Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 20: Freeza's New Life

Frost's stomach growled as her eyes darted between the towering stack of golden pancakes and the ticking clock on the wall. Her mouth watered. The sweet aroma of syrup and butter taunted her. But time was slipping away.

"Just one more," she thought, reaching for another fluffy disk. Her hand froze midair as anxiety clenched her gut. School. Her first day. What if she was late?

"Frost, honey, you need to hurry up and finish," Chi-Chi's voice rang out, startling her. "The bus will be here any minute!"

Frost shoved a forkful into her mouth, barely tasting it. "Coming!" she mumbled through the mouthful.

Chi-Chi appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. Her dark eyes softened as she took in Frost's hunched form. "I know you're nervous, but education is important. You'll do great."

Frost swallowed hard. "But what if—"

"No buts," Chi-Chi interrupted, her tone firm but kind. "You're smart and capable. Now finish up so I can do your hair."

Frost nodded, shoveling the last bites in record speed. Her mind raced. New people. Strange customs. What if she slipped up?

Chi-Chi's fingers worked deftly, braiding Frost's hair. "Remember, be polite and pay attention in class. And no fighting!"

"Yes, Chi-Chi," Frost mumbled. Her stomach churned, and not from the pancakes.

The clock chimed. Frost's heart leapt. Time to go.

---

Frost stood frozen at the school entrance, her eyes wide. A sea of unfamiliar faces swarmed around her. Laughter. Shouts. The slam of lockers. Her pulse quickened.

"Move it!" A boy shoved past, nearly knocking her over.

She stumbled, catching herself against the wall. Breathe. Just breathe.

A group of girls giggled nearby, stealing glances. Whispering. Frost's cheeks burned. Were they laughing at her?

The crowd parted. A girl with striking blue hair strode towards her, confidence radiating with each step. Frost tensed, ready to bolt.

"Hey there!" The girl's voice was warm, inviting. "You look a little lost. I'm Bulla."

Frost blinked, caught off guard by the friendly approach. "I... um... I'm Frost."

Bulla's eyes lit up. "Oh, you must be the new student! Welcome to Orange Star High." She offered a dazzling smile. "Don't worry, it's not as scary as it looks."

Frost's shoulders relaxed slightly. "It's... overwhelming."

"Trust me, I get it," Bulla said, leaning in conspiratorially. "But stick with me, and you'll be fine. Us new girls have to stick together, right?"

"New?" Frost asked, curiosity overriding her caution.

Bulla shrugged. "Well, relatively. I transferred last semester. Come on, I'll show you around."

As Bulla led her through the crowded hallway, Frost felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

---

Frost slid into her assigned seat, heart racing. A girl with short black hair and sparkling eyes plopped down next to her.

"Hi! I'm Pan," she chirped, grinning. "You're the new girl, right? This is so exciting!"

Frost blinked, taken aback by Pan's enthusiasm. "I'm... Frost."

"Cool name! Whe're you from? What's your favorite subject? Do you like martial arts?" Pan's questions came rapid-fire, barely pausing for breath.