A Late Arrival

(Chapter 1) A New Beginning

                                     Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The towering brick buildings loomed ahead as Taylor stepped through the gates of her new school. St. Aubrey's Academy had an old-world feel, with ivy clinging to the walls and iron gates creaking in the wind.

Taylor's parents had chosen the prestigious boarding school for its academic reputation, but to her, it felt like another in a long list of changes she wasn't entirely ready for. A new town, a new school, a fresh start. At least that's what they called it.

In reality, it felt more like being dropped into a world she didn't understand. Her stomach churned as she joined the throngs of students streaming into the main building, trying not to look as out of place as she felt.

One day at a time, she told herself, clutching the straps of her backpack a little tighter. 

She scanned the crowds of unfamiliar faces, hoping to catch sight of a welcoming smile or something—anything, that felt familiar. The lively chatter around her seemed to swell, making her feel smaller and smaller as she approached the stairwell that led to the dormitories.

Just as she started up the stairs, lost in thought, she collided with someone, hard.

"Oof!" The impact sent her stumbling back, and she barely managed to stay upright.

Before she could fully comprehend what had happened, a figure loomed over her. Taylor blinked and looked up, her heart racing as she recognized the girl standing in front of her.

It was her. Cassidy Blake. The Cassidy Blake.

Taylor had heard whispers of Cassidy's name during orientation, even before stepping foot into the school. She was the senior who everyone seemed to know, whether they liked her or not. With her dark hair falling effortlessly over her shoulders and her icy green eyes, she had a reputation for being both intimidating and intriguing. 

She seemed quiet confidence, a "tough girl" persona that kept people at arm's length, and yet, everyone seemed drawn to her.

"Ah, sorry... You okay?" Cassidy asked, her voice calm but without much emotion behind it. She didn't seem angry, just indifferent, as if bumping into people was something that happened to her all the time.

Taylor felt her throat go dry, her shyness creeping up. Cassidy was gorgeous up close, but it wasn't just her beauty that caught Taylor off guard—it was the way she carried herself, like she didn't care about anyone's opinion. 

Taylor's heart fluttered for reasons she didn't quite understand yet.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine," Taylor stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I didn't see you there. Sorry..."

Cassidy's gaze lingered on her, and for a brief moment, Taylor swore she saw something flash in her eyes—interest, perhaps? Curiosity? But then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by her usual aloof expression.

"Jesus... Just watch where you're going next time," Cassidy said, her tone not exactly unkind, but mostly distant.