"Why would she be relieved about that?" Marie asked, her expression a mix of confusion and surprise as she glanced between them.
Lena chuckled, a sly grin playing on her lips.
"I'll tell you about it when we're done—it's like something out of a movie," she said, barely holding back her laughter.
"Alright then." Marie shook her head with a small smile before turning back to Nia. "Now, Nia, your class schedule should be in your locker along with your textbooks and other materials by tomorrow. Your locker number is 200."
Nia raised her eyebrows. "Lockers? You have lockers here?"
Marie nodded, clearly pleased. "Yes, we do. Schools that eliminated lockers faced countless complaints—missing items, backaches, you name it. So here, we provide single-tier, standard grey metal lockers for every student."
Nia's grin was instant. "Thank goodness. I was bracing myself to haul books around every day. It's a relief that lockers are available here."
Marie smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're happy, dear. So, we've covered all the essentials. Would you like a tour of the school?" she asked, rising gracefully and smoothing down her beautiful dress.
Nia and Lena stood as well.
"Yes, ma'am, I'd love that," Nia replied, her excitement clear.
"I was hoping you might. I'll call Conor to show you around. He and Conan are the joint heads of the student council, and they usually handle tours for new students—though they often assign it to others," Marie said, rolling her eyes at her last words, as she picked up her phone to make the call.
Nia froze. Conor? Hell no!
She could remember his words and most especially the irritated voice that backed it when they had met at the sidewalk. The arrogant expression on his face equaled that of Logan.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Nia interjected nervously, "But could someone else give me the tour? Anyone but Conor, please." She hoped Marie wouldn't be offended.
Marie raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh? Would you prefer Conan, then?"
Nia hesitated, biting her lip.
Conan had seemed more approachable, even amused, when she'd met him. In fact, he was the only one out of the four friends who didn't look offended and instead had found everything funny. But he was still part of Logan's circle. What if he wasn't as friendly as he appeared? She opened her mouth to protest again, but Lena beat her to it.
"Maybe someone outside the boys group would be better," Lena suggested with an amused grin, glancing at Nia.
Marie's eyebrows climbed higher. "You know, Lena, you're going to have to tell me what's going on between her and the boys. I'm getting very curious."
Lena laughed. "I promise I will."
Marie sighed. "Alright, Nia. Come with me, and we'll find someone else to show you around. I'll be back soon, Lena."
"Take your time," Lena called after them.
---
As Nia stepped into the bustling hallway, she couldn't help but smile. Students walked past in their uniforms, which she had secretly admired since the moment she saw them. Her eyes darted to Marie, who was scanning the crowd for a potential guide for her.
Marie finally stopped a girl walking alone, her earbuds in. Nia looked at her name tag which read Becky Williams and she was in 12th grade. Gently tapping her shoulder, Marie smiled as the girl pulled out one earbud and turned to greet her.
"Becky, right?" Marie asked, glancing at the name tag pinned to the girl's uniform.
"Yes, ma'am," Becky said nervously, tucking a strand of sandy blonde hair behind her ear.
"Are you heading to class?"
"Lunchtime just ended, so yes, ma'am," Becky replied.
Marie smiled warmly. "I'd like you to take Nia on a school tour. She's new, and I'd like her to get familiar with the important areas and routines. Don't worry—I'll inform your teachers that you're excused for the time."
"Yes, ma'am, I can do that," Becky said, her expression brightening.
Marie patted both girls on the shoulder. "You're both in the same grade, so feel free to get to know each other. You'll be fine, Nia." With that, she walked away.
Nia, after watching Marie return to her office, turned to Becky, who was now beaming.
"So, you're the newbie everyone's been talking about for the past hour," Becky said, her tone light and friendly.
Nia frowned. "Wait—everyone's talking about me already? Why?"
Becky chuckled. "Are you kidding me? You drove into school with Lena Duvernoy—Logan's mom. What do you expect? That's major gossip material, girl."
Nia sighed. "I didn't think it would get so much attention."
"Well, you're wrong, because it seriously did," Becky said, laughing. "The picture of you with Mrs. Duvernoy is all over the 12th-grade group chat—and probably the other grades' chats too. Everyone's speculating that you're Logan's cousin or some hidden illegitimate sister, and I was gonna ask about that. So, are you?"
"What? No way!" Nia exclaimed, horrified. "I'm not related to that arrogant jerk."
Becky blinked, then burst into laughter. "Wow. I'm guessing you're not exactly a fan of Logan, huh?"
"A fan? I actually hate him," Nia blurted out while Becky mouthed an 'oohh', with raised brows.
"So, what's your name? I'm guessing you already know mine." Becky asked with a smile, glancing at her name tag and rolling her eyes.
"Nia Danvers," Nia replied.
Becky's smile widened. "Your name's as pretty as you are. It's nice to meet you, Nia," she said, extending a hand.
"Thanks, Becky. The pleasure is mine," Nia replied, shaking her hand.
She seems nice.
Nia thought, grinning inwardly.
Her sandy blonde hair was cut into a no-nonsense bob, framing an oval face with striking features. She was undeniably pretty, with faint freckles on her cheeks, and bright blue eyes.
Becky's warm smile and easygoing nature put her at ease.
Maybe, Nia thought, she'd just found her first friend at this school.