Emma's POV
Haaaa... this is crazy.
I'm starting at a new school today.
It feels like just yesterday I transferred to my last one. Actually... now that I think about it, I really have transferred a lot. Maybe too much.
Oh well. They probably just couldn't handle my outstanding beauty and amazing personality.
A small smile tugged at my lips as I glanced down at my uniform.Okay, but seriously—I love this one. It's way better than anything I've had to wear before.
Still, my head throbbed slightly, a mix of nerves and excitement.
I really hope people are nice...
"Good luck, sweetheart!" my mom called as I stepped out the door.
"Thanks, Mom!" I shouted back.
I usually take the bus, but today I decided to walk instead. Fresh air might calm my nerves—or at least distract me from them.
By the time I reached the school, my confidence had dropped just enough for me to keep my head down. I focused on getting to the office like I'd been instructed. Apparently, a teacher would come get me from there.
Weird... but okay.
I stepped inside and sat down on a red sofa, folding my hands in my lap as I waited.
After a few minutes, a man approached me.
"You must be Emma," he said with a polite smile. "I'm Sir Simon. I'll be your teacher."
I stood quickly and followed him down the hallway.
The classroom was loud—voices overlapping, chairs scraping—but the moment I stepped through the door, everything went quiet.
Every. Single. Eye. Landed. On. Me.
Okay... don't panic.
All I have to do is find my seat without making eye contact with anyone. Easy. Totally easy.
Right...
I quickly spotted an empty seat and slipped into it, keeping my gaze down. Still, I could feel their attention, like a spotlight I couldn't escape.
The lesson began, and most people turned back to the teacher—but one girl didn't.
She kept looking at me.
I offered her a small smile.
She smiled back but.... she just kept staring.
Okay... that's not creepy at all.
I tried to ignore it, even pretending not to notice, but it was impossible when I could practically feel her eyes burning into me.
Eventually, I gave up and focused on the lesson.
Break came faster than expected, but I stayed in my seat, hoping to avoid attention.
That didn't work.
A group of girls surrounded me almost instantly.
"Wait, when's your birthday?""Do you have siblings?""Do you have a boyfriend?""Oh my God, you have to have a boyfriend!"
"Woah—uh, thanks," I said, laughing nervously. "But no, I don't. I've never had one."
They all talked over each other, and I had no idea who to respond to.
"Tss."
The sound cut through the noise.
I turned around—and froze.
A tall guy with brown hair and matching brown eyes was staring straight at me, his expression cold.
Wow...
Okay, I'll admit it—he was actually pretty handsome.
But that look?
Yeah... not so much.
Before I could say anything, he turned and walked away.
I blinked, then turned back to the girls, who hadn't even noticed him.
Still... my eyes drifted after him.
Who was he?
No—what am I even thinking? What was his problem?
I frowned slightly.
If he had something to say, he could've said it to my face.
I shook it off—but not completely.
For some reason, he stayed on my mind.
Lunch came quickly, and I stood up—only for my water bottle to fall off the table and crash onto the floor.
Of course.
And of course it wasn't closed.
"Great..." I muttered, crouching down.
"Hey, someone get paper!"
A guy's voice rang out nearby.
A moment later, someone handed me some. "Thanks," I murmured, already wiping up the mess.
"What a great first day..." I sighed.
"Don't worry—it wasn't your fault."
The voice came from right in front of me.
I looked up.
A blonde guy with bright green eyes was crouched down, way closer than I expected.
Oh.
Oh—he's close.
Really close.
My breath hitched slightly as I realized we were only inches apart.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks.
"Just be careful next time," he added with a soft smile.
And just like that, the moment broke.
I stood up quickly, brushing myself off as he placed my bottle back on the table before walking past me.
I took a deep breath.
Get it together, Emma... seriously.
After school, I was swarmed again—this time for my contact info.
I actually felt like a celebrity.
I gave it to as many people as I could before finally escaping.
Wow...
I think they liked me.
At least... I hope they did.
When I got home, my mom was already waiting.
"Emma? Is that you?" she called.
"Hi, Mom—I'm home!"
I heard her squeal before she rushed over and pulled me into a tight hug.
"How was it? Were they nice? Did you make friends? Tell me everything!"
I laughed. "Yes, they were nice—and yeah, I think I made some friends."
Her face lit up.
"Oh, that's wonderful, sweetheart! I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks, Mom. I think I'm gonna take a nap though... today was exhausting."
"Of course! Just call me if you're hungry—I'll make your favorite lasagna!"
"I will."
I headed to my room, closing the door behind me before collapsing onto my bed.
"Wow... today was exhausting," I murmured.
A small smile formed as my eyes drifted shut.
"I hope tomorrow is just as good..."
And with that, I fell asleep.