Hearts in Conflict

Chapter 2

In the next morning, the sun shone brightly over the school. A car pulled up at the entrance, and out stepped Yasmin. She closed the car door behind her, turning back with a cheerful smile.

"Thanks for the ride, Dad! I'll see you after school," Yasmin called out, waving as her father drove off. Though her face radiated happiness, a lingering unease from yesterday’s incident still churned inside her.

Walking into the school building, Yasmin joined the crowd of students bustling through the hallways, heading towards their lockers. She approached hers and began gathering the items she needed for the day. As she was sorting through her things, a familiar voice called out.

"Good morning, Yasmin! How are you holding up?" her teacher, Ms. Thompson, greeted warmly, stopping beside her.

Yasmin closed her locker and turned to face the teacher. "Good morning, Ms. Thompson. I’m feeling better, thank you," she replied with a polite smile.

"That’s wonderful to hear," Ms. Thompson said, her tone kind but serious. "I wanted to inform you that, due to the incident yesterday, we’ve temporarily reassigned all students from the fifth floor to new classrooms. The floor is being closed for repairs since some of the railings were found to be unsafe."

Yasmin nodded, taking in the information. "I see."

"You’ll need to visit the principal’s office to get your new assigned classroom and schedule," Ms. Thompson added. "Take care, Yasmin."

"Thank you, Ms. Thompson. I will," Yasmin responded, waving as the teacher walked away.

With a sigh, Yasmin turned and made her way toward the principal’s office, her thoughts a mix of relief and apprehension about what lay ahead.

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Yasmin arrived in front of the principal’s office, took a deep breath, and knocked lightly on the door. She heard the principal’s warm voice inviting her in, and she entered with a polite smile.

"Good morning, Principal Evans," Yasmin greeted.

"Good morning, Yasmin," Principal Evans replied, smiling back. “How are you holding up after yesterday?”

"I’m alright, thank you," Yasmin answered, her voice steady.

Principal Evans gave an approving nod. "I’m glad to hear that. I know it was a difficult experience for everyone. Now, I understand you’re here to get your new assigned classroom?"

"Yes, please," Yasmin said, a hint of nervousness still lingering in her tone.

Principal Evans handed her a paper, explaining, "This sheet has your new classroom location and the updated schedule. Due to the repairs on the fifth floor, you’ll be with a different group for now."

Yasmin accepted the paper with a grateful smile. "Thank you very much, Principal Evans."

"You’re welcome, Yasmin. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out," the principal added kindly.

After thanking her again, Yasmin left the office, closing the door softly behind her. She took a moment outside to glance over the paper in her hand. Her eyes widened slightly as she read the room number. It was the same room as Maylin’s.

A smile spread across her face, feeling a wave of relief knowing she’d be in the same room as Maylin, her rescuer and friend. She felt a sense of comfort, knowing that Maylin’s steady presence would be nearby. After the unsettling events of the previous day, having a familiar face—even one as reserved as Maylin’s—made her feel safer and more at ease.

With a lighter step, Yasmin made her way to her new classroom. She imagined how Maylin might react to seeing her in the same room, and the thought made her smile again.