Bailey's life takes a fiery turn when she's expelled after a science lab accident. Seeking a fresh start, her father ships her across the country to Westwood Academy in sunny California. But what was meant to be a smooth transition turns into a wild...
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Monday morning arrived, and as I got ready for the day, the dorm room felt surprisingly quiet. The tension from the first day had faded, replaced by a sense of routine settling in. I was halfway through my breakfast when the door swung open, and Matthew burst in with an infectious enthusiasm.
"Hey, Bailey! Ready for the first day of classes?" he exclaimed, a smile lighting up his face.
I nodded, setting down my cereal spoon. "Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be."
He grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "Well, lucky for you, we have first period together. I'll show you where it is."
The unexpected offer caught me off guard, but I appreciated the gesture. Together, we navigated the labyrinthine hallways, and Matthew proved to be a helpful guide, pointing out classrooms and sharing tidbits about the teachers.
In second period, the dynamics shifted as I entered the classroom and was greeted by a friendly face. Ash, a girl with vibrant energy, motioned for me to take the empty seat next to her.
"Hey there! I'm Ash. You must be Bailey, right?" she greeted, extending a welcoming hand.
I smiled, shaking her hand. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Ash."
As the class unfolded, Ash and I started chatting about everything from our favorite subjects to the quirks of the school. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and the bell rang too soon, signaling the end of the period.
"So, where are you from, Bailey?" Ash asked, her curiosity evident.
"I just moved here from a small town. This is all new to me," I admitted.
Ash turned to me, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Hey, do you want to join me and my friend Kenzie for lunch? We usually sit in the courtyard."
I felt a surge of anticipation. The prospect of making new friends at this new school was more than welcome. "Sure, I'd love to. Thanks!"
Ash nodded, a knowing smile on her face. "Well, we're glad to have you here. Kenzie's been my friend since forever, and we're always excited to welcome new people."
By the time third period rolled around at Westwood, it seemed like the walls had ears, and news had a way of zipping through the hallways faster than a rumor could spread. As I entered the classroom, the air carried a different energy, a subtle shift that hinted at the whispers and shared glances among my classmates.
Taking my seat, I couldn't help but notice the way eyes darted in my direction, conversations hushed as I walked past. It was evident that news had traveled, reaching every nook and cranny of the school. Faraway Hall, Caleb's and my shared abode, had become a topic of conversation.
As the teacher began the lesson, the occasional side glance and furtive whispers made it clear – I was now part of the school's collective consciousness, a piece of information that had seamlessly woven its way into the fabric of Westwood High.
