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"What on earth are you wearing?" Ronnie asked, wide-eyed, as her mother came down the stairs dresses like she was in a western romcom.
"I didn't have time to do laundry," Lorelai said, tugging at the hem of her pink T-shirt awkwardly. "My stupid alarm clock didn't purr."
Ronnie raised an eyebrow. "If your alarm clock is supposed to purr, you might want to reevaluate your life choices." She swung her backpack over one shoulder, shaking her head.
"I've been saying that for years," Rory chimed in, adjusting the strap of her own bag.
"Believe me, girls, when I get back, that alarm clock is going in the trash," Lorelai promised as she ushered them out the door.
Today was their first day at Chilton. Lorelai was buzzing with pride, Rory was practically vibrating with nerves, and Ronnie? Ronnie just wanted it to be over. She was well aware that Chilton meant more work and less time for volleyball, friends, and, well, fun.
-----
By lunchtime, Ronnie already missed Stars Hollow High. Teachers had piled on homework and tests as if their lives depended on it, and her new classmates weren't exactly friendly. Most were too busy bragging about summer trips to Europe or comparing designer handbags. Still, Ronnie managed to meet someone who didn't make her want to scream into a pillow: Carly Hayes, a tall, sarcastic brunette who seemed equally unimpressed with their peers.
"Let me guess, first day and you're already over it?" Carly asked, plopping down next to Ronnie in the courtyard.
Ronnie snorted. "Is it that obvious?"
"Crystal clear. Don't worry, it gets better. Well, marginally," Carly said, biting into her apple.
"Great. Something to look forward to," Ronnie replied dryly.
Despite her sarcasm, Ronnie found herself liking Carly. She wasn't like the other Chilton girls—her uniform tie was slightly askew, and her nail polish was chipped. By the end of lunch, the two were laughing like old friends.
-----
Later, while walking to history class with Rory, they stopped by Rory's locker. After a struggle, the locker door burst open, knocking Rory back into none other than Paris Geller.
Paris's history project smashed to the floor. She turned, furious. "Of course you would sabotage me!"
"It was an accident," Rory stammered.
"Listen, you control freak," Ronnie said, stepping in, "she didn't do it on purpose. Chill out."
Paris scowled, muttering something about "newbies," before storming into class.
"Charming," Ronnie muttered.
As they turned to find the classroom, a boy walked past, pausing when he noticed them. He had tousled brown hair, bright blue eyes, and an easy smile.
"History? Mrs. Ness? It's right behind you," he said smoothly.
Ronnie met his gaze and smiled. "Thanks...?"
"Josh," he said, extending his hand.
"Veronica," she replied, shaking it.
Josh raised an eyebrow. "Veronica? Classy. I'll see you around, Veronica." He winked and walked off, leaving Ronnie slightly stunned.
Rory smirked. "Since when are you Veronica?"
"Since I decided to blend in. It's Chilton—everyone's got a stick up their butt, so I figured I'd join the club," she joked. "Now let's go before Paris locks us out."
-----
The day ended, and the trio piled into Lorelai's car.
"So, how was it?" Lorelai asked, glancing at her daughters.
"I need an aspirin," Ronnie groaned dramatically, leaning back against the seat.
"It was just one big, long, scary, tweedy, bad eight hours," Rory added. "Plus, one of the girls already hates me and one of the guys calls me Mary."
Ronnie chuckled. "Yeah, he was a weirdo."
Lorelai laughed. "Welcome to Chilton. I can't believe they still do that,"
"Why? What does it mean?" Rory asked confused.
"Mary, like Virgin Mary. It means they think you look like a goody-goody," Lorelai explained.
Rory groaned. "Biblical insults. Great school."
"Don't worry," Ronnie teased. "It could be worse. I don't know how, but I'm sure there's something worse."
"Very comforting," Rory deadpanned.
-----
Once back in Stars Hollow, Ronnie was all too eager to escape the home-shared nonsense and find solace in her best friend's company. Matt's room looked just as she remembered it—cluttered and cozy, just like him. He lay sprawled on his bed, absorbed in a thick book before he looked up, his face lighting up.
"Hey," he said, putting it down. "How was it?"
"Awful," she said, flopping onto the bed. "Rich kids everywhere, piles of homework, and Paris Geller is basically a dictator in plaid."
Matt laughed. "Sounds brutal. Want me to transfer and save you?"
She smirked. "As if you'd survive a day there. You'd probably get kicked out for just being... well, you."
He nudged her playfully. "Oh, and you're blending in so well as Veronica, right?"
She laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Okay, maybe not my best idea as I am know stuck to that name. But hey, I made a friend today. Carly's cool."
Matt raised an eyebrow. "Carly, huh? Should I be jealous?"
"Depends on how possessive you feel about our friendship," she teased, narrowing her eyes at him.
"You know you're irreplaceable, Veronica," he said softly, his gaze lingering for just a second too long.
Ronnie sat up, shrugging off the warmth creeping up her neck. "Now, spill me all the juicy Stars Hollow gossip while giving me a foot rub. And if Angelica Smith's name comes up, I'm walking out."
He laughed, grabbing her feet and pretending to chatter as if weaving a scandalous tale. "Fine, but you're completely spoiled, you know that?"
"Totally worth it," she said, leaning back, her smile reflecting the sun spilling in through the window—her world still brightly lit, even in the shadow of Chilton's facade.
