𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓫𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓛𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓸𝓷𝓼

𝟎𝟏

Jaci POV

The fluorescent lights hummed softly in the sterile classroom, their steady glow illuminating the rows of empty desks with clinical precision. As the morning sun filtered through the windows, the school corridors echoed with the bustling energy of students making their way to their respective classes.

Room 203 loomed ahead, its door slightly ajar as students filed in and out, their footsteps echoing against the linoleum floors. With a sense of anticipation tingling in my chest, I glanced once more at the number on the door, comparing it to the digits scrawled on my schedule.

"203. Yup, this is the right one," I affirmed to myself, though a flutter of uncertainty lingered in the back of my mind.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed past the incoming traffic and stepped inside, the cool air of the classroom washing over me like a wave. It was a moment of transition, a threshold into the unknown, as I braced myself for whatever lay ahead. My recent schedule change had thrust me into this unfamiliar environment, a random science class shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Rumors swirled like dust motes in the air, whispers of the previous teacher's sudden departure due to family issues, or worse, allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student. Yet amidst the gossip and speculation, one thing remained certain: today, we were promised a new teacher, a fresh start for both the class and myself.

As I scanned the room, searching for the perfect spot to settle, a sudden jolt disrupted my thoughts. An unexpected sensation, a harsh slap against my ass, sent a shiver down my spine. Startled, I whirled around to find Estra, my best friend, wearing her signature mischievous grin.

"What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with playful curiosity as she placed her hand on her hip. Without a word, I handed her my schedule, silently imploring her to decipher the chaos of my thoughts.

With a knowing glance, Estra scanned the paper before her, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Does anyone sit next to you?" I inquired, her gaze flicking up to meet mine.

She shook her head, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Most people don't bother showing up to class, and the ones who do usually end up sleeping through it. I'm the one who chooses to sleep," she replied.

I chuckled softly, my small laughter echoed softly in the barely filled classroom. "But that looks like it is coming to an end, since you are here now. Oooh we got all the same classes this year, I felt like I was dying with your old schedule." she remarked, a hint of excitement lacing her words.

A surge of warmth flooded my chest at her words, a sense of camaraderie blooming between us. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, there was a comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone.

"Come on," I said, gesturing towards the open seats near the door. "Let's grab a spot before they're all taken."

Estra grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she playfully nudged me in the side. "We won't have to worry about that," she teased. "With no one showing up to class, we've got our pick of the litter."

With a shared laugh, Estra and I navigated our way to the front of the room, anticipation bubbling beneath the surface as we settled into our seats. The minutes ticked by, the soft murmurs of conversation filling the classroom, before they were abruptly silenced by the sharp sound of heels clacking against the floor and the door slamming shut.