Starting Off Wrong [𝐠𝐱𝐠]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟑: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧

"Girls." The professor's sharp voice echoes through the aisle resulting in the immediate transition to quietness. My own laugh quickly dies down, as does Aurelia's. We both look at the professor, now standing at the front of the aisle, her hands carefully folded in front of her, still clutching her clipboard. I gulp before she starts speaking.

"I want to remind your girls that your behavior will be representing all of Octavian Padella Boarding Academy," she says threateningly without any further explanations.

"Make sure to come back to the bus after the game ends." She picks up her clipboard, glancing at the list before saying, "We will not leave without you, but we will have have to conduct search parties, so let's keep this neat and organized."

I didn't know they would be taking attendance on the ride back, although when I think about it, it makes sense. Why would they leave a student behind? I wasn't thinking about staying anyways, but I was wondering if someone wanted to, couldn't they stay overnight and simply return back on Sunday? I guess not.

She holds the clipboard back in its original spot, in front of her. "Grab all your belongings before you step off the bus. We may be taking a different bus later on," she finally says as she gets off the bus.

After her speech, everyone rises up, eager to get off the bus as well. I look out the window, a mighty wall taking in the entirety of the view. It's impressive actually, and I'm also a bit surprised. At home, my old high school had a small soccer field and it was only outlined in a fence, not a high wall. This must be an expensive high school.

I look to the right. From the increased height on the bus, I can see a high school in the near distance, it's school flag hanging low, practically begging for some wind.

"Odette," Aurelia calls. I turn around, quickly gathering up my purse. I swing it over my shoulder and step in front of Aurelia, walking in front of her. As I step outside, I'm glad I wore my long-sleeve. It certainly is colder here than at the academy.

"Quickly, Odette," Magnolia says, urging me with her hand to follow her. I'm immediately reminded that I have to buy a ticket and hurry along.

The rest of the girls join us as we make our way to the ticket booth, a short line already formed there. Magnolia speeds up, racing to the back of the line. We all catch up with her, my gasps loud and brief. I am absolutely terrible at any fitness activities, even running unfortunately.

When we were younger, Odette would always tease me about always getting caught when we played tag. I believe my time was around a minute, to say the most. She was right in her defense. I was an incredibly weak runner and when we invited other friends to play, I would simply drop out of the game to avoid any embarrassment.