Did you enjoy my story? Sorry for my bad grammar.

I'm not really good at english.

(Looks up, puzzled) Yes, miss?

Girl 2: (Points) Oh, just turn right at that big oak tree, walk down the path, and it's the blue building at the end. Hard to miss.

(Arms crossed, eyes like ice) Who are you, miss?

(Cuts her off sharply) Go to your seat, Miss Thornton. We'll discuss your lateness after class.

(Sitting in the front row bursts out laughing hysterically)

Alex: (Wheezing) Your... your shirt... inside out... and "Riley Blake Thornton"? That's such a fancy name for a mess like you 😂 Also, Alex Viordex doesn't leave people – I just got distracted by perfection!

(Clears throat loudly – it's like a bell, but sharp) Alright. Now that we're all "settled," let's go over the classroom rules. And yes – there are TEN of them.

RULE ONE: No LATENESS. Even one second late gets you marked absent. (Glances directly at Riley with those ice-blue eyes) RULE TWO: No NOISE. If I hear so much as a pen clicking, you're dismissed for the day. RULE THREE: No TALKING during class – not even whispering. Detention on the first offense, suspension on the second. RULE FOUR: No COUPLES in class. No holding hands, no flirting, nothing. You're here to learn, not play house. RULE FIVE: Bring your OWN pens and paper. No borrowing – be responsible, you're in college now. RULE SIX: No CHEATING. Honesty is non-negotiable – I'll have you expelled without hesitation. RULE SEVEN: Only STUDENTS enrolled in this class are allowed in here. RULE EIGHT: Don't ADD me on any social media. I don't maintain personal accounts for a reason. RULE NINE: Keep clean – know what HYGIENE means. A messy space reflects a messy mind. (Glances at Riley again) RULE TEN: Call me Ms. Vance – never "Celeste" or "Elara." Professionalism is key.

Celeste: Do you all understand?

Good. Before you introduce yourselves, let me introduce myself properly. I'm Celeste Elara Vance, and I will be your Calculus 1 teacher. I hold a PhD. in Mathematical Engineering, and I expect nothing less than excellence from each of you. I don't have time for mediocrity.

Alright, let's go around the room. You first. (Points at Alex)

(Stands up, strikes a pose) Hi everyone! I'm Alex Viordex – and no, it's not a stage name, though it does sound like one! I'm 21, turning 22 next week, and I firmly believe there's a shooting star behind every cloud – way better than an airplane, thank you very much. (Grins proudly)

(Frowns, her cane tapping softly on the floor) Quiet. Next.

(Interrupts sharply, cane tapping once loudly) Miss Thornton. Sit down. Now.

(Whispers back) Smooth move, Thornton. Real smooth. She's gonna tap that cane on you next.

Alright, that's it for today's lesson. Tomorrow, we'll have an oral recitation about everything I just covered. Be prepared – I don't give second chances.

(Smirks slightly – the first hint of emotion) Yes. Now, class dismissed. (Walks out, the door closing softly behind her)

Okay, that was way more intense than I thought. "Celeste Elara Vance" is like a storm in a fancy dress. Let's go to the cafeteria – I need food to recover. And maybe find that pink-shirted guy.

I'll go get the food – burgers and spaghetti, right? You find us a seat. And keep an eye out for pink shirts and avoid Ms. Vance.

(Jumps, almost dropping her fork) Oh! Hehe, sure. No problem.

(Stops eating, looks down at her plate – her voice is barely a whisper) Because I'm weird? I guess. People say I'm too quiet, too... distant.

(Arrives with two trays full of food) Okay, I got burgers, spaghetti, fries, and soda – the works! There are no pink shirt sightings, though, sadly. Hi there! (Looks at Therese, his smile softening a little)

(Grins, but more gently than usual) Hi Therese! I'm Alex Viordex – Riley's most beautiful, talented, fabulous friend. And yes, I know I'm a catch – but don't worry, I'm not gonna overwhelm you with my awesomeness.

Just say you're jealous of my charm! I know I'm stunning 😂

(Let's out a small, soft laugh – it's like a little bell)

Wow, Therese, you're so pretty! Not like

(Looks at Riley, her eyes darkening a little) Celeste Elara Vance is your professor? Everyone knows her around here – she's called "The Ice Queen" for a reason. That cane of hers... I've seen her tap it on students' desks when they mess up. It's terrifying.

(Crosses her arms, her ice-blue eyes narrowing) I'm not interested in fries. (Starts to walk away, then turns back) And Miss Thornton? I told you to watch your mouth. I do hear everything.

(Points at her eye with one perfectly manicured finger, then at Riley) I SEE YOU.

(Laughs softly again) Yeah, she might. You were pretty bold with that "beautiful" line. Not many people dare to talk to her like that.

(Flicks her forehead hard) Fake news! You were always last in math class – you used to copy my homework every day! And Viordex doesn't share his genius with just anyone!

Yeah, right! You're just messy and lazy!

(Laughs) Beauty and the Beast? Aurora is from Sleeping Beauty, dummy! And in the real Beauty and the Beast, she didn't kill him – but you're right, you're definitely the beast.

(Suddenly gets quiet, her voice serious and sharp) Don't fall for Celeste Elara Vance.

(Look at her,surprised it's the first time she's spoken so firmly)

Why? Like Ms. Vance would ever like her! She hates Riley Blake Thornton!

(Looks down at her plate, her voice dropping back to a whisper) I know. But... she'll only hurt you. I've seen it happen before. To someone I cared about.