the savior type. Great."
"No it's fine. nothing personal to hide. My family wanted somewhere quieter to live.
This area was the best choice, so... we moved." I explain.
"Well, you made the right choice. I can keep you...company if you need." Zeke says.
"So can I! I mean... if you want," Ren adds politely.
"Definitely not"
By the time we reach English class, it feels like we've walked eight miles. I slide into the last seat by the window. Only problem: my view is the giant acorn statue.
I pull out my notebook and pencil, ready to get the lesson over with. Of course, I feel someone staring at me. Zeke. Great. Just what I need to start the day.
English drag on forever, but at least it ends. I take a look at my schedule. I feel a presence behind me. "Oh... you have chemistry next with Mr. Morris." Ren says timidly. "Sorry, but we have to get going. We have calculus and it's all the way across the school," Zeke drags Ren away in a hurry, leaving me in confusion. "Hey! Why'd you do that?" I hear Ren complain as he's dragged away. "Wonder what that was about... Oh well."
Lunch is another adventure. The cafeteria is huge, almost like a resturant. I grab my lunch and get a quiet seat in the corner. Of all the seats... someone decides to sit across from me. The worst part?: He just stares at me like he's got a problem. "Uhm... hi?" I manage to say, excusing the weirdness. I get a simple nod in return. "Odd... but okay." I finish my lunch as quickly as possible. After that, the rest of the day is a blur.
As I walk home, after school, I can't stop thinking about the weird day I had, My house is just a few minutes away. Inside, my mom looks up at me as I enter. "Hey Honey, how was your first day?" "Fine," I mutter. "Just fine? You must have made some friends. Something interesting happened, right?" "Nope, nothing but weird people," I answer, unenthusiastic. She sighs. "It was just the first day. There's plenty more to come." "Yeah... that's what I'm afraid of," I flop onto the couch. This is going to be a long year, isn't it?