The classroom was already buzzing with restless energy. Mr. Mark had been lecturing for thirty minutes on momentum when he paused and threw a question to the class.
"If a 2-kilogram ball moving at 3 meters per second collides with a stationary 1-kilogram ball, what is the total momentum of the system before the collision?"
Clarissa raised her hand, eager to answer, when the door suddenly burst open.
In walked Isabel, hair a rich brunette tumbling around her shoulders. She wore oversized streetwear…..baggy hoodie, ripped jeans, and a slouchy head warmer pulled low over her forehead. Her style was casual, effortless, and unapologetically bold.
"you're late, Miss Andreas," Mr. Mark said, sounding more exasperated than angry.
Isabel gave a small shrug. "Ah, I'm sorry, something came up."
"Well, you can tell that something to the principal while you report to his office," he replied sharply.
"Really?" she raised an eyebrow, half-smile playing on her lips. "I'm only, like, ten minutes late."
"Thirty, actually," he countered, tapping his pen against the desk. "But thanks for clarifying."
Isabel's lips curved in a smirk. "Screw this." She turned on her heel and strode out, the echo of her boots following her toward the principal's office.
The entire class was silent, watching the interaction unfold. A low murmur started, curiosity buzzing in every whispered comment.
Mr. Mark sighed, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, back to momentum," he said, trying to regain control.
Mr. Mark turned his attention back to the class and nodded toward Clarissa. "Alright, Miss Whitmore, your answer?"
Clarissa straightened in her seat, confidence shining in her eyes. "The total momentum of the system before the collision is 6 kilogram-meters per second," she said boldly.
"That's correct," Mr. Mark confirmed, a small smile breaking through his stern expression. He continued with the lesson, explaining how momentum is conserved in collisions and moving through the examples on the board.
Shortly after, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Students began gathering their belongings and filing out, chatter filling the corridor as they left the classroom behind.
Isabel sat in the waiting lounge, tapping her fingers against her bag, eyes scanning the hallway but clearly unimpressed. After a few moments, the secretary looked up from her desk.
"Miss Andreas, you can go in now."
.Isabel stood and walked into the office, her posture relaxed, like she owned the place. The principal looked up from his papers and gestured toward a chair.
"Take a seat," he ordered.
"I'm fine standing," Isabel replied, leaning against the edge of his desk.
"Sit down," he repeated firmly.
With a small nod, Isabel finally eased into the chair.
"It's just the first day, and you're already missing classes. What happened?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Traffic," Isabel replied.
"You expect me to believe that?" he pressed. "You should plan ahead, set alarms, make sure this doesn't become a habit. Attendance is important."
"I understand," she said calmly. "It won't happen again."
"Good. Maybe you don't always see it, but I push you for a reason. School isn't just about being present…..it's about commitment, punctuality, and respect for your teachers and peers."
"I know, Dad. I'll do my best," she said sincerely.
He shook his head slightly. "And don't let attitude get in the way of your grades. Testing boundaries has consequences."
"Message received," Isabel said, standing up.
He nodded as she turned to leave. "I expect nothing less, Isabel."
She smiled faintly and walked out, leaving the principal muttering softly under his breath.
As Isabel stepped into the hallway, she walked with effortless confidence, swinging her bag casually over one shoulder. She passed right by Ben and Clarissa, who were at their lockers.
Ben leaned closer to Clarissa and whispered, "I heard she's been picking up part-time jobs to help her family… that's why she's always late."
Clarissa glanced back at Isabel as she passed, raising an eyebrow. "You don't know that," she muttered quietly.
"Yeah, whatever… I'm hungry," Ben replied, already closing his locker.
Clarissa followed him, shutting her locker as they both headed toward the cafeteria.
At the cafeteria, Clarissa and Ben slid into the bench beside Alex and his friends, Hanna and Suarez. Alex draped an arm casually around Clarissa's shoulders, pulling her a little closer as they all got their trays.
"Did you hear about Martin's bonfire tonight?" Hanna asked excitedly. "Everyone's talking about it."
Suarez grinned. "Yeah, he's turning his backyard into some party central. I heard there'll be music, snacks, the whole vibe."
"Sounds like trouble," Ben muttered, taking a bite of his sandwich.
Alex chuckled, nudging Clarissa. "Sounds like the perfect night to sneak out. You in?"
Clarissa shook her head, cheeks warming. "I'd love that… but my dad's around tonight, and I have an assignment I need to finish. I don't think I can sneak away."
Ben leaned closer, a playful grin on his face. "Come on, Clary, it would be fun… and I promise I'll get you back before your dad even knows you're gone."
Alex joined in, his voice low and coaxing. "Come on, baby."
Clarissa bit her lip, hesitating. "I don't know, guys… I could get in trouble."
"You won't," Alex said confidently, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
She smiled softly, the corner of her lips twitching. "Okay… I'll think about it."
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Students began gathering their trays and heading out. Clarissa and Alex lingered for a moment, exchanging quiet smiles and lingering glances, the noise of the cafeteria fading around them.
As they walked toward the exit together, Clarissa felt a thrill at the thought of the evening ahead, the first day of school already promising unexpected excitement.