Unspoken

THE FIRST DAY

Selena stood at the entrance of Benjamin Franklin International School, her heart pounding in her chest. The bustling courtyard was alive with laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the quiet halls of Fontenebro International School in Madrid that she had grown accustomed to.

She tightened her grip on the strap of her backpack, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as she observed her new classmates. They moved in clusters, exchanging animated stories, their voices rising and falling like the waves of the nearby sea.

Taking a deep breath, Selena pushed back her dark hair and stepped forward, ready to navigate this new chapter, even as the weight of unfamiliarity pressed down on her.

"Okay, Selena, you've got this," she whispered under her breath, taking a hesitant step toward the entrance of Benjamin Franklin International School.

The laughter and chatter from the bustling classroom felt like a tide threatening to sweep her away, and she tightened her grip on her backpack strap.

"Just be yourself. It's just a school. You've done this before." She inhaled deeply, trying to steady the fluttering in her stomach.

"Remember, it's okay to be quiet. Just find a spot where you feel comfortable." As she scanned the sea of unfamiliar faces, she felt a flicker of determination ignite within her. "One step at a time," she muttered, pushing back her dark hair and preparing to dive into this new chapter of her life.

Selena was a striking figure, her brown skin glowing softly under the bright summer sun, which contrasted beautifully with her straight, shoulder-length hair that framed her face. Soft bangs brushed against her forehead, adding a touch of youthful charm. Her rectangular glasses perched delicately on her nose, enhancing her intelligent gaze as she surveyed the bustling courtyard. At just 5'1", she considered herself on the shorter side, but her posture conveyed a sense of quiet confidence, even in the face of uncertainty.

Today, she wore the school uniform: a crisp white blouse neatly tucked into a pleated green skirt that fell just above her knees. A fitted green blazer adorned with the school emblem completed the look, its sleeves slightly rolled up to keep her cool in the summer heat. With knee-high white socks and polished black loafers, Selena's uniform was both smart and comfortable, reflecting her introverted nature while still hinting at her unique sense of style. A simple silver necklace adorned her neck, a small token from her mother that she never left home without, grounding her amid the newness of her surroundings.

As she stepped into the classroom, Selena felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself to stay calm.

The room was bright and airy, sunlight streaming in through the large windows, casting a warm glow across the rows of desks. Her eyes scanned the space, searching for an empty seat, and her heart lifted when she spotted one near the window at the back-the last bench. It was a perfect spot, allowing her to observe the class without feeling too exposed.

As she made her way over, she noticed the view outside: the swaying trees and distant rooftops, a welcome distraction from the bustling energy of her new peers. She slid into the seat, setting her backpack down beside her and taking a moment to breathe, grateful for the small sanctuary she had found amid the unfamiliar chaos.

"Okay, this isn't so bad," Selena whispered to herself, glancing around the classroom filled with lively chatter and laughter. "Just focus on the lesson, and try not to worry about what everyone else is thinking."

She could feel the fluttering in her stomach as she pulled out her notebook, the blank pages staring back at her like an empty canvas. "Remember, it's just the first day. You're here to learn, not to impress anyone." She caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the window, her glasses slightly askew, and she quickly adjusted them. "Just be yourself, Selena. No one is expecting you to be anyone else."