In progress

Chapter 1

Emma Swan sat in her homeroom class, her gaze drifting lazily around the room as she waited for the bell to ring. Senior year had finally arrived, bringing with it a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She glanced down at her schedule, noting the changes from the previous year. New teachers, new classes, new challenges.

As the bell chimed, signaling the start of the school day, Emma's attention snapped to the front of the room where a woman stood, her posture rigid and her gaze piercing. This must be the new teacher, Emma thought, her curiosity piqued.

"Good morning, class," the woman said, her voice crisp and authoritative. "My name is Miss Mills, and I'll be your homeroom teacher for the year."

Emma studied Miss Mills carefully, noting the air of confidence that surrounded her. She seemed formidable, the kind of teacher who demanded respect and didn't tolerate nonsense.

Throughout the day, Emma's classes passed in a blur of lectures and assignments. She found herself missing the familiarity of her old teachers, the ones who knew her strengths and weaknesses. However, as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Emma couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of her stomach.

That evening, as Emma sat down to dinner with her parents, Mary Margaret and David, she couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension about the year ahead.

"How was your first day, sweetheart?" Mary Margaret asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Emma shrugged, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. "It was okay," she replied, pushing her food around her plate. "Just trying to get used to all the new teachers."

David nodded understandingly. "Change can be tough, but I'm sure you'll adjust quickly," he reassured her, reaching out to squeeze her hand.

But despite their words of encouragement, Emma couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over her. Something about Miss Mills unsettled her, and she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

The following weeks passed in a blur of classes and homework, with Emma struggling to find her footing in Miss Mills' creative writing class. The woman was relentless in her pursuit of excellence, pushing her students to their limits and beyond.

However, despite the challenges, Emma found herself drawn to the class, the creative outlet offering a welcome distraction from the chaos of her life. And as she poured her heart and soul into her assignments, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her work.

One day, as Emma sat in Miss Mills' class, her phone buzzed with a notification. Without thinking, she reached for it, her fingers fumbling with the device as she tried to silence it. Before she could stop herself, Miss Mills' sharp voice cut through the air. "Miss Swan, I believe phones are not allowed in my classroom," she said, her tone icy.

Emma's heart sank as she looked up, meeting Miss Mills' stern gaze. She knew she had messed up, and there would be consequences for her actions.

As the class ended, Miss Mills called Emma to her desk, her expression unreadable. "I expect better from you, Miss Swan," she said, her voice softening slightly. "Detention, after school."

Emma nodded, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Yes, Miss Mills," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As she left the classroom, Emma couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that washed over her. She had let herself down, and she knew she would have to work twice as hard to make it up to Miss Mills.

When she made her way to detention that afternoon, a determination flickered in her eyes. She wouldn't let this setback define her. She would prove to Miss Mills, and to herself, that she was capable of more than she ever thought possible.