Unlucky Jackpot: 777

Anderson Moore Academy

When Amila finally arrived at school, she pushed past the crowd of people getting off the bus and squeezed past the school gates. Once she was in a clearing, she took a moment to just take a breather. That took a lot out of her.

She looked up from her state that was just about ready to keel over with how exhausted she was just trying to disembark the bus. She was never really the strongest or had the best stamina and endurance.

The school in front of her was a grand building, old and overgrown with climbing vines and plants. It had an aura of knowledge and wisdom within its confines that captivated her.

"Where did mom find the funds to send me to a place like this?"

Amila wondered to herself. Her family had never been very well off since her dad was hospital ridden, and her mom spent basically every last penny on his care and treatment. Amila was lost in thought until she heard a voice that was presumably talking to her. She turned to look at who was speaking to her.

"You're gonna be late to class if you keep dawdling like that, y'know?"

Said the person. Amila examined them. It was a girl, a little shorter than herself. She had brown hair that was tied half up half down with two ponytails decorated with peach ribbons. The only thing Amila could think was that the girl was really pretty.

"You look a bit lost. Where are you going? I'm in my junior year, so I know the layout pretty well."

The girl smiled as she waited for the other's reply.

"I've got French first up.. if you wouldn't mind helping me find the room. I don't want to be a bother."

Amila asked sheepishly. She was always one to just figure out things on her own, so it felt alien to ask for the help of another.

"Freshmen French, huh?"

The girl rubbed her chin as she tried to remember where exactly that room was located.

"Ohh! Follow me, it's really no bother at all. If you need help getting adjusted or anything, just give me a call. I'm always open to help!"

The girl grabbed Amila's hand and dragged her inside of the school building, leading her down identical corridors. It was a wonder how anyone found their way around the place.

"I forgot to say, my name is Christina-Ann, but if you wouldn't mind, I'd prefer if you just called me Christi. What's your name?"

The girl explained and then questioned Amila. It took a few seconds for her to respond back as she was hyperfocused on the fact that this girl grabbed her hand, interlocking fingers with her.

"I'm Amila. Just Amila."

She replied as calmly as she could, but internally, she was agonising on how weird and awkward she sounded as she spoke.

"Got it. Anyways, here's the drop-off point. Enjoy your first class, Amila."

Christi smiled as she gave Amila an encouraging thumbs up.

Amila peered into the class, and she was shocked to see a familiar face inside of the room. It was the boy she had met that morning!

"Hey, do you know who that guy is right there?"

Amila tapped Christi's shoulder and whispered her query while pointing at the aforementioned boy.

"Him? That's my brother, Jackson. Why? Do you know him?"

Christi raised an eyebrow.

"It's nothing, I just met him this morning. He was a real lifesaver, I must say."

Amila chuckled.

"Really? Usually, he's anything but kind. At least to me, I don't know how he is with different people. I guess he's just nicer with others."

Christi said with an unimpressed expression plastered on her face. She crossed her arms.

"Well, whatever, I'll see you later."

Amila said flippantly as she entered the classroom and greeted herself, as well as apologised for being tardy to class. She situated herself in a seat all the way to the back of the classroom, farthest from Jackson's seat, and class commenced as scheduled.

Amila nearly caught herself falling asleep a few times, but she tried her best to shake it off. Her eyes scanned the room, but her gaze hitched on Jackson, who was diligently taking down notes. He didn't seem like the type to try hard in class, but it seemed Amila's preconceptions were off.