Secrets | 5SOS

[14]

The next morning dawned bright and early. After a quick breakfast, Calum, Michael, and I piled into the car to tour some local schools. It was time for me to get back on track with my education, and we all agreed that a change of environment might do me some good.

As we drove, Calum kept the mood light with his usual banter. "So, Bella, are you ready to become the smartest person in the family?"

I laughed, appreciating his attempt to ease my nerves. "I think that title belongs to you, Cal."

Michael grinned from the driver's seat. "Hey, I’m still in the running too, you know."

We pulled up to the first school, a large, welcoming building surrounded by green lawns and tall trees. As we walked through the entrance, a friendly receptionist greeted us and handed over some brochures.

A student guide showed us around, taking us through the various classrooms, the library, and the art studios. It was a nice place, but something about it didn’t quite feel right to me. As we left, I shook my head. "I don’t think this is the one."

Calum and Michael nodded in understanding, not pressing me. We moved on to the next school, a smaller, more modern building with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Again, a student guide walked us through the campus, showing off the computer labs, science rooms, and even a small planetarium. But once more, I felt a disconnect.

Finally, we arrived at the third school. This one was a bit older, with ivy-covered walls and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. As we stepped inside, I felt a strange sense of calm. The hallways were filled with students, laughing and chatting between classes. It felt more like a community than the other places we had visited.

The principal greeted us warmly, taking us on a personal tour. We saw the classrooms, the library, and the gym. There was even a small garden where students could grow their own plants. By the time the tour was over, I knew this was the place for me.

"I like this one," I told Calum and Michael as we stood outside. "It feels right."

They both smiled, clearly relieved. "Great choice, Bella," Calum said. "Let’s go do the paperwork and get you enrolled."

We headed to the administration office, where Calum and Michael began filling out the necessary forms. I sat down in the waiting area, looking around at the various posters and notices pinned to the bulletin board. Just then, the door to the office burst open, and a guy with brightly colored hair walked in, escorted by a stern-looking teacher.

"Sit here and wait for the principal," the teacher instructed, pointing to a chair across from me. "And think about your actions, Jasper."

Jasper rolled his eyes but sat down, slouching in the chair with a bored expression. His hair was a vivid mix of blue and green, and he wore a leather jacket covered in patches. He noticed me staring and smirked. "What’re you looking at?"

I blushed, embarrassed to be caught. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. I’m Bella. I’m new here."

His expression softened slightly. "Jasper. Nice to meet you, Bella. So, what brings you to our lovely institution?"

I shrugged. "Just looking for a fresh start, I guess. You?"

He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you know, the usual. Causing trouble, getting caught. It’s kind of my thing."

Despite his rough exterior, there was something intriguing about Jasper. He seemed like someone who didn’t fit into any mold, someone who lived by his own rules. It was refreshing, in a way.

Before we could continue our conversation, the principal returned, giving Jasper a stern look. "Jasper, my office. Now."

Jasper stood up, giving me a wink as he walked past. "See you around, Bella."

I watched him go, a small smile on my face. Maybe this school wouldn’t just be a fresh start academically. Maybe I’d make some interesting friends along the way.

Calum and Michael finished the paperwork and walked over to me, their faces filled with excitement. "You’re all set, Bella. Ready to start on Monday?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. "Yeah, I think I am."

As we drove home from the school, I looked out the window, lost in thought about my new beginning and the people I might meet. Michael was driving, while Calum sat beside me in the back seat, occasionally glancing over with a curious expression.

"So, Bella," Calum said, breaking the silence. "You seemed to hit it off with that guy in the office. What was his name? Jasper?"

I nodded, remembering Jasper's colorful hair and mischievous grin. "Yeah, Jasper. He seemed... interesting."

Calum's face tightened slightly, his concern evident. "Bella, I saw the way he was with that teacher. He looked like trouble. I don’t want you getting mixed up with people like that. You've already been through enough."

I sighed, understanding where he was coming from but feeling a bit frustrated. "Calum, he was just being himself. Besides, you can’t judge someone based on a single interaction."

Michael chimed in from the front seat, trying to mediate. "Calum’s just worried about you, Bella. We all are. We just want to make sure you’re surrounded by good influences."

"I get that," I replied, my voice softening. "But I also need to figure things out for myself. I promise I won’t do anything reckless."

Calum ran a hand through his hair, still looking unconvinced. "Just be careful, okay? You've been through a lot, and the last thing we need is you getting in trouble because of someone else."

I reached out and squeezed his hand. "I promise, Cal. I’ll be careful."

The rest of the drive was filled with light conversation, Calum and Michael sharing stories about their school days, trying to keep the mood upbeat. When we finally pulled into the driveway, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about the days ahead.

As we stepped inside the house, Calum pulled me aside for a moment. "Bella, I’m serious about this. I know you want to give people a chance, but please, for your own sake, stay away from troublemakers like Jasper."

I nodded, seeing the genuine worry in his eyes. "I will, Cal. I promise."

That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but think about Jasper. There was something about him that intrigued me, a depth beneath his rebellious exterior. I knew I had to be careful, but I also felt that there was more to him than met the eye.