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Marisol's alarm blared, jolting her awake from a restless night's sleep. A mixture of excitement and fear swirled in her stomach as she realized - today was her first day back at Tree Hill High.
She stretched languidly before climbing out of bed, her feet padding across the familiar hardwood floors as she made her way to the bathroom. After a quick shower, she toweled off and started at her reflection in the foggy mirror, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead.
Dressing a pair of well-worn jeans and a vintage band tee, Marisol tried to channel an air of nonchalance, despite the butterflies fluttering in her belly. She knew returning to her old stomping grounds would be an adjustment, but she was determined to slip back into the rhythm of Tree Hill life seamlessly.
As she descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and her mother's famous huevos rancheros greeted her senses. Maria beamed at her daughter from the kitchen. "Well, don't you look like a girl ready to take on the world?"
Marisol rolled her eyes playfully. "More like a girl ready to take on the cafeteria food again. I've missed your cooking, mom."
Her father, Brian, chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "Just don't go getting into too much trouble on your first day back, kiddo. I'd hate to have to ground you before you even get a chance to enjoy your freedom."
"Don't worry, dad," Marisol assured him with a wink. "I'll be the picture of angelic behavior."
After scarfing down her breakfast and grabbing her backpack, Marisol bid her parents farewell and hopped into her trusty old Jeep. As she navigated the familiar streets towards Tree Hill High, a sense of nostalgia washed over her. So many memories, both good and bad, were tied to those hallowed halls.
Pulling into the student parking lot, Marisol took a deep, steadying breath before climbing out of her car. She could already feel the weight of countless eyes sizing her up, whispers and speculation rippling through the crowd of students. Squaring her shoulders, she strode towards the main entrance, a confident smirk playing on her lips.
As she rounded the corner towards her locker, a familiar voice called out, "Marisol Reyes, is that really you?"
Marisol's face split into a wide grin as she caught sight of Haley James, her oldest and dearest friend. "In the flesh, Hales!" She rushed forward, enveloping the petite blonde in a tight hug. "God, I've missed you."
Haley squeezed her back just as fiercely. It hasn't been the same without you, sunny," she murmured, using the affectionate nickname she'd bestowed on Marisol years ago. "Tree Hill High just isn't the same without its resident ray of sunshine."
