I am Sky Fallen (old version)

III- First

Song: Give me Love - Ed Sheeran

Enjoy!

Jia’s heart raced. The people filed into the Dome as the air became chillier every second. It was dark inside except for the stage lit by lights in front of the dais. The spotlight was focused on a pedestal at the center of the stage, displaying the crest of the Academy, an infinity sign floating above two outstretched hands inside a ring of gold.

Jia shuffled in her seat and looked at her uniform. Mandatory school wear rules stated that she should wear white stockings that itched a lot, a red pleated skirt that reached up to her knees, white long-sleeves and a white blazer. Jia didn’t like the uniform. It was too…chic for her. But, it made Aaliyah look like a million bucks.

“What? Are you being fidgety about your uniform again? Please, honey, you look fine.”

“I look like one of those third-rate versions of Barbie they sell in the sidewalks. Gosh, this is embarrassing.”

Jia shrugged self-consciously as Ali decided to recite to her again her self-confidence mantra. It was an agreement between the two that Jia would be Ali’s new best friend for the year. It didn’t actually occur to Jia that Ali, as fun and lovely as she is, would be as picky as her grandmother in choosing the people she’d hang out with. Even more so, Jia didn’t expect that of all people, Ali would find her the most suitable “friend” for someone like her.

“That’s okay, Ali. I’ve heard your speech for the millionth time already. You’ve hammered it into my head hard enough for me to remember it.”

Ali glared at her. “Then stop fidgeting! You’re driving me nuts? How hard do I have to hammer in your head the fact that you look fine! We’re all wearing the same uniforms here.”

“You look gorgeous in it! Compared to you I look like trash,” Jia sulked. “—it’s too short for my… convenience. I doubt I’ll get used to it. Freaking Snow White stockings.”

“You better get used to it! And stop being whiny and just believe what I’m saying.” Ali stood up taking her bag with her. “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be back.”

Aaliyah marched away, the crowd of students parting as she headed towards the other corner of the Stage. More people entered the Dome. The seats were already half-filled. Jia shuddered at the thought of someone sitting beside her.  And then I’d have to socialize… she thought. That’s just peachy.

“Hey, is this seat taken?” someone asked. She looked different from when she last saw her, but still she looked as stunning as before. It was the girl she bumped into in the Spire Grounds a week ago. She still had the striking red lips but other than that and a little bit of powder here and there, she barely had any makeup on. It was odd to see her in school wear. Something about made Jia unable to look her in the eye. Jia had always thought she looked mature enough to be some college girl, but here she was dressed in Academy clothes asking her if she could sit beside her.

“Uh-uhm, no one’s sitting there.” Jia chastised herself silently. Stuttering in front of other people, not a good first impression. She started to wonder if should have listened to Ali’s self-confidence mantra.

The girl smirked. “Oh, I know you. You’re little miss walking disaster.”

Jia had the urge to roll her eyes. “Really? Have we met before? I don’t really remember you at all!"

The girl chuckled. “You’re good. I can’t go bitch mode on you right now, huh? So, you want to say anything? Have you been spreading rumours about me being a bitch now? Cause I’ve seen it all in the net and I was secretly hoping it was you so I could give you a good satisfying ‘accidental’ bump in the cafeteria.”