"Thank you," I said as I sat down at the table.
"Tomorrow, you will be enrolled at Redcrest High," Mrs. Yasmin's voice echoed gently through the dining hall as she spoke to me about my new school.
Hearing those words, a wave of emotions swept over me.
My eyes welled up with tears as I whispered, "I never thought I'd ever experience what it's like to go to school."
"That's all behind you now, sweetheart," Mrs. Yasmin said comfortingly, reaching out to hold my hand.
"I will make sure you get the education you deserve."
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and warmth as the Brookes family chatted with me like I had always been part of their world.
For the first time, I didn't feel like an outsider, I felt like their daughter.
The next morning, I woke up giggling, my heart still full of joy from the night before.
"I have to get ready for school!" I said to myself with excitement.
I quickly jumped out of bed, hurried to the bathroom, and took my shower.
After drying off, I dressed carefully in my new school uniform, admiring how it fit.
It felt surreal like I was stepping into a life I had always dreamed of.
As I walked past the kitchen on my way downstairs, I noticed Mum cooking breakfast.
I smiled and walked in to greet her.
"You're all dressed up already," she said with a bright smile, noticing my uniform.
I simply nodded in response, still grinning.
"Quickly, have some breakfast before you leave," Mum said, leading me into the dining room. I took my seat beside her and began eating.
"Thank you, Mum," I said softly.
"You're welcome, sweetheart," she replied, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.
As we ate, Mr. Brookes entered the dining room, smiling warmly as he joined us at the table.
"Good morning, Dad," I greeted him cheerfully.
"Good morning, Hazel. How was your night?" he asked.
"It was good," I answered with a happy smile.
The room was filled with a peaceful silence as we finished our breakfast together.
When I was done, I kissed both of them goodbye and headed out for my first day of school.
The family's driver was already waiting and soon we were on our way.
As the car pulled up in front of Redcrest High, my heart pounded. I took a deep breath and stepped out, ready to face this new world.
My first lessons went by quickly. After the last teacher left the classroom, I started packing my books, getting ready to leave.
Just then, a voice behind me called out, "You're new here, right?"
I turned around to see a girl walking up to me. She had kind eyes and a friendly smile.
"Yes, I am," I replied softly.
"I'm Marriam," she introduced herself with an outstretched hand.
"I'm Hazel," I said, shaking her hand. Instantly, I felt a strange but wonderful connection, as if we had known each other for years.
As we chatted, it felt so natural.
Marriam seemed to understand exactly what I was thinking even before I spoke, and I sensed the same with her. It was like we were meant to be friends.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Marriam said with a smile as we parted ways.
I smiled back and waved, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. I had made my first friend.
The next morning, I woke up with a smile, excited to see my new friend Marriam again.
As the driver dropped me off at Redcrest High, I stepped out of the car feeling more confident than yesterday.
Marriam was already waiting near the entrance. "Hey, Hazel!" she called out, waving.
"Hey!" I replied, hurrying to meet her.
We walked side by side into the school building, chatting and laughing like old friends.
Everything felt perfect until we entered the hallway.
Suddenly, a group of girls stood in our way.
They were dressed in the latest fashion, their hair perfectly styled, their makeup flawless.
At the center of the group was a tall blonde girl who looked at me with narrowed eyes.
"Look who it is," she sneered. "The new charity case."
The words hit me like a slap.
I froze for a second, not knowing how to respond. Marriam quickly stepped in front of me, her voice firm but calm.
"Back off, Selena."
Selena crossed her arms and smirked. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking.
She doesn't belong here."
Before I could open my mouth, Marriam snapped back, "Hazel belongs here just as much as anyone else.
You have no right to speak to her like that."
The girls behind Selena giggled, enjoying the little scene.
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, but at the same time, Marriam's support filled me with gratitude and courage.
Selena rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's go, girls." With a flip of her hair, she turned and walked away, her followers trailing behind her.
As soon as they were gone, Marriam turned to me and smiled softly.
"Don't let her get to you. Selena likes to bully new students. She thinks she runs this school."
"Thank you for standing up for me," I whispered, still shaken.
"That's what friends are for," Marriam said, looping her arm through mine.
"And trust me, you'll be just fine here."
I smiled, feeling stronger. For once in my life, I had someone standing by my side, a friend who had my back.
And I knew, no matter what, I wasn't alone anymore.