When the Stars Align

Chapter 7

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- Year One, Term One -

The once barren school grounds were now bustling with newfound life as students made their way through the gates, gasps and cheerful words thrown about into the air as their footsteps dragged along.

Everyone was dressed the same and to a T, all broad blazers, creased slacks, and steam pressed skirts. The only difference to be found between each student were the buttons on the shoulder pads of each blazer, which displayed the students current course. Though, only the most keen of eyes would notice a difference, it's subtly a silent reminder of the school's authenticity.

No one stayed in one place for long. Many underclassmen ran around looking for classes and others gawked at the huge buildings, the photographs of the online website not doing the school any justice. The school grounds were clean and pristine, glimmering, not a single thing out of place, showcasing the schools natural beauty to all who dare set foot on its cement floors.

Everyone was so caught in the spectacle of it all, meanwhile, you tried to navigate your ways through the full halls.

You had planned on arriving early in order to avoid such a thing, however, you arrived later than planned due to a crowded metro, meaning you now had to battle your way through the crowds just to make it to class on time. Already, you missed the serene atmosphere of an empty corridor as you walked past groups of squealing teens, all of them commemorating the start of their first year with pictures that they vowed to recreate come graduation.

To put it bluntly, you were freaking out. Just a little bit.

You'd been in crowds before, hidden in groups larger than these especially when sent on missions in the states (something about creating good relations with foreigners, you had been told), but something about being surrounded by kids your age when not necessary stressed you out.

You'd had a taste of it the day of the exams, interacted with those who had drawn your attention without really meaning to, but even then you had struggled a bit. Curiosity and the need to finish the exam amicably had dragged those conversations along, and as soon as the day ended, you had forgotten all about those you'd come across.

You weren't trying to be rude, really you weren't, but you suddenly wished you'd had more than a measly month or so to prepare. You felt like you had been thrown into the deep end of what was meant to be a kiddie pool, struggling to stay afloat as the more professional swimmers swam right past your rapidly flailing form.

These people had more time to prepare, lived their whole lives creating meaningful bonds with literal strangers, had gone to school, and you'd barely learned how to properly text someone on a phone. You were behind, years behind, and that fact suddenly scared you like no other.

You still pushed through, however, resolve as strong as ever.

Even though your mind was plagued with irrational thoughts (Really, where were they coming from?), you walked past the others, hoping your sudden nausea wasn't easily read.

You had been assigned this mission for a reason and no way in Hell were you backing out. You didn't spend all that time earning EraserHeads trust just to chicken out. Quitting wasn't on the agenda, so you held your head high as you made your way past those who lingered in the hall, even if your heart felt like it would burst out of your chest at any moment.

You had a class you needed to join, after all.

Still, all that stress came to a head as you stood in front of the 1-A classroom door. This wasn't the first time you'd been in here, you had helped arrange the seats after all, but knowing that students would be inhabiting it this time around made it all the more real. You just hoped that not too many complications would arise, reminding yourself to keep conversation to a minimum or when absolutely necessary.