First Clash

Today is Monday.

After having our bath, we began getting ready for school. The uniform was simple but cute — a sky blue striped shirt tucked into a navy blue short denim skirt, and a navy blue blazer with the school’s crest stitched neatly over the left breast pocket. I slipped into my navy blue long stockings and laced up my black Converse. I applied a little makeup — just some mascara to brighten my eyes and a touch of lip gloss. Then I straightened my hair till it fell smoothly to my shoulders.

The others were already done and lounging around.

“How’d you guys dress so quickly?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

“You’ll get used to it soon enough,” Coral said casually, stretching out on her bed like she had all the time in the world.

I picked up my books, slid them into my bag, and started pulling on my bracelets — five in total. A mix of beaded, leather, and metallic bangles that clinked softly as I moved.

“Why so many bracelets?” Mandy asked, raising a brow.

I shrugged. “Nothing. They're comfy,” I said simply.

Mirabel had already swept the room and was checking herself in the mirror for the third time.

“Come on, let’s go before the cafeteria crowd forms,” she urged.

We stepped out, heading toward the hallway, only to almost bump into a group of girls from the next room.

Wait… next room?

This was actually the first time I noticed there were other rooms next to ours. The hallway extended longer than I thought, with doorways on both sides. Each room probably held four girls, just like ours. The door next to ours creaked open and four girls emerged. They walked in sync like some kind of formation.

They looked older — seniors maybe?

that means they should be in the same class as Mandy,Coral and Mirabel Or just confident enough to feel like they owned the place. One of them, who had on a little too much makeup — overly contoured cheeks, heavy lashes, and glossy red lips — stepped out in front and stared me down.

“Don’t drool over my boyfriend again,” she said sharply, arms crossed.

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

She flipped her hair and smirked. “The one at the window. Stanley. Coral’s best friend.”

Oh. So THAT guy huh.

I remembered seeing him  shirtless, by the window yesterday the memory still fresh . He didn’t even look in my direction, but apparently, this girl had a vivid imagination.

I chuckled. “That’s what this is about?”

Her eyes narrowed, clearly not used to being laughed at. “Stay away from him,” she hissed.

And unfortunately for her, I happened to be the impolite type.

I took a step closer, letting my bracelets jingle on purpose. “Sweetheart, your problem isn’t me. It’s your insecurity. Handle that before you start throwing empty threats.”

Her jaw dropped slightly, but I didn’t give her the satisfaction of a reaction. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked past her.

Mandy let out a quiet whistle behind me. “Damn, Riley.”

“I like this version of you,” Mirabel added, amused.

As we walked to the cafeteria, Coral leaned toward me. “That was Sasha. She’s always been like that — loud mouth, jealous type. Don't mind her.”

“Was Stanley really your best friend?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, childhood friends. But nothing romantic, ever.”

“Then that girl’s got some real issues.”

We reached the cafeteria and grabbed trays of food. The buzz of students chatting, laughing, and moving around filled the air. The smell of toast, eggs, and pancakes wafted through the room. I wasn’t even that hungry, but the moment I took a bite, I realized I hadn’t eaten properly in a while.

We found a table at the far end. I sat between Mirabel and Coral. Mandy sat across, grinning as she scrolled through something on her phone.

“I think Sasha’s gonna make your life hell,” she said without looking up.

"Relax sister I know how to handle bitches like her". I mumble halfway through my food and we all laugh.

"Besides Mandy you're gonna be in hot soup if a teacher catches you with your phone". Coral says

"Babe chill okay no one's gonna catch me".Mandy replied still scrolling through her phone.

As the bell rang, we cleared our trays and made our way to class.

First period was Literature, and to my surprise, it was actually engaging. The teacher, Mr. Graham, had a voice like a storyteller — smooth and captivating. He gave us an excerpt from Jane Eyre and asked for our opinions. I raised my hand cautiously and gave a comment on Jane’s independence.

“Interesting take, Miss Riley,” he said. “I like that you noticed that subtle strength.”

It was a small thing, but it gave me a little confidence boost.

Next up was Math. Not so fun.

As the teacher scribbled formulas on the board, my eyes wandered out the window — and of course, who did I see walking across the field?

Norman.

He had his sleeves rolled up, bag slung over one shoulder, and that same careless confidence.

A girl walked beside him, laughing at something he said.

His just been here for a day and is already flirting I roll my eyes at him ignoring the pang in my heart.

   Stop it stupid fragile heart his a Manwhore I say to myself.😤

After classes, we headed to the library to study. Well, at least, we tried. Coral got distracted by a text from Stanley, Mandy was on TikTok, and Mirabel was sketching something in her notebook.

Man I guess am not the only one who sneaked her phone.

Me? I just stared at my open textbook and thought about how weird this school already felt. The drama, the tension, the confusing feelings I wasn’t sure I wanted to deal with.

Still, something told me this was just the beginning.

God am so bored am surely gonna bring my phone tomorrow I make a mental note.

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