I sighed as I stood in front of the school gates. The golden sign read E.H., standing proudly for Esteem High.
I walked toward the gate as my driver drove away. The moment I approached, the gate opened automatically with a soft metallic hum. I stepped into the breathtaking view the clean air, the well-trimmed carpet grass, and the rows of red flowers lining the cemented path.
Walking through the courtyard, I saw clusters of students gathered everywhere probably because of the new school year. Ahead stood a massive three-storey building, painted in dark blue, white, and deep pink, with tall glass windows that sparkled in the morning light.
The long staircase led up to the entrance, where some students lounged, laughing and chatting. I ignored a few stares from. some girls and walked up confidently.
The golden doors opened by themselves as I stepped inside. The hallway was gorgeous. Dark blue and pink walls with silver trimmings, motivational posters, and banners for school clubs. The tiled floor shone under the light.
I smiled as I found my locker. I recognized it from the orientation guide dark blue, sleek, and mature-looking. It required a retinal scan, so I leaned forward as it flashed a blue light across my eyes. Beep. The door slid open.
I arranged my things neatly my sketchbooks, some fake flowers, stickers, and an air freshener. I was still admiring my little space when someone shouted my name.
"Fiona!"
I turned and saw a girl running toward me. She had light skin, big blue eyes, and long curly hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a half-shoulder yellow top, tight jeans that shaped her figure perfectly, and pink sneakers with bunny designs.
"Okay, Aviva," I said, smirking. "What top gist do you have for me this time?"
Aviva glared at me, still catching her breath. "I don't have your time, Fiona. Anyway guess what?" She flashed a mischievous smile.
"What?"
"There's a new student."
"So…?" I said flatly.
"He's cute. Like really cute. Tall, mysterious -"
"Aviva," I interrupted. "I don't have time for this."
She groaned. "Come on, Fiona! When are you going to open up to a guy for once?"
I smiled and ignored her, pretending not to hear.
Suddenly, the hallway became loud girls squealing, chanting. "Caesar! Caesar!" Then another name. "Silver! Silver!"
I turned and froze. Caesar my old middle school classmate was walking in. He'd changed so much. The sporty final year senior now. He wore the school's white shirt with a black tie, black trousers, and the Esteem Hawks team varsity jacket: dark blue with pink stripes along the collar and sleeves, his name embroidered boldly at the back.
And beside him… was her.
Silvia. The girl I'd despised since middle school. Always acting like a queen. She'd dyed her hair pink and wore glittery dark pink socks and a customized jacket with her name written in sparkling silver letters. To think we used to be besties.
"Ladies, ladies," Caesar said, smiling. "Please give us some space."
"No, Caesar!" they squealed back.
Silvia rolled her eyes. "Girls, he's taken. Give it a rest."
"How about this," Caesar said, grinning. "We'll hang out during the pep rally after school?"
"You're the man, Caesar!" the girls screamed.
They passed by us, and I muttered under my breath, "Silvia and her boyfriend…"
"Yeah," Aviva added. "But she calls herself Silver now. Pink hair and all."
"I don't care," I said. "Let's just get to class."
The classroom was buzzing with chatter when we walked in. Aviva and I took our seats at the back. The room matched the school's elegant style soft pink and dark blue walls, shiny tiled floors, and a wide teaching space with floating holographic boards.
Moments later, a man entered. He was tall, with dark brown skin, light blue eyes, and black hair tied neatly in a ponytail. He wore a perfectly fitted black suit.
"Good day, class," he said in a rich English accent. "I'm Sir Lewis, your science teacher."
Everyone echoed a greeting back.
He turned to write his name on the smartboard.
"Fiona," Aviva whispered, smirking. "This man is cute."
Sir Lewis faced us again. "Before we begin, let's have introductions. Where you're from, live and name. Start with you the boy with blue hair."
The boy stood up. "My name is April Smith. I live in Evelyn Heights and I'm from Amerethia City, in Ardenia."
He sat.
"Next."
A blonde girl stood. "I'm Stella Cruise. I live in Palm Estate and I'm from Veloria, in West Vale."
Another student stood. "My name is Milal Raj. I live in Beverly Heights and I'm from Mumbra, in Indira ."
It continued until the tall boy beside Aviva stood. "Travis Joseph but most people call me Joey or Big Joe. I live in Sunnyridge Estate, from East Laira."
"Thank you, Mr. Joseph," Sir Lewis said with a teasing grin.
Aviva stood next. "My name is Aviva Chang. I live in Areolas Estate and I'm from Seoulia, in Korya."
Then it was my turn. I stood up. "My name is Fiona Marvin. I live in the Gifted Reserved Estates. I'm from North Liora."
"Beautiful name for a beautiful young lady," Sir Lewis said, smiling.
Finally, it was Silver's turn. She stood, striking a pose. "I'm Silver Benson. I live in Luxury Valley. You should visit sometime it's the best in North Liora." She blew a kiss before sitting.
"Thank you, Miss Silver," Sir Lewis said dryly. "Now, class, let's begin today's -"
Knock knock.
A counselor entered. "Sorry to interrupt, Sir Lewis, but you have a new student."
Sir Lewis nodded. "Send him in."
The moment the door opened, my heart nearly stopped.
He walked in tall, calm, and radiant. That same otherworldly aura wrapped around him.
The beautiful essence was back.
He stood at the front as every girl in class gawked. He wore the school uniform.
"Welcome," Sir Lewis said. "Introduce yourself, please."
"Fiona, that's him. The new kid." Aviva whispered to me. I was too dumbfounded to speak.
The boy smiled faintly. "My name is Twilight Fall. I'm from Liora, in the United Kingdom of Arven."
That voice again calm, angelic, and haunting.
Every girl melted.
But me?
I froze.