Samantha stood in front of me, staring like nothing unusual had just happened.
"Girl, what was that about? Did anyone get hurt or something?" I asked, though a weird chill still clung to my skin.
She chuckled, waving it off like it was no big deal, and motioned for me to step out of the closet.
Honestly, I didn't want to - I wasn't exactly itching to meet whatever chaos was waiting out there.
"Relax," she shrugged, like this was all normal. "It's just the usual fights. Happens here almost every time."
I kept my tangled thoughts to myself and shrugged too, pretending it didn't bother me when it totally did.
We walked in silence until we reached our next class.
I barely paid attention through the rest of the day. My mind was stuck on what I'd witnessed and how no one - not a single teacher - seemed to care.
Not even a raised eyebrow.
After school, Dad came to pick me up, though I honestly didn't need him to.
And every time I complained, he would just grin and say,
"You might be an adult, but you'll always be my little princess."
Every single time.
And honestly... It left me wondering how lucky I was to have a dad like him.
At home, I shared what happened with Mum and Dad - carefully skipping the part about lunch, Samantha's weird attitude, and that strange message.
Obviously.
Of course, Mum zeroed in on how I was treated at school.
My old school had left some pretty deep scars. There was a time when I nearly... Well, I just needed rest. If Dad hadn't walked in when he did and stopped me, I probably wouldn't be here now.
"Mum... I swear, no one bullied me or made fun of me today," I tried reassuring her.
"That doesn't mean it won't happen tomorrow," she shot back instantly, crossing her arms like she was ready to march into the school and fight someone.
That's Mum for you. Overprotective, dramatic, and I love her for it. And honestly, if it were my child, I'd be ten times worse.
"Darling," Dad said softly, reaching over to take her hand, "there's no such thing anymore. I promise you - nothing's going to happen to our princess."
That calmed her a little.
Dinner went smoothly, and after my nightly routine, I crawled into bed. But my thoughts wouldn't leave me alone.
My mind replayed everything from school today like a broken tape.
Why didn't the principal punish anyone? Why did the teachers act like nothing happened? Was this really as common as Samantha claimed?
And speaking of Samantha - her vague, almost dismissive answers felt way too off.
Honestly... as much as I hated my old school, if it meant avoiding this weirdness, I would've gladly gone back.
I don't even remember when I drifted off to sleep.
But at around 2 AM, the buzz of my phone snapped me awake. Being the light sleeper I am, even a tiny vibration jolts me up.
I groggily checked the notification.
Unknown Number: Be careful with whom you call your friend.
Okay... what?
That wasn't from Samantha. Or anyone from my contacts.
I glanced at the time - 2:03 AM.
Who the heck sends a message like that at 2 AM?
I tossed my phone aside with a grumble. I hate being woken up.
Nothing irritates me more.
---
The Next Morning
Shockingly, I woke up earlier than usual. Already dressed in my new school uniform - the one I picked up yesterday.
As I opened my bedroom door, Mum was right there, one arm mid-air like she was about to knock.
"Good morning!" I grinned, kissing her cheek and hugging her tight.
She looked genuinely surprised. Her eyes scanned me like she couldn't believe I was up and ready this early.
"Oh - my child," she beamed. "I made you some sauce and yam for breakfast."
Then, giving me a once-over, she added, "You look so beautiful in your uniform, my child."
The uniform was actually kinda nice. A hunter green blazer with the school's name stitched in small cursive writing on the top right side.
I'd picked straight-cut black trousers instead of a skirt because, hello - comfort over everything.
Beneath it was a light green inner shirt that made the dark blazer pop.
As we walked to the dining room, I noticed how quiet the house was.
"Mum... where's Dad?" I asked.
"My child - he had an urgent meeting at work today, so he left early," she explained while dishing out my food.
"Oh." I sighed trying not to sound disappointed.
"Don't look so glum, child... he sent you kisses," she teased with a grin.
"Mum! You and Dad treat me like a baby," I huffed dramatically plopping down to eat.
"Don't talk nonsense," she scoffed, planting kisses on both my cheeks. "Are you not our baby? Eh?"
I rolled my eyes dramatically but couldn't help smiling.
I finished my food while Mum headed off to finish getting ready.
After washing my plate, I grabbed my bag and called out,
"Mum, are you dropping me off at school today?"
She came down the stairs, fully dressed, giving me that classic are-you-seriously-asking-me-that look.
With a smirk, she fired back, "Nope - I'm off to audition for Zara's Next Top Drama Queen. Wish me luck."
I snorted. Classic Mum.
We reached the school in about twenty minutes - thanks to her creative driving skills, which I was far too used to by now.
After a quick goodbye, I watched the back of her Toyota Corolla disappear from sight.
Turning to face the gates of Lycaeris Academy, I could already see the flood of students pouring in. And with a deep breath, I braced myself.
And just like that, my one and only mission was to make it to class as quietly as my introverted self possibly could manage.
***