Welcome to Reefside (editing in progress)

Tracy's First Day at Reefside High

3.2 New school, new friends, new bully 

Normal POV

"We're here, so what do you think?" Mike asks as the bus pulls up next to the school.

"It's okay, I guess. It's a little bigger than my old school back home," Tracy answers, finally saying something for the first time since he asked her what her name was.

"I'll show you around before class starts," he offers.

"You don't have to do that, you know," Tracy says, trying to be as modest as possible.

"I know, but I want to," he says, still smiling.

"Okay, if you insist," Tracy says.

They get up from their seats, and Mike hands Tracy her things. She puts her book bag back on her back and carries her lunch in her left hand. They exit the bus.

Tracy's eyes widen as she takes in the sight of Reefside High. The school is a large, white building with a distinctive clock tower rising from its center. The architecture is a blend of modern and traditional styles, featuring tall windows and a well-maintained lawn that stretches out in front. The clock tower, painted white with a green roof, stands tall against the blue sky, adding a sense of grandeur to the scene. The building is surrounded by lush greenery, including a large tree with bare branches that casts dappled shadows on the ground.

"You came from Michigan," Mike says, noticing her Michigan State backpack.

"Yup," Tracy says quickly.

"Why?" he asks curiously.

Tracy shrugs slightly. "My mom's job back home was getting cut. Reefside was the only way to keep it."

Mike exhales softly. "Yeah... that's a lot to have dumped on you."

Then, gently, "Come on. Let's get you set up."

"I guess so," Tracy replies shyly.

They walk toward the main entrance, and Mike leads her to the office. The space is bustling with students coming and going, the secretary behind the counter glancing up as they approach.

"Hi, Mrs. Harper. This is Tracy Burlew. She's new and needs her schedule and locker information," Mike says with a friendly smile.

"Of course, Mike. Welcome to Reefside High, Tracy," Mrs. Harper says warmly, handing Tracy a packet. "Here you go. This includes your schedule, locker number, and combination. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Thank you," Tracy says, skimming the packet.

"Well, what do you know? We have science together with Dr. Oliver," Mike says, still smiling like an idiot.

"That's pretty lucky, I guess," Tracy says, trying not to blush.

Mike leads her back into the hallway.

"Let's find your locker," he says.

They weave through the crowded corridor until they stop in front of a row of blue lockers.

"Here it is," Mike says. "Let's see if you can open it."

Tracy spins the dial carefully. It takes a couple of tries, but then the lock clicks open.

"Got it!" she says, a small rush of pride in her voice.

"Nice," Mike says. "Now let's get you settled."

She places her book bag and lunch inside and shuts the locker.

"Think we should head to class?" Mike asks.