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"You have won this year's spelling competition! The reward is a scholarship to study at Somerset Academy of Las Vegas High School."
The crowd erupted into applause.
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Hazel's POV
My name is Hazel Stephen. I was awarded a scholarship to study at Somerset Academy, the most prestigious school in the United States.
"Stephen Hazel, welcome to Somerset Academy," Mrs. Joy, the principal, greeted me with a warm smile. "You must familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of our school."
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, mirroring her smile.
She handed me a sheet of paper. "Here are the school rules. You need to understand and follow them to avoid trouble."
When I glanced at the list, my eyes widened. "Ma'am, you mean I have to learn all 100 rules?"
Mrs. Joy's smile did not falter. "Keep the paper with you, study it well, and everything will be fine."
Reluctantly, I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
"Let me introduce you to your new classmates," she said, motioning for me to follow her.
"Okay, ma'am," I replied politely, though nervous butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
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Mrs. Joy led me into a classroom filled with chatter and laughter.
"Quiet, everyone!" she said firmly, and the room instantly fell silent.
"We have a new student joining us today. Hazel, please introduce yourself."
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "My name is Hazel Stephen, and I look forward to getting to know all of you. I hope we can get along."
Polite applause followed, and I felt a little more at ease.
I scanned the room for a seat when a girl with her hair in a high ponytail walked up to me.
"Come and sit with me," she said cheerfully.
Without hesitation, I followed her to her desk.
"My name is Jasmine. Oh, wait, I already know your name—Hazel, right?"
I nodded with a smile.
"Can we be friends?" she asked eagerly.
I smiled even wider. "You are already my friend."
As we sat down, I pulled out my drawing book. Drawing was my passion, and I always carried my sketchbook with me.
Jasmine leaned closer, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Wow! My new friend is an artist? That's amazing!"
I simply smiled in response and started sketching.
While I was lost in my art, I felt a gaze on me. When I looked up, I saw a handsome boy staring at me from across the room. He had a magnetic charm that was hard to ignore.
I tried to focus on my drawing, but I could not resist glancing at him again. His features were flawless, and his eyes seemed to hold a story of their own.
My cheeks grew warm, and I quickly looked away, scolding myself silently. "Why am I drawn to this guy? Why can't I take my eyes off him? Maybe it's just because he's good-looking. And maybe he's staring because I'm beautiful. Yes, that's it. Nothing special."
I nodded to myself, trying to believe my own reasoning, but my heart did not seem convinced.
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