Anonymous

3

The school was smaller than Bonnie had expected. Much smaller. Actually, Bonnibel had expected one of those big, crowded schools that she'd seen on television when she was younger. She hadn't at all expected a school similar to her old one – it was compact and quiet, although Bonnie suspected the latter was because of how early she was.

(She'd wanted to make a good impression on her first day.)

Peter's car stilled as he switched the engine off, and Bonnie was out of the car in seconds. She smoothed out the sweater she'd settled on wearing and took in a deep breath, spinning on her heels to face Peter, "Are you coming with me to the office?"

"Yes. Once you've picked up your timetable I'll head off back to the house." Peter patted her on the shoulder in a reassuring manner. It did nothing to stop her from creating endless horrible scenarios about what might happen when she met her peers. She was far too nervous for her own good.

Trying to focus on something else, Bonnie bobbed her head in acknowledgement and followed him towards the main building of the school – a double storey, rather drab looking bricked building that didn't make her feel much better about her first day. In fact, it kind of made her feel worse. Bright colours were much better for relaxation.

Thankfully, as she neared the glass doors, she noted that the inside of the building seemed a lot friendlier, decorated with lively colours; probably to have a positive effect on students. Usually it'd work on her, but she still had that weird jittering in her stomach that most likely wouldn't go away for the rest of the day.

The lady behind the desk, who had busied herself with shuffling through papers, glanced up when they pushed the doors open and sent them both a bright smile, although it was mainly directed at Bonnibel. "Hello, can I help you?"

Peter smiled back, equally as cheerful. "Yes," Pressing a hand on the small of Bonnie's back, he pushed her forwards, subtly enough so the lady would think she'd walked forward of her own accord. "She's a new student today."

The woman turned to Bonnibel after adjusting her computer screen, "Can I get your name, please?"

Bonnie nodded, promptly replying, "Bonnibel Butler."

The woman tapped at her computer keyboard, and Peter reassuringly squeezed Bonnie's arm just below the elbow. Bonnie assumed she looked tense. In all honesty, she felt tense. She'd never been very good at interacting with other people of her age group – back at home she'd only left one friend behind and it'd taken her a while to befriend him in the first place. Bonnie was just...into different things. She'd rather conduct a science experiment than go shopping. Assumedly, that was a turn off.

"Okay, everything seems to be in order," The woman flashed that bright smile again, holding out two sheets of crisp white paper, "I have your class schedule here, along with a map of the school."

Bonnie reached for the papers and scanned them over, realising that the school was bigger than she'd originally thought as she looked over the map. It was a good thing that Bonnibel was alright at orienteering, even though she knew she'd end up lost at least once today. New places could be confusing. She'd just have to make sure she gave herself enough time to navigate from one place to the other; walking into class late as the new girl would attract a few stares.

Bonnie didn't look up from the paper, "Thank you," She then twisted her head to the right and smiled at Peter, "I think I'll be okay from here."

He nodded, "Alright," Enveloping her in a hug, he continued, "Have fun. I'll pick you up at half past three in the car park."

"Okay. Bye, Peter." She called after him as he made his way back outside.

Then, she glanced back at the map in her hands, walking towards the doors that hid the main office away from the rest of the school. She traced her finger across the paper and then turned to her schedule to find the room for her first class of the day. Even though it didn't start until nine, Bonnie figured she might as well get there early to talk to the teacher.