Amber

11| liberty academy

I am pleasantly surprised by London's beauty. Despite having searched for and finding numerous images of the city on the internet, seeing it with my own eyes is way more intriguing.

I can't stop gawking at almost everything I see, and my mouth hurts from being open for so long, but I can't stop squirming in the backseat of the car when my personal driver declares the amount of time we have left for the ride until we arrive at Liberty.

The lower the number gets, the higher my excitement rises. I try hard to hide it and remain composed like I know Raven or Zahra would, biting down on my lip until I taste my own metallic blood.

Soon, seconds turn into minutes, and we're pulling up to two big, black, closed gates. My driver winds his window down and talks into the microphone that I didn't even notice. "I'm dropping off Amber Peterson, my name is Matt and I'm her driver." I look around excitedly, waiting for something to happen. And when it doesn't, I start to get really nervous.

I hold my breath, my phone on Lucas' contact. My hands hover over the call button because I'm considering if I should just call him and tell him to take me back because rejection is a factor I can't handle.

But before my hand even has the chance to come in contact with the call button, a ragged voice sounds over the intercom. "Sorry about that sir, you're free to enter." A second later, the big black gates open and I am met with the most beautiful campus I have ever seen.

The first thing visible when the gates open is the circular roundabout with a big water fountain in the middle. On one side of the school, is a plain lot of grass with two gazebos situated on it. On the other side is a big parking lot filled with luxury vehicles that I know costs more than an apartment complex itself. And the students themselves? They were everywhere. I have never given as much thanks for tinted windows before this moment. Because I felt like they were all looking at me, judging me.

"Today is a good day, Amber. Don't mess it up." I murmur to myself. And with that notion, I push the negative thoughts away and continue admiring what I see.

The entire academy is decorated with natural trees and plants. "Woah." I can't help but gasp. The grass is a healthy green, and the plants that encircle it are bright pretty colors that add liveliness and appeal to the campus.

The building itself, well, from what I can see is massive. The words 'Liberty Academy' are printed on a big sign that we pass to get to the entrance and I'm convinced this is the best decision I've made. The car slows to a stop and Matt looks at me in his rearview mirror, "Welcome to Liberty Academy, ma'am. Hope you enjoy it here." I smile at him, "Thank you, Mr. Matt." He smiles back and hands me a piece of paper, "Here is my number, call me if you need to get anywhere. I'm happy to drive you."

I take the paper, a smile still on my lips, "Thank you, again for everything."

"Of course, ma'am."

One last time, I sigh and step out of the car, doing my best to ignore the peering eyes around me. Over and over, I mutter self affirmations in my head like it's a chant, "You're doing amazing, you're doing amazing." I don't like being the center of attention; I never have. It is the biggest part of this new life that I can proudly live without.

When I get to the front doors, I swing them open and breathe out in relief. It's easier to pretend there's people watching when no one is, than to pretend that no one is watching when people are. And boy, people were watching. Hundreds of them, too. I've never felt so small before and I need a minute to stomach it.

But what I don't expect is another set of curious eyes when I get done with my breathing exercises. "You've got to be kidding me." I mumble to myself. I do my best to ignore their eyes, walking away in search of the school office.

"Hey!" I hear a cheery voice beside me. A pretty brunette smiles at me, "I'm June." I return her smile as kindly as I can, "Hey, June."

"You're the new girl, right? Amber Peterson?" she asks. I'm hoping that she doesn't pick up my nervousness when I answer her, "Yeah. I'm Amber."

Her grin widens, "You're even prettier in person! No wonder the entire school is in a chokehold."

I choke out a nervous laugh, "Thanks, you're really pretty too." And before she can say anything else, I ask, "Hey, do you know where the school office is?"

Her grin doesn't falter when she replies, "Yeah. I'll show you."

She beckons for me to follow her—and I do.

As we pass through the corridors, June occasionally waves at people, a friendly smile on her lips. They wave back at her, before staring at me with an emotion I can't decipher. This goes on for some time until eventually, June comes to a stop, which leads me to do the same. "Here we are, Amber; this is our school office."

I offer her a grateful smile, "Thanks, I'll just go in by myself."

She returns my smile, "Of course, Amber. Do you want to exchange numbers? You can call me anytime you need something."

I fumble around for my phone that I had earlier put in my back pocket. When I find it, I hand it to her and she gives me hers.

"Done." I finish with a smile before handing her phone back to her.

"Me too!" She grins. "Call me sometime, Amber; I have a feeling you and I will be good friends."

I only smile at her in response. "Thanks again, June"

June gives me one last smile before turning on her heels and walking away.

a/n: hehe