Chapter 6

Yesterday was a wonderful day. I had the best birthday ever, and I'm incredibly excited to start high school today. Today wasn't my typical morning routine; it was exceptional. I wanted to ensure my first impression was memorable. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I saw that it was exactly five o'clock. After returning my phone to the stand, I stretched and got out of bed.

Following a much-needed hot shower, I stood before my closet, unsure of what dress to wear. Eventually, I settled on an ocean blue dress with sunflowers printed on it. Swiftly changing into the dress, I looked at myself in the mirror and felt adorable. This dress would be perfect for the day. I paired it with my brown sandals and opted for a high ponytail while leaving my bangs as they were. After putting on my glasses, I grabbed my already-packed school bag.

...

“How are you feeling about going to school today?" Mom inquired as I sat down for breakfast. “I'm really excited. Can I drive to school by myself?" I asked, giving her puppy eyes, but she simply chuckled. “As much as you'd like to, I insist that you drive with Miles today. It's your first day, and Miles knows the way better." Mom's explanation made me scrunch up my face. I hadn't expected to ride with Miles on my first day; bad luck seemed to be following me.

Hastily stuffing food into my mouth, well aware that I might choke, I quickly drank my milk and received money from dad for the school canteen. “Miles, I'll be waiting for you in the car. I don't want to be late on my first day," I declared, heading towards the door leading outside. But just as my hand touched the doorknob, my mom spoke up. “Wait a moment! Where's my goodbye kiss? And you forgot the fruit salad I packed for you." I stomped back to my mom, kissed both her and dad, grabbed the fruit salad, and waved goodbye.

I was so engrossed in my phone that I didn't notice Miles standing beside me. When I heard someone clearing their throat, I got startled and nearly dropped my phone. “Oh my gosh, Miles! You scared me," I exclaimed. Miles smiled and walked to the passenger seat of his BMW sports car, holding the door open wide for me. “You do realize that people might think we actually get along, right? But we don't, so stop pretending to be nice. I'm just catching a ride in your car today," I said, instantly regretting my words when I saw Miles' expression, though he quickly recovered and gave me a smirk.

Without any other choice, I sat in the car with a huff and mouthed a thank you. Miles gently closed the door and settled into the driver's seat. “Whether you believe it or not, Millie, you're my little sister, and I love you even if I don't show it. I just don't like how Mom and Dad pamper you all the time. They're spoiling you, and you know it, but I don't hate you. I just thought you needed to hear that," Miles said. I looked at Miles and smiled.

“Can we get going now? If I'm late on my first day, it's going to be your fault," I joked. Miles laughed and started the car. A few blocks away from the school, Miles began telling me about everything that goes on at school, particularly how most of the students are spoiled brats from wealthy families who get whatever they want. He advised me to stay away from trouble, specifically referring to the popular kids.

Once we arrived at the school, the security guide directed us to a parking spot, which I noted carefully. One thing I disliked was asking for directions. As soon as the car was parked, I got out and Miles followed suit, tossing his keys into his pocket and grabbing his school bag. I did the same, waiting for his lead to the principal's office. Quite ironic.

“It feels like I'm babysitting you for the day," Miles remarked, standing a bit too close for my comfort. Miles was the tallest among us. At just seventeen years old, he stood at 5'9". He had an intimidating presence, but it didn't work on me, unfortunately.

This wasn't what I had expected the high school to look like. I was amazed; it resembled a college with students coming and going. I could easily get lost wandering around. How did students manage to find their classes? “Close your mouth before a fly flies in," Miles said sarcastically, and I realized I had opened my mouth in surprise. I quickly shut it.

“I promised Mom and Dad that I'd make sure you feel comfortable on your first day, even though I hate doing it. I'm not thrilled about babysitting you or dealing with your antics. I've got class in thirty minutes, so let's head to the principal's office," Miles stated. He walked ahead, leading the way, and I followed behind him. Students we passed would smile at us, while others wouldn't acknowledge us at all.

“Here we are," Miles pointed to the door labeled "Principal's Office." "This is my cue to leave. Good luck, kiddo," Miles said, walking away from me and leaving me in front of the office. Once I gathered the courage, I knocked on the door and was told to enter. When I entered, I was expecting to see an old man or something, but instead, a lady who couldn't be much older than my mom was sitting in the seat. She's definitely going to be the principal's secretary, I thought, but I was kidding myself when she spoke.

