-willow tree-

heavy

As Jane approached the entrance of her school, a wave of anxiety washed over her. The building loomed ahead, filled with the chatter of students milling about, and she could already spot the familiar clusters of popular kids gathered near the front steps. They laughed loudly, their confident demeanor a stark contrast to her own nervous energy.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed through the heavy doors, the noise inside amplifying as she stepped into the bustling hallway. Students rushed past her, their laughter echoing off the walls. The bright fluorescent lights made the space feel even more overwhelming. Jane adjusted her backpack, trying to blend into the crowd, but she couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider.

Just then, the principal, Mr. Thompson, appeared at the front of the hallway, his authoritative presence commanding attention. "Attention, students!" he announced, his voice booming. "I'd like to welcome a new student to our school. Please make her feel at home. Jane, why don't you come to the front?"

Jane's heart dropped. The entire hallway fell silent as all eyes turned toward her. The laughter from the popular group faded, replaced by whispers and curious glances. "This is so embarrassing," she thought, feeling her cheeks flush with heat.

Reluctantly, she made her way through the throng of students, each step feeling like a mile as she approached Mr. Thompson. The whispers grew louder, and she could hear snippets of conversation—"She's from the other side of town," "What's she doing here?"—and it only deepened her sense of humiliation.

"Everyone, this is Jane," Mr. Thompson said, a smile on his face. "She's joining us in the 11th grade. I expect you all to be kind and welcoming."

Jane forced a smile, her stomach twisting. She could feel the weight of their stares, each glance a reminder of the social divide that existed within the school. She wished she could melt into the floor, disappear from this moment that felt like a spotlight shining directly on her flaws.

As she took her place in the front of the crowd, the popular kids exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and judgment. Jane could feel their scrutiny as they whispered among themselves, and she couldn't help but feel small and out of place.

After the brief introduction, Mr. Thompson gestured for her to take a seat in the classroom. As she turned to walk away, she caught a glimpse of Adeline standing off to the side, her green eyes wide with surprise. For a brief moment, Jane felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of a new friendship. But the embarrassment of the moment still hung heavy in the air as she hurried into the classroom, wishing for the floor to swallow her whole.