❤ Isabella’s POV ❤
TODAY is the first day of school for both me and Angelica. She's going to be in the 5th grade, while I'm about to enter the 10th grade. I'm in my last year of junior high school. In my previous school, I was one of the top students, a member of the cheerleading squad, and the President of my class. I'm really hoping I can continue being active in extra-curricular activities, and meet some new friends. Aside from Arwind, I haven't really made any friends in this town despite moving here two months ago.
In my previous school, we had to wear a school uniform. It was easier for me because I didn't have to worry about thinking about what to wear every day. Here in Guerrero, there's only one high school, and they don't have a required uniform in school. I spent almost an hour getting ready because I wanted to make sure that I was dressed appropriately for my first day of school.
My mom made arrangements for Angelica to take a school service. Unlike me, my mom has made some friends. Although I found some of them weird, I am glad that she has people to talk to and hang out with aside from her daughters. I, on the other hand, had to ride my bike to and from school since I didn't want to bother my mom to drive me.
Because I will be riding a bike, my outfit options are limited to jeans or leggings. I couldn't really wear a skirt or a dress and expose myself unnecessarily. That would be embarrassing.
I finally decided on a short-sleeved button-up white fitted blouse, paid with loose jeans and white sneakers. I tucked the blouse into my jeans because I didn't want to expose my tummy. Despite not having prescribed uniforms, I'm sure that the school has a dress code, and I can't wear anything too revealing.
I put my hair up in a braid, and put on some accessories, including a charm bracelet that my friends from my former school got me as a going-away present. Despite attending a different school, I'd still have a part of them with me.
When my mom saw me, she said "You look really pretty honey."
Isabella: "Thanks, mom. You don't think it's too conservative, do you?"
Erlinda: "No, honey. You look fine."
We all had breakfast together, and my mom kept asking if I was sure that I didn't want her to drive me to school.
Isabella: "It's okay, mom. I didn't want to walk home. I'll be fine on my bike."
Erlinda: "Okay. Don't forget your helmet."
Isabella: "But my hair is going to get messed up if I put on the helmet, mom."
Erlinda: "You can redo your hair when you get to school. Safety first, honey."
I know my mom is right, but I still reluctantly agreed. My sister's school service arrived not long after and my mom walked her out. I got ready to leave and put my backpack on. I had my bike checked earlier, to ensure that it was running well. I said goodbye to my mom and left for school.
I had more than 20 minutes before my first class was supposed to start, and I estimated the travel time to be less than 10 minutes, so I should have had plenty of time to go to the restroom and fix my hair beforehand.
When I got to school, I found a bike parking area, but there were no bikes parked in it. I chained my bike to it and took off my helmet. I smoothed my hair a bit and started walking towards the school's main building.
As I walked through the parking lot, I couldn't help but be impressed as I saw the cars lined up. These are very nice model cars, and they are quite new. Do these actually belong to high school students?
My heart beat fast when I smelled a familiar pleasant smell as I was about to pass a small group of students. As I walked closer to them, I realized that Nikolas was one of the people in the group.
I glanced at the other people in the group, and they all looked really attractive. There were males and females in the group, and I couldn't help but observe what the girls in the group were wearing. They look so stylish and attractive. I suddenly felt underdressed compared to them.
When I looked at Nikolas again, our eyes met. I looked away immediately and I felt embarrassed that he caught me looking at him. I held onto the straps of my backpack and walked as fast as I could towards the main building.
I went into the first ladies' restroom that I found and looked at myself in the mirror. I redid my braid and washed my hands before going into a cubicle to pee.
I had just finished when I heard the door to the ladies restroom open. It appeared that a group of girls came in. I was about to open the cubicle door when I heard them start talking about Nikolas. I didn't want to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help but listen to what they were saying.
Girl 1: "Nikolas will be turning 18 soon, right?"
Girl 2: "Yes, he is. He's about to turn, and will soon find his mate."
Girl 1: "I'm sure it'll be you, Stephanie. You guys look so good together, and you two have always been close.
The girl whom I assumed was Stephanie said "We do look together, don't we?"
Girl 2: "Oh my goddess, I can't believe you're the future Luna."
Stephanie: "It's destiny. We're meant to be together."
I heard a few giggles before the door opened again. I waited a few more seconds before coming out of the cubicle. I could smell their expensive perfumes even after they had left.
So Nikolas is 17 years old, and he's turning 18 soon. I wonder what they meant when they said that Stephanie would be his mate. Does it mean that they're going to get engaged? I felt my heart ache a little as I imagined Nikolas and Stephanie together. I don't even know what she looked like, but I'm sure she's very pretty.
I can't explain why it feels like I'm actually jealous. I shouldn't care because Nikolas is a relative stranger to me. We don't really mean anything to each other.
I looked at the time and decided to run towards the registrar's office. I have yet to get my schedule of classes, and I certainly don't want to be late for my first class.
The registrar's office is a little busy, and it took a while for me to get my class schedule. The principal also wanted to talk to me before class, so I had to wait for a few minutes outside his office.
When I finally made my way inside the principal's office, he offered his hand and introduced himself.
Principal: "Good morning, Miss Torres. I am Jose Evangelista. I'm the principal of this school. Please take a seat."
The first thing I noticed was how brown Mr. Evangelista's eyes are. He's also taller than average, just like Nikolas and his friends. Despite smiling, he also looks quite domineering, and a little bit scary.
Principal Evangelista: "I called you in just to officially welcome you to Guerrero High School."
Isabella: "Thank you, sir."
Principal Evangelista: "Well, we haven't gotten a new student in years. Almost every student here has lived in town their whole life."
Isabella: .....
Principal Evangelista: "Based on your class records, I see that you're an excellent student. You shouldn't have issues with your classes."
Isabella: "I will do my best, sir."
Principal Evangelista: "That is good to hear. Do you have any questions for me?"
Isabella: "No, sir. None for now."
Principal Evangelista: "Okay. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to see me."
Isabella: "Okay. Thank you, sir."
The principal dismissed me and had one of the student assistants walk me to my first class. I saw through the door that the classes is already ongoing, and I almost hesitated going inside. I knew I had no choice, though, so I knocked and opened the door.
The teacher and everyone else inside looked at me, and I almost wanted to just turn around and run.
Teacher: "Yes? How can I help you?"
Isabella: "Uhm, I'm in your class, Miss. It's my first day."
The teacher smiled and said "Oh. Okay."
I handed my registration form to the teacher and after she looked at it, said to the class "Class, this is Isabella Torres. She's a new student."
She then turned to me and said "Isabella, why don't you tell us a little something about yourself?"
I was prepared to do this since I know that it was a standard practice for new students, but when I turned to face my classmates, I froze and almost couldn't say anything. I looked around and saw Arwind smiling at me from behind, and I felt a little relieved.
Isabella: "Hello, everyone. I'm Isabella. We moved here a little over a month ago. I'm excited to meet you all."
I smiled and tried to make eye contact, but I got nothing but blank stares and even eye rolls from some of the girls. One thing I noticed is that most of my classmates have light brown eyes too. Maybe it's a trait that the natives of the town have.
The teacher eventually had me take an empty seat in the back. I would have preferred to sit in the front, but I didn't really have a choice.
I tried to pay as much attention as I could, despite the stares I have been getting, particularly from my brown-eyed classmates.