Happily Ever After Comes At A Price

Chapter 6: A Few Acquaintances

   Abbu once again leaves me on the dirt ridden path, and I turn to face the monstrosity behind. Okay, I might have been a bit too harsh on that one, the school's done me nothing wrong and yet I hold a grudge against it.

   So, now that I was back to reality again, I needed to get things in check. More specifically, my extracurriculars in track.

   I scrutinize my surroundings, eager to take in another impression of this place I was forced to step into not-so-long ago. It's still early, the sun was rising sleepily from the horizon, spreading amber warmth. A few early risers were jauntily walking to the cafeteria. Headed for breakfast. They're in a bright spirit. Some sprinting, some merrily taking jumps, on the pavement, from one brick to another. Bags bouncing in effort.

   I smile at them. Happy at their happiness. Happy at how the only thing they care about is in living at the moment. Keeping promises they made to their friends.

   It's easy to assume what people think when the reality often turns out to be something completely different.

   I can't help but wonder what they think of me.

   It's been a while I've been in this town. And it seems like the only person I've interacted with more than just a passing smile was Eli and that guy - he who must not be named because I didn't know it. Now, it seems like that I'm the one who's impolite.

   A brash decision on my side, but whatever. My father did physically urge me to meet new people. So, I do just that.

   I walk off to greet a bunch of strangers. No expectations, nothing to be nervous of. It's simply a bunch of brains communicating with each other.

***

   A minute later, I'm standing behind a group of running-high-on-hormones teenagers like myself... Not only am I feeling apprehensive, my hands have gone cold and a morbid dread starts to overwhelm me. This school doesn't seem to have that prominent of a hierarchy, but that doesn't cancel out the presence of bullies.

   The last thing anyone wants is a personal bully. I don't want a bully...

   And why wouldn't they bully me? My olive skin is a stark contrast to their pale and tanned ones. 17 years of Pashto accent couldn't possibly leave in a matter of months. My reluctance to wear make-up... My clothing style, my height, those few spots of freckles... What if they body-shame me? What if...?

   In a couple of moments, I find a thousand flaws in me.

   Wariness runs deep. I don't trust myself around anybody...

   Cautiously, I put my guard up and approach them with a generous smile.
You can do this, Selina. Ready your defenses.

   "Hi. I'm Selina. I'm new here. I haven't had the chance to introduce myself to you."

   7 pairs of curious eyes turn to face me. I suddenly feel like I'm flushed against an invisible wall. Good lord, I feel... exposed...

   Then a miracle happens...

    A chorus of "hellos" embrace me with grins...

   My smile broadens in return...

***

   The first bell rings and I say my goodbyes to the group. Or specifically, to Josh, Liddy, Kia, Benton, Scott, Kenny and Peter. Turns out I already had classes with the 5 of them.

   It's funny how an hour ago, I was getting paranoid of them hating. Now, it feels like I've found myself quite a few more friends.

   It's funny how life works, you never know what the person in front of you is think. If only you could step into their perspective...

***

   The first class ends and I'm instantly attacked by a disappointed Amelia. Not Eli, mind you.

   "I couldn't find you all morning, where were you?" she hisses. Her accusatory voice is comical.
  
    "I came in early, so I hung out with some new friends in the cafeteria." I say as flatly as I can, desperately trying not to laugh in her face. I know she's going to be mad that I ditched her for someone new.

   But instead, she reflects a gaping shock instead of a perfect smirk she usually adorned. "You... made... friends???"

   I scoff at her, chagrined at her contempt, but unable to hold my laughter at how accurate she is about my lack of social connections. I can't be mad at anyone on a beautiful day like this.

   "A few new acquaintances don't hurt, Eli." I try to defend myself.

   "So I agree."

    We turn to my locker, opening it to pull out the books I need. And then...
  
    A handwritten scrap of note flutters down from my locker...

    "ᗰᗴᗴT ᗰᗴ ᑌᑎᗪᗴᖇ Tᕼᗴ  ᗷᒪᗴᗩᑕᕼᗴᖇՏ ᗩT ᖇᗴᑕᗴՏՏ. I ᗯᗩᑎT TO TᗩᒪK TO YOᑌ..."

    Eli gives me a quizzical look but I'm even more surprised than she is.

   What is the meaning of all this? Who on earth would want to talk to me???