(Isabella)
My heart raced and an unexplainable spark surged through me, something I've never felt before, and that unique scent...it was clouding my senses strongly.
I quickly pulled away, unsure of what was going on with me. The way he looked at me, his eyes were mirroring my expression—a mix of shock, curiosity, and a hint of something deeper, something primal. I felt like he saw right through me, like he knew exactly what I was feeling. My heart was still racing, and my senses were reeling from the intensity of the moment. I took a step back, trying to clear my head, but my eyes remained locked on his. The air between us seemed to vibrate with tension, and I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, like a physical touch. I didn't know what was happening, but I knew I couldn't look away.
I was whisked back to reality by his annoying girlfriend that raised her hand to hit me again. I caught her hand midair, my eyes looking calmly into her furious eyes. "Believe me, you don't want to hit me again," I smirked.
"Do you have any idea who you've just messed with?" She flashed at me as she struggled to break free from my hold. "You..."
"That's enough. Let's go, Emi," he cut her off, pulling her with him.
"Bye, sugar plump," I teased him. He turned and gave me one last glance then walked away with angry kitty.
I made my way to the store and shopped the things I needed for school, including the things on Mom's list and returned home, thankfully in peace.
Getting home, I closed my ears to my Mom's nags and had a quick dinner of cereals, fruits and milk and then went to bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day and I needed energy for it.
*******************************************
Next Day.
I found myself in front of Golden Haven's giant gate looming over me. A signpost hung over the gate, the school's name carved beautifully and boldly on it alongside a timeline: a place of gold.
It was really a place of gold, everything in it was golden, even the ground. Gosh, this place looks better than in pictures. "Are you ready to come in now, young miss?" The security guard sounded me out. I gave him a nod and he opened the gate.
As I stepped through the imposing gates of Golden Haven, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the campus. The golden tiles glittered in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing mosaic beneath my feet. Lush gardens adorned with vibrant flowers spilled color across the landscape, while towering trees formed a natural canopy overhead, their leaves dancing gently in the breeze.
The sprawling grounds housed elegant buildings, each more stunning than the last, with ivy climbing the walls and intricate carvings adorning the entrances.
"Welcome to Golden Haven," the security guard said with a warm smile, gesturing toward the main building. I forced out a smile to not seem rude.
Navigating my suitcase with one hand and clutching my schedule in the other, I made my way to the hostel. The building was just as beautiful as the rest of the campus, with its charming façade and welcoming atmosphere. A small reception area greeted me, complete with friendly staff ready to assist students in settling in.
"Room assignments are over there," a cheerful staff member pointed to a bulletin board filled with names and numbers. After scanning through, I found my name—Room 204.
Once I reached the hallway, the scent of new paint, mixed with the fresh aroma of laundry, wafted through the air. I opened the door to my room, revealing a cozy space decorated in soft hues. Two beds stood on either side, and I quickly recognized the one by the window as my own. Sunlight streamed through, filling the room with warmth.
I set my suitcase down and began unpacking, placing my things in the spacious wardrobe. Soon, I had adorned my desk with a few personal touches: my favorite photos, a small potted plant, and some inspiring quotes I had printed.
Just as I was finishing up, the door creaked open. A girl with bright, curly brown hair and big brown eyes, bounced in, her energy filling the space. "Hi there!I'm Maya, your roommate," she introduced herself, her smile infectious.
"Isabella," I answered simply.
"Can I call you Bella for short?" She asked with enthusiasm.
"No," I replied flatly and her face fell.
"I roll better with 'Isa' and that's what everyone calls me for short," I explained and she gave an understanding nod.
"Nice to meet you and I hope we get along, we'll be stuck here together for the whole semester," she said hopefully, extending a handshake.
"Yeah, same here," I replied, accepting her handshake.
We heard the bell ring and I looked at her, silently asking her what it was for.
"I guess that's to tell us that classes are about to begin," she said with an awkward smile.
"You're new here too?" I asked.
"Yeah, just arrived too," she replied.
Thank goodness, I won't be the only newbie in class today. That introduction phase is always awkward, why do students have to go through that phase?
We picked up our bags and strode out of the room together to the main campus. Maya kept talking about herself and admiring the school building while I just wanted to hug my pillow.
Soon I paused walking, and turned to her. "You go ahead, I have to stop by the administration office," I said.
"Okay, see you in class," she replied and sauntered off.
I made my way down the hall, the echoes of my footsteps mixing with the distant chatter of students as I navigated the busy atmosphere of Golden Haven. After a few wrong turns, thanks to the maze-like layout of the campus, I finally spotted the administration office. The entrance was framed by two large windows, allowing sunlight to flood the space, and a welcoming "Welcome!" sign hung above the door. I took a deep breath, pushed the heavy door open, and stepped inside.
The office was bustling with activity; students were scattered across chairs, some chatting with their friends while others focused intently on their paperwork. A friendly receptionist with a warm smile looked up from her computer as I entered. "Good morning! How can I help you today?"
"Hi, I'm Isabella, a transfer student. I need assistance with my enrollment and classes," I said.
"Of course, Isabella! Just a moment," she replied, gesturing for me to take a seat. "I'll be right with you."
As I settled into the chair, I couldn't help but notice the walls adorned with accolades and photos highlighting the school's proud traditions.
After a few minutes, the receptionist called me over to her desk. "I'm Kelly, nice to meet you! Let's get you sorted," she said, tapping away at her keyboard. "Do you have your transfer documents with you?"
I nodded and handed them over, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach as she reviewed everything. Kelly smiled reassuringly after a moment, "Everything seems to be in order. You're officially enrolled!"
"Thank you," I replied shortly.
"Also, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need anything. We're all here to support you!" she added, handing me a small box comprising of my basics for school: locker tag, locker key, a small campus map with key locations marked in bright colors, and a few other things.
"I appreciate that," I said, tucking the map into my pocket. Saying my thanks again to her, I left the office.
Thanks to the map, I was able to navigate my way smoothly to the locker room that was bustling with students, a few chatting, a few doing makeup, a few busy with their lockers, some going in and out of the room, and yeah, these students screamed wealth and affluence.
I made my way to my locker where I was greeted by a girl and a boy involved in a hot kiss as they leaned against my locker.
With a frustrated sigh, I tapped the boys arm and he reluctantly pulled away from his girl, looking at me with desire in his eyes. "So sorry to interrupt you, but you both are in front of my locker and I really need to use it now," I said.
Without saying anything to me, he pulled his girl away and they occupied the front of the next locker and continued their activity. I rolled my eyes, what horny teens they are.
Opening my locker, I found everything a student would need in it, so I just picked my stationeries, put them in my bag and made my way to the classroom.
I peeked into the classroom through the window in the hallway and found a lot of wrong things going on: chatting, smoking, sexual play, gambling and many others. Is this a school?
"Gosh! This school sucks," I muttered to myself, shaking my head.
"Really?" I heard someone whisper into my ear.
I quickly turned and was jolted by the familiar face looking at me with clear amusement...the stranger from yesterday that I kissed.