The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon as Arielle stood in front of her mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. Brenda had made her swear to look her best, and now Arielle found herself second-guessing her choices. Her hair had been trimmed into soft waves that brushed against her shoulders, and she wore a simple but chic outfit—dark jeans and a fitted white blouse that hugged her figure just right. She looked good. But was it *her*?
"Why am I so nervous?" Arielle muttered under her breath, brushing her fingers through her hair for the hundredth time. She had never cared so much about how she looked on the first day of school. But something was different this year. This year, she was stepping into the unknown, and it both thrilled and terrified her.
Just then, her phone buzzed. A text from Brenda flashed across the screen:
*Outside. Ready to take over the world, babe?*
Arielle smiled and grabbed her bag, taking one last look at herself before heading downstairs. Her father, already seated at the breakfast table, looked up from his newspaper as she entered the kitchen.
"Morning, princess. Looking sharp," he said with a grin. "Excited for your last first day in highschool?.
Arielle hesitated. "Yeah, something like that." She wasn't about to tell him about her plans for this last year. Her father would be supportive, sure, but her mother would lose her mind.
Speaking of her mother, Mrs. Jones breezed into the kitchen in her usual hurried manner, already halfway out the door to work. "Arielle, don't forget no parties, no staying out late, and focus on your studies. This is a big year,". Remember you have to make us proud.she said, kissing her daughter's forehead.
Arielle bit her tongue. "Got it, Mom. Same rules, different year."
As her mother rushed off, her father winked at Arielle. "I'm sure you'll do great honey. You always do."
But Arielle wasn't so sure about that. This year wasn't about doing great, it was about doing everything she'd never dared to do before. She is about to go against her mother.
Brenda was waiting in her brand new baby *car* a smug smile on her face. "Well, well, look who's all glammed up," she teased as Arielle slid into the passenger seat.
"Stop it," Arielle said, though she couldn't help but grin. "You're making this a bigger deal than it is." We still have to pick up Collin. They saw him standing in front of his house , Hop in boy Brenda said. Wow you've got a new ride now he asked. Yeah she's my big baby.
They sped off toward Westland High, the school looming in the distance like a familiar fortress. As they pulled into the parking lot, Arielle felt a knot tighten in her stomach. This place had been her domain for years—she knew every hallway, every classroom, every face. But now, for the first time, she felt like a stranger in her own kingdom.
"Let's do this," Brenda said, hopping out of the car. "We're going to own it this year."
Arielle stepped out, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, Let's own it I can do this .
***
The first bell hadn't even rung yet, but the hallways were already buzzing with life. Students clustered in groups, laughing and catching up after the summer break. Arielle walked through the crowd, feeling eyes follow her around as she passed. She was used to it being the vice president of the student council came with a certain level of attention but today, she felt like they were watching her for a different reason. Maybe it was her new look. Or maybe it was because, for the first time, she wasn't walking with the same air of untouchable confidence she usually had.
Brenda nudged her. "Don't look so tense. Relax. This is going to be fun."
"I'm relaxed," Arielle lied, her voice a little too high-pitched.
"Sure you are," Brenda laughed. "Anyway, are you ready for the big news?"
Arielle raised an eyebrow. "What big news?"
"We have a new teacher in our year. And he's... how do I put this? *Extremely* hot."
Arielle rolled her eyes. "Is that really 'big news'? New Teacher, of course he came to replace Mrs Avelin
Brenda shook her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Oh, this one's different. Word is he came from New Orleans, and he's fucking handsome. Guess whose class he would be teaching?.
Arielle's eyes widened. "No way. Our class?"
"Yes babe Brenda said with a grin.
"What?" Arielle's heart skipped a beat. "Wait—how? Why ours?"
Brenda shrugged. Because we are in our finals and they always get the best things
Plus, the formal English teacher for the final year students Mrs Avelin has left for the states
Arielle groaned. "Great. Just what I need—a distraction."
"Oh, come on," Brenda teased. "Maybe he'll check off number four on your little list. Fall in love for the first time.
Arielle felt heat rise to her cheeks. "That's not going to happen with a teacher"
"We'll see," Brenda said, winking.
***
Later that day, the Principal came to the classroom. Good morning students,
Students : Good morning Mrs Hicks
This is your New English Teacher Mr Dave. I will leave him to introduce himself and get to know you all,she said and left for her office .
Arielle who was distracted at the time looked up to see a tall guy standing in front of her. He had messy, dark hair and sharp features, with a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He was effortlessly handsome, the kind of guy who didn't even need to try.
Arielle blinked. *This is the New Teacher .
He's hot she mouthed to Brenda. I told ya she said.
Good morning students he said in a deep baritone voice, I am Dave McLean from New Orleans and would be taking your English and History classes.
I would like y'all to introduce yourselves, shit he speaks well immediately they screamed in excitement
The boys were not too excited unlike the girls but they preferred the handsome teacher to the previous teacher.
Everyone began introducing themselves it
got to Arielle , she stood up and was stuttering my my myy. The whole class was surprised,the outspoken Arielle stuttered.
Arielle was getting sweaty and finding it difficult to speak.
It's okay Miss just tell me your name when you feel better Mr Dave said.
Before she knew it the class had ended, he turned and left the class, her heart kept pounding during the lessons and she couldn't sit still for reasons she couldn't quite explain.
She watched him leave, her mind racing. This wasn't part of her plan. Not even close.
But maybe... just maybe... it was the beginning of something unexpected.