Power 35

Chapter IV: Thick Blood

Lianne Angelita Hacinto

"Agaite, aganai, ikiru riyuu sagahitenda... Mabushii hikari wa, sou... kinou ni wa nai kara ate mo naku hashiru STRAY DO-"

Groaning, I quickly turned off my alarm. And yes, it's from an anime. Yes, it's from Bungo Stray Dogs. Yes, I'm a weeb. Don't judge me. Sighing, I looked at the time, 6 am. Great, classes start in 8 am here, so, no need to rush. Looking from across my bed, I notice that Mariya is no longer there. I guess she's a morning person then? I checked my reflection in a small mirror. My brown-almost-black hair was sticking out everywhere and I had a small trail of drool running down the corner of my mouth. Ew.

After doing my usual stretches, I hopped out of bed, grabbed a towel and went into the bathroom. Everleigh Institutes dress code is like the one I had back in the Philippines. Students were required to wear a uniform prescribed by the school. But knowing how this is a foreign country, I believe that some students were allowed to make alterations to their outfits. I chose not to though. It was too much work.

Feeling a bit refreshed and ready after 10 minutes in the shower, I stepped out and dressed up in my uniform. It was a pretty nice design. The uniform was composed of a long-sleeved polo top that was gray from the chest area and sleeves but had a black cloth for the torso. The top was partnered with a scarlet red necktie with two gold stripes, the buttons on the top were gold as well. The bottom for the girls was the same scarlet red skirt that the school let you pick the length. I made mine knee-length. Also, the skirt was pleated in a top-stitch manner and had a place for a belt that was gold. We had to wear black socks or stockings too partnered with gray or black doll shoes.

I certainly know that not everyone will follow this dress code but that doesn't hve anything to do with me, so, I don't give a damn. I put the last touches on my look. I gurgled some mouthwash, and combed my hair to make it look decent. Putting on my black doll shoes, I headed out of the room and saw some of my classmates in the dorm lounge. "Lianne! Come here! Let's eat!" I heard Mariya call from one of the chairs. I went to her and my eyes widened at the sight.

There was a huge table in the center of the lounge and it was full of food. Ranging from waffles and bacon to buttered rice and salad, the table was a full feast. Who could eat all of this?? I think it's plenty even for 26 people! "So, what do you think Lianne?" A short, almond-skinned girl with long black hair tied in pony tail asked me. I think her name was Chad? Chandi? Oh right! Chandni Singh. She was the one whose smile was really big it was close to being creepy. She was really cute though.

"A-About what?", I asked back. The other girls laughed. "About the food of course! Since it's officially your first day with us, we decided to give you a little something!", Chandni said, clapping her hands in glee. A little?! They call this a little?! "O-Oh, thank you. I never expected this.", I answered honestly. More girls laughed and I felt Mariya's hand on my shoulder. "Get used to it." She giggled and then we started eating.

Even as I bit down on my omelet, I still felt surprised. Do they do this everytime? Is this really how the top class out of all the sections and levels act like? Or are they just trying to manipulate me and use me after? Looking around the room, I observed my classmates. Some were huddled in groups and were laughing out loud. Some were quiet in one corner but were still talking among themselves. Others were just really silent because they were stuffing their mouths with food. But overall, everyone seemed to be getting along with each other. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. It felt really nice but I was too scared to give in to it.

"Are you alright Lianne? You seem to be thinking about something deep." Startled, I almost dropped my spoon. Xiomara laughed at my expression and I frowned at her. "It's not nice to frighten people, Xio." Mariya said from my left. Xiomara smiled at her, "Do you think I'm nice?". Mariya just rolled her eyes but a ghost smile was left on her mouth. Xiomara turned back to me. "So?" "Um, I'm fine thank you." I replied. Lame.