It was a quiet drive to the school. Raphael was presumably thinking about the new school, potential enemies as well as new friends, just like me.
Perhaps because he was trying to project a tough guy persona, Jayden was surprisingly indifferent.
*Sigh*
Jayden comes to a stop in front of a massive black gate. The building's high fence made it unclear whether this was a school or a jail.
The magnificent gate bore the bold words STARLIGHT HIGH COLLEGE welded on it.
"We're here!" Jayden said.
"Whoa! I am so excited to meet some college girlfriends!" With a sinister smile, Raphael rubbed his palms together and exclaimed.
He started to say something else, but Jay gave him a glare that said, "Shut up!"
After we all got out of the car, Jayden leaned in to give me a forehead kiss.
"Be kind and stay out of trouble with people," he says to me.
I gave him a nod and waved before he drove off.
"Ashy, should I walk you to the office?" Raphael asked.
" No!" "I can handle myself!" was my hasty response.
As much as I did not value friends, I also did not enjoy having enemies, so I do not want to start running into female haters on the first day of school.
"You will be fine," he said, reassuring.
He smiled before pulling me in for a hug and kiss.
"Gee, ick!" Using the back of my hand, I hastily wiped my lips.
"I will be back to get you!" His eyes were fixed on a particular structure. "It is time to head to class."
"Ok...See you later!"
I sighed deeply, and Raphael walked in as if he had been attending this school for ages. He walked up to a guy, and they shook hands and laughed heartily, as if they had just returned from an extended summer vacation.
Guys relate more readily than girls, I suppose, and Raphael was undoubtedly a friend-attractive guy.
I peek inside the school grounds and see that most of the students are hurrying off to their classes, but some are standing in groups of twos and threes having discussions. I took one last look at the gate before entering with great anticipation.
With its tall, spacious, and diverse separate buildings, the school exuded elegance and beauty. As she surveyed the area, she became drawn to the water fountain in the middle; more students were staring at her, and very few were ignoring her.
Although their stares and behavior were typical for a new student, there were surprisingly a lot of glares.
Since everyone was avoiding me like the plague and had a frown on their faces, I found it difficult to approach them when I really needed to find the principal office.
Walking past the students, she heard the hush sounds and whispers. Every person I walk by has to turn around and glare at me while they converse; some even give me a mean look.
What the devil was happening?
I was taken aback by the looks since I was not strolling alongside Raphael.
As soon as I heard the siren, everyone started running to class, and soon I was the only one walking through the corridors.
What????
Were these individuals even human?Well, I did not anticipate a warm reception, but I did anticipate that there would be some good people present.
Oh my, what a poor guess.Someone just bumps my shoulder; if I had not grasped the sturdy cream pillar tightly, I would have fallen flat on my already strained face.ace.
"Oops! I'm so sorryA small, apologetic smile appears on her beautiful face as she turns to face me.With a smile, I gave her a shake of the head."It is okay, but could you please lead me to the principal's office?" I exhaled deeply, relieved to have found someone friendly.ble.
"No prob.The short girl, who I assumed to be her friend, interrupted her. "Come on, Amaya!" She was giving me a sickly look and said, "We are going to be late for class."
"She is a new girl, Shim.." Still wearing a flat smile, the pleasant girl explained.
"She is only a frail human being,"
Oh dear! That aches.
"Shimmer!" She reprimands her cruel friend.
"What?!" She was staring at Amaya with her large, heart-shaped eyes. "Are not you?!" Her fiery stare had returned to Ashira.
"You know, we could skip math class." Trying to ease her into it, Amaya winked.
"I don't care!" She dragged Amaya down the hallway after giving Ashira a growl.
"The first building behind the auditorium!" She managed to yell before being dragged away from view.
"Thanks..." Ashira said in a whisper...she could not shout in a school where she clearly was not welcome, and her voice was low pitched, so all she needed to do now was find the first building behind the auditorium.
The realization of her foolishness caused her to stop suddenly.
Argh!!! Gods, she did not even know how to get to the auditorium. I sat down on a bench and, after what felt like an eternity of searching, took my phone out of my black bag to give Raphael a call. The dial paused as the approaching footsteps caught her attention, and she turned slightly to see a stunning man coming her way. She could only think, HOW COULD HEAVEANS BE SO FAIR TO HIM?
In his blue jeans and white tee, he exuded style and sophistication. His auburn hair was full of curls and had a golden sheen at the ends. His smooth, flawless skin contrasted sharply with his golden eyes, which were heavily rimmed in black lashes. His bright, juicy pink lips were just waiting to be kissed. His well-defined muscles betrayed his regular exercise regimen, and she could not help but be impressed by his appearance.