“Hello, dear. I am Mrs. Geraldine Brooks, the principal of Western Ave High School. You must be the new student who transferred this academic year. Please have a seat," she said, watching me keenly. “I didn't expect Rosa's daughter to be her exact replica," she continued with a smile. She knows my mom. I felt myself relax under her gaze. “You used to be so little when I was visiting. Time really flies faster than we think. Well, enough of that, dear. I'm going to call your teacher to come get you to class."

The principal explained that my mom was her friend back in middle school, just like Daisy and me. A knock interrupted our conversation, and a young woman, whom I assumed was my teacher, walked in. “Daniella, this is Millie. She'll be your new student, joining the science class. Please make sure to take good care of her, as we all know how mischievous the kids in your class can be, especially my son and his group," Mrs. Geraldine said with a sad smile.

I patiently followed my teacher until she stopped in front of a classroom. The students were making a lot of noise, and some were even tossing things to each other. “Wait here. I need to go inform them about the new addition to the class, but remember not to let anything they say get to you," she instructed. I nodded at her words as she headed inside.

“Good morning, class. How are you all?" Miss Daniella said, but someone at the back gave a cheeky response. “What's so good about this morning?" The whole class burst into laughter. I wondered how she managed this rowdy group. Mrs. Geraldine was right, after all. But why this class? Well, that's a thought for another day.

“Enough, Isabella. What was that for? Do you want to spend the rest of the day in the detention room?" The class fell silent. “We have a new student joining us today. Please behave and be welcoming to her," Miss Daniella waved for me to enter. I was nervous about what I was going to face. If they could talk to their own teacher like that, what about me?

I carefully walked into the classroom, making sure not to trip and fall. “Please introduce yourself to the class," Miss Daniella spoke while taking her seat. The class looked at me with keen interest. “Hi, everyone," I said, offering a wave. “My name is Millie Easton. Nice to meet you all," I added with a smile. “Well, Millie, there's only one seat left, which is beside Alicia," she pointed in that direction. I whispered a thank you and walked to my seat.

“Hi," I whispered to Alicia and took my seat. “Well, our loser has a new loser friend. You both are going to be a lot of fun," Isabella taunted again. She didn't seem to keep quiet. The class burst into laughter, and I just shrugged, adjusting my glasses. “Isabella, to the detention room now," Miss Daniella said, pointing toward the door. Isabella got up with a glare towards me. What did I even do? This is going to be really difficult, I'm not going to lie.

“Now, can we focus on page 8 of Shakespeare's literature book? Millie, you can share with Alicia; she won't mind at all." I nodded, and Alicia placed the book closer to me so I could take a good look. Alicia seemed like a nerd. I'm pretty sure that's why they pick on her. I exchanged a knowing look with her; aside from my braces, we looked quite similar. We both wore glasses, and my instincts told me we would get along well.

The class went well, and soon it was break time. I didn't want any pranks, so I took my bag along to the cafeteria. After getting my food, I spotted my brother Miles, who waved for me to join him and his friends. Once I sat down, I opened the fruit salad mom gave me to share with Miles. “Guys, this is my little sister. She's new here at the school," Miles said, pointing to me. “Hi," I said shyly. While eating, I looked up to see Lisa and her friends giving me dirty looks. I just chuckled.

The rest of the class was interesting. It was soon closing time, and I was waiting by Miles' car. He was taking too long. Miles soon appeared with a friend who was going to tag along. I quickly sat in the passenger seat. “What happened today?" Miles asked, watching me keenly with interest. “You don't want to know, Miles. It seems I made an enemy already," I said, looking towards the window. I was expecting Miles to tease me, but he just rubbed my head gently and continued driving.

Once we got home, I was in a hurry to head to my room, but Mom stopped me. “Wait, young lady. Don't you know how to greet? How was your day at school today? I told you it was going to be fun." Mom asked, waiting for an answer, but Miles beat me to it. “Mom, it seems she made an enemy already, but you don't have to worry. I'm going to watch out for her." I whispered a thanks to Miles because I wasn't ready to delve into the details. “Hurry up and get changed quickly; dinner is ready."

We had finished dinner long ago. I was currently sitting on my bed doing my homework. Once I was done, I placed the books in my bag and went to sleep.