I watched the car shrink into the distance before finally turning around and hoisting my luggage over my shoulder.
"New life. New rules. Let's see what this place has in store," I muttered under my breath as I stepped through the massive school gates.
The campus stretched out like something out of a movie—towering buildings, sprawling lawns, and hallways that seemed to go on forever.
"Okay… wow. How am I even supposed to find my way around this place?" I whispered, feeling both excited and slightly intimidated.
Then—tap.
Someone poked my shoulder.
I spun around to see a girl with pink, waist-length hair, sparkling green eyes, pale skin, and bright red lips. She looked like she had just jumped out of a magazine.
"Hi!" she chirped.
"Uh… hi," I said cautiously, raising a brow.
"I'm Daisy Adult," she said, stretching out her hand.
I stared at her hand for a moment. She's… enthusiastic. Very enthusiastic.
"Nice to meet you. I'm… Christabelle," I said carefully, letting a small smile slip.
Daisy practically bounced in place. "Oh my gosh! Are you new here? Did you come straight from your house, or—"
"Yep. New here. And yes, straight from my house," I said lightly, trying not to laugh at her nonstop energy.
Daisy blinked. "Cool! I can show you to the administrative office. It's… uh, this way!"
"Lead the way," I said, hoisting my luggage.
She practically ran to catch up, leaving me trailing slightly behind with a faint grin. This kid's energy… it's kind of contagious.
Five minutes later—at the administrative office
Daisy swung the door open like she owned the place. "Here we are!"
I stepped inside, trying to look calm and collected.
A stern-looking woman behind the desk peered over her glasses. "Good day. What do you want?"
"I'm new here. I need my room key," I said politely.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "Name?"
"Christabelle Andrew."
She typed quickly into her computer. "Room 11. Here's your key. Make sure you don't lose it."
I took it, gave a small nod of thanks, and walked out.
(Outside, back in the sun)
Daisy bounced next to me. "Your room's really close to mine! I'm Room 7! We can hang out and—"
I held up a hand and chuckled softly.
"Daisy… slow down. I appreciate the help, but I like moving at my own pace."
Her eyes widened, a little embarrassed. "Oh… okay! Got it."
I smiled faintly. "Seriously, though… thanks for showing me the way. I owe you one."
"Yay! Deal!" she said, grinning like she'd just won a prize.
As I turned toward the dorms, I couldn't help but feel a thrill run through me. This school… this place… it was going to change everything.
"And I think I'm ready for it," I thought, clutching my key a little tighter.
But as I walked past the gates, a shiver ran down my spine. I had no idea what—or who—was waiting for me inside.