With a deep masculine tone and his hot minty breath fanning my face, he asked, "Are you okay?"
I lost myself for a brief moment as I gazed into his radiant eyes. I felt like I was staring through a soda glass at the Monday afternoon sun.
"Y-yeah..." I stuttered, a nervous breath leaving my mouth.
"You were disoriented for some time," he remarked, gazing down at me with a playful expression.Heavens, please. What a beautiful man!
Upon realizing that I had been staring for too long, my face flushed with shame. God, when did I ever get up?
"Hi..." His deep baritone voice made me think of a steaming hot chocolate mug topped with chopped peanuts. I swear I cursed silently for not wearing the black off-the-shoulder gown Jay got me last week as he drew his fingers into his pockets and motioned for me to sit down while he examined me with his Disney eyes, starting with the top of my blonde hair and moving down to my gangster outfit, finally settling on my boots, which were definitely too flashy for school. I blushed with embarrassment; he must think I am overdressed for school.
"Hello," I said, taking a moment to clear my throat.
"Nice jacket.." I was taken aback when I heard his rich baritone voice again and looked up to see the man smiling broadly as if we had known each other for a long time.
Charming and pleasing....Nice one, huh?
Finally, I turned my gaze away. "Thank you..." My cheeks started to get hot. It was the attention. "Are we acquainted?" Although his expression was sweet and endearing, I was curious as to what he wanted from me. I was drawn to his attractive features, especially his soothingly warm and sparkling chuck-hazel eyes, but he was still unfamiliar to me.
"Oh, my apologies..." he said softly, extending his hand and nodding. "I am Kailan..."
I gave his outstretched hand a moment to accept it before he tentatively took mine.
"Ashira." I forced a grin.
"Nice.."Again, he smiled.
I withdrew my hand and felt an electric sensation as my skin touched his skin.
I sucked in a breath. I should get directions from him.
"Could you please direct me to the Principal's Office?
He made no comment as he started to walk off.
I hastily picked up my bag and trailed after him.
At most, he could have said, "Please take this way." He was showing off his gentlemanly side not too long ago.
"He did not ignore you, at least." My conscience checked to make sure I was acting appropriately.
It seemed to me that his fiery red locks were creating a mystical fortress. At last, we arrived at a dark brown metal door that had the words PRINCIPAL OFFICE written in large, bold letters on it.
"Greetings to Jayden." With the same grace as before, he muttered and turned away.
As I watched him go, I pondered how he was acquainted with my brother. They may have been friends from the PS game shop or attended the same high school.
Does that explain why he gave me his attention? Not because I was gorgeous, but rather because he knew my brother!
"Thank you..." I shouted behind him, uncertain if he heard me.
I violently bashed my head. Rather than considering why he had approached me, I ought to have thanked him right away. After returning my attention to the inscription, I softly tapped on the door.
"Come in.." A middle-aged voice answered back.
I cautiously opened the office door and said, "Good morning, ma."
" Good morn...", She abruptly stopped writing on the large sheet in her desk and began to constantly sniff the atmosphere. "You are human!" With a stern look, she finally looked directly into my eyes and spoke.
"Yes, ma." Since they were a robot that resembled a human and I was attractive, I guess she assumed I was one, so I was not overly shocked when she asked.
"Filthy human!" With a growl, she said.
WHAT? She was the principal, for pasta's sake!
Did she just describe me as a dirty human? I puzzledly peered at my dress—was it smeared with faeces or something? Disapprovingly, I nod. My hair looked exactly like it did this morning, and my outfit was spot on.
I was about to apologize for whatever had upset her when Kailan stormed into the office. The principal's eyes glazed over as he looked directly into mine, and she nodded and cleared her throat.
"Where is her schedule?" His baritone voice sounded less pleasant than it had.
Oh my! Yeah, I was just about to give her that." With an anxious chuckle, she opens her drawer to retrieve a document.
Kailan pulls out a chair for me and motions for me to take a seat. I glanced at the restless principal once before settling in.
I signed a few papers and entered my personal information into her computer for what I believe to have been a registration process.
She grinned and said, "Welcome to starlight high."
My brow furrows.What is happening? Did she not just make a direct insult to me?
She then gives me my schedule, my locker key, and a document with a list of the library books I needed to check out.
"Please give me a moment to..." She was glancing through a book that was on her desk. "There it is. Olivia Lane will be your guide.
"Many thanks, ma." I bowed slightly, and she was about to say something when Kailan grabbed my wrists and dragged me out the door.