Mimic

Gotham Academy

I woke up early that morning, quickly running over to a store so I could change in the bathroom. I slipped on my uniform, a dark blue blazer and skirt, along with a red tie, and a stark white button up shirt. Mainly because I had no other shoes, I just put my black converse back on. They're nice enough.

When I was done getting dressed and freshening up, I rushed out of the bathrooms and started walking to Gotham Academy. After a seemingly long time, I got to the grand school. I felt so out of place among the rich kids, who were milling about the courtyard, gossiping to each other. Impressive stone structures and statues filled my view. I fumbled with the bottom of my jacket, but then scolded myself for being a wimp. I went into the school, and into the first door on the left labeled office. I strode confidently into the room, seeing a middle aged woman with salt and pepper hair, and warm brown eyes.

"Excuse me," I said, getting her attention, "I'm new here. Alex Matthews. I got a scholarship from-"

"The Wayne Foundation. Yes, yes. I remember seeing your name," the lady said and started rifling around in her desk. "I'm Mrs. Strauss. Here are your schedule and map. Have a nice day."

"Thanks," I said, taking the papers, "But can you, um, call me Julia? That's what I go by."

"Sure," she nodded, "I'll put that in the files."

I nodded my head and quickly walked away. I know, I'm stupid. I gave her, and the school, my real first name. I did it on an impulse. I just... wanted to be someone different. Not Julia Quinn (or whatever my last name is). Not Alex Matthews, who's just a fake character. So I'll be Julia Mathews, a little bit of each persona. Not entirely fake, but not truly real. 

The bell interrupted my thoughts. I took it as a sign to get to class, fast. The herd of students would be coming soon. I glanced at my schedule. Homeroom with Mrs. Staffer. I quickly made my way to her room. When I got there, I approached the teacher 

"Hello, I'm Julia Mathews. New student," I introduced myself.

"Ah, yes," the teacher nodded, "Just take any empty spot. I'll assign you a liaison in a few minutes."

I went to the seat at the back of the class, quietly waiting for homeroom to officially start. Once everyone had filed in, Mrs. Staffer called her class to order.

"We have a new student," she announced, "Her name is Julia. Stand up, will you?"

I slowly stood up, my cheeks burning slightly from everyone's eyes being on me. Which is slightly weird, that I'd be nervous about something as stupid as the opinions of these strangers. 

"Any volunteers to be her liaison?"

Everyone stayed quiet. Figures, I thought bitterly, no one cares about the new girl. 

"I'll do it," a confident voice popped up. My eyes found the speaker, a girl with vibrant red hair.

"Thank you, Miss Gordon," Mrs. Staffer said. My liaison nodded curtly, then sent a sideways glance at me. I gave an appreciative smile and sat back down in my chair. For the rest of homeroom, Mrs. Staffer talked about things I didn't listen to. I wasn't trying to be rude, but I didn't really understand what she was talking about anyway. Soon enough, the bell rang and everyone began to rush off to their first period class. I waited by the door for my liaison. The red head made her way to me.

"What's your first class?" she asked.

"Chemistry," I told her after glancing at my schedule.

"Same," she nodded, "Just follow me."

We got out into the crowded hallway, making sure to stick to the walls so we didn't get trampled. 

"So," I said in an attempt to fill the silence, "You're Barbara Gordon?" I asked though I knew the answer the moment I saw her.

"Yep," she nodded. Suddenly, she spotted someone in the herd of students. "Dick!" she shouted over everyone else's voices. Who is she calling a dick? I wondered to myself. Finally hearing Barbara call for him, a boy came towards us. He had jet black hair and stunning blue eyes. I squinted at him. He looked familiar.

"Oh, hey Babs," the boy grinned. He looked at me, "And who is this?"

"Julia Mathews," Barbara beat me to the words.

"Julia?" the boy asked, looking almost confused. I nodded. "Cool. I'm Dick."

"Dick?" I asked.

"Short for Richard," Dick explained.

"Though the nickname is accurate," Barbara stage-whispered to me.

"Oh wow, haven't heard that one before," Dick laughed and said sarcastically. "Anyway, we all have chem?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Sweet," Dick smirked, "Now I can tell the guys I have chemistry with two girls."

"Oh wow, haven't heard that one before," Barbara copied Dick. She rolled her eyes and sent a wink my way.

Today's going to be a good day, I told myself. That'll be new.