Chapter 1 – The Rules of PHS
The principal stepped forward, adjusting her glasses as silence slowly filled the hall.
"Welcome, Class of 2022 both old and new students. I am pleased to have you all here at Pinky High School."
Her voice was calm… but carried authority.
"Today, I will present the rules and norms you must follow in order to maintain your stay here at PHS."
A few students shifted uncomfortably.
"Now note these rules apply to everyone. Seniors and juniors alike. Whether you are new or have been here since the beginning… violation of any of these rules will not be tolerated."
"Miss Harley."
"Yes, ma'am."
"The sheet."
"Yes, ma'am."
She hands it over.
The principal adjusted the paper and began.
"Rule Number One: No tolerance for lateness. Punctuality is key. Being on time does not mean arriving at 7:00 a.m. it means being seated and ready when class begins."
"Rule Number Two: No smartphones, tablets, or distracting devices during class. All devices must remain in your locker and may only be used between classes. Any device found during lessons will be confiscated."
"Rule Number Three: Be responsible. Do not slack off. Ensure everything needed for your daily activities is prepared."
…
"Rule Number Forty-Seven: Be polite in your speech and manner. We maintain zero tolerance for bullying of any kind."
"Rule Number Forty-Eight: Do not speak out of tone. Respect others."
"Rule Number Forty-Nine: Classes last until the bell rings. Packing early or skipping classes will be severely punished."
She paused slightly.
"Rule Number Fifty the most important of all…"
The room went silent.
"We do not tolerate any behavior or attitude that tarnishes the school's image. If found guilty… you will be expelled immediately."
A chill ran through the hall.
"That concludes the rules. I trust you will abide by them to avoid… unfortunate consequences."
She gave a faint smile.
"Welcome once again to PHS. I hope the months ahead will be… memorable."
"You are dismissed."
She turns to leave.
"Miss Harley."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Students—bow."
All students bow 90 degrees.
Minutes Later – Locker Area
"Heh… what a boring semester this is going to be."
"Why do you say that?" Asha asked.
"Because it's true. Miss Devon is back with her 'rules cannot be broken' attitude."
"But you already know how PHS is. It's not like you're new here."
"I know, but last semester was better. We didn't have to deal with the Evil Queen. All thanks to her wedding."
"You better be careful, Aarina… or she might hear you."
"No way. She's too busy handling school problems to come after me."
She laughed.
Asha just shook her head.
"Whatever."
Hallway – On the Way to Class
"Asha!"
A voice called from behind.
A girl ran up and threw her arms over Asha's shoulders.
"Aeri?! Oh my God it's really you!"
"Yep! I'm back!"
"Where have you been?" Aarina asked.
"Jarvis Island. My family went there for the summer."
"Wait… isn't that a really remote place?" Asha asked.
"Exactly why I couldn't contact you guys. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay," Asha smiled. "You don't have to apologize."
"Lunch is on me."
"You don't have to"
"No, she does," Aarina cut in with a grin.
They laughed.
"So… have you guys heard about the new student?" Aeri asked.
Asha and Aarina exchanged confused looks.
"What new student?"
"Seriously? I've been gone four weeks and I know more than you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"There's a new guy in our class. His photo was posted on the class forum."
She pulled out her phone.
"Look."
Asha glanced at the screen
and froze.
Asha (Inner Thoughts)
Omg… it's him.