The Day of the Storm

The bell in the clock tower chimes, 6 times.

I sigh, the ache of sleep leaving my body as I sit up. It's still dark out, seeing as it's the middle of winter. The frost coating the grass from a cold night.

The first day of school, starting.

I slide out of bed and head to the bathroom. I don't have time to appreciate the hot water so it's a quick bath and I'm out.

They actually gave us quite a few ways to wear the uniforms. Two white, black, and red button-up shirts, one blazer, a couple of ties, leggings, skirts, and pants.

I better show up and show out, it's alright, I have a feeling today might go great. Or I could be jinxing myself.

I throw on a red button-up shirt a black skirt and some black thigh-highs because the last time I shaved was forever ago.

I check myself in the bathroom mirror combing my messed-up hair. It's grown a couple of inches so maybe I should leave it down?

I stop beginning to grab at the old hair ties on my wrist.

I try a couple of styles because leaving it down looks too, straight.

Space buns? nope. They look like two loaves of bread on my head.

Ponytail? Don't make me laugh. Even with the pieces of my hair framing my face, I look bitchy. No thanks.

I decide on pigtails. Safe and sound, a classic.

I asses myself in the mirror. It's alright.

I throw the school supplies into the bag they provided and hurry along as the clock tower chimes 7 times.

The halls are a lot colder than my room as I walk to my first period. I glance at my schedule, Katursh archive.

I navigate through the hallways, clutching my schedule tightly in my hand.

The sound of echoing footsteps fills the air as students shuffle past me, some chatting animatedly while others rush with determined expressions.

Stray eyes land on me and stares from all kinds of kids suffocate me. I walk even faster to the third floor where my class says it is. Why can't people just, I dunno, have manners? Haven't their mothers taught them it's not nice to stare?

Every time I catch someone's eyes my first reaction is to glare, but instead, I smile.

Have to keep up appearances ren, remember, this is for your benefit.

As I approach the door labeled "Katursh Archive," I take a deep breath and push it open.

Inside, the classroom is dimly lit, with rows of bookshelves towering on either side. The air carries the scent of old paper and knowledge, creating an atmosphere that feels both intriguing and mysterious.

The tables are rounded with six chairs at each, they could seat about 60 kids in here or something.

I find an empty seat near the front and settle in, better get this over with

The professor, a seasoned scholar with greying hair and kind eyes, enters the room. Their voice is filled with passion as they welcome us and introduce the subject matter: the rich history of Katursh, the country's history.

This class will cover the country's history and all that fun stuff.

The thing that interests me the most is the map on the wall in the front. The county takes up so much of the continent. And there's a smaller map showing the area where this school is, but it's so much further from any woods or beaches like the, like before.

A bitter taste forms on the back of my tongue remembering Sara. The fire, Mara.

"We have one of the famous shadow twins joining us this semester, would you like to introduce yourself, Ren?"

The professor's voice brings me out of my daydreaming. Well, remembering what happened is more like a nightmare but there's no word for that.

"Oh, yes sir!" I nod and stand, and walk up to the lecture stand he was gesturing to.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I stand before the class.

The eyes of my new classmates are fixed on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. I grip the edges of the lectern, feeling a surge of nervous energy coursing through me.

"I am Ren, I am excited to learn and join you all, I hope we can all work hard." short and sweet. I didn't even mess up either! It went great!

No one says anything, they just stare, it's like looking at a fruit salad. God, I cant believe how rude everyone is.

The professor shoos me away and I retake my seat as the class starts.

It's a basic itinerary for the class and such, I expect that's what all the classes are gonna be like for today.

He assigns us a book about the first king of katursh and we all get to reading.

As I open the book and start reading, my mind drifts away from the classroom. The words on the pages blur together as my thoughts wander back to before.

I think it was the first snowfall of the season.

I try to focus on the text, to immerse myself in the story of the first king of Katursh, but my mind keeps drifting. The weight of the stares and the silence in the room weighs on me, making it difficult to concentrate.

I glance around my table, observing my new classmates as they diligently read the assigned chapters. Some seem genuinely interested, and absorbed in the narrative, while others appear bored or disengaged.

Lost in my thoughts, I realize that I haven't even turned a page. I take a deep breath, cmon ren, it's only the first period of the day, people are just a bit spooked, it's fine, we're fine. I remind myself that I am here to learn, to grow, and to make the most of this opportunity.

Hey, I could be dead right now.

As I struggle to regain my focus, I become aware of whispers and covert glances directed my way.

It's as if my presence has stirred up a mix of curiosity and fascination among my new classmates. While their behavior borders on rudeness, I can't help but feel a tinge of discomfort in their misguided attention.

Some students at my table seem unable to tear their eyes away from me, their gazes fixated as if I'm an exotic specimen on display.

I hate this school, I shove the book in my face, trying to clear my mind.

I feel a nudge from the student sitting next to me. I turn my attention to her, taking the book off my face, hoping for it to be nothing.

She flashes a bright smile. "Hey there, Ren, right? I'm Jade," she says in a sugary-sweet tone.

I nod, trying to reciprocate the friendliness. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Jade."

She flips her long, pink silky hair over her shoulder and leans in closer. "So, you're new here, huh? Must be a big change for you. Wherever you came from."

I feel a pang of unease at her condescending tone, but I push it aside, reminding myself to keep up appearances. "Yeah, it's definitely different. But I'm excited to be here."

Jade smirks, exchanging knowing glances with the other students at our table. "Oh, I'm sure you are. Just remember, this isn't a school you can coast through, you have to actually try."

Her words make me want to punch her in the face, but I manage to maintain my composure. "I understand. I'm here to work hard and prove myself."

Another student chimes in, his voice dripping with faux sincerity. "Well, Ren, if you need any help catching up or understanding anything, feel free to ask. We wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself, right?"

I can sense the underlying mockery in his words, but I decide to play along. "Thanks. I appreciate the offer. I'll be sure to ask if I need any assistance."

I give the fakest smile and I look back to my book. I can't ever catch a break, can I?

The clock tower chimes and it's off to second period.

As the day progresses it's the same with introductions, people treating me like an animal, and more basic knowledge we'll need to start the actual classes.

When the clock tower strikes 12 times it's my free hour. So I head up to the cafeteria, they have way more selections than we did back at the winter town.

I think that's what ill call it for now, till I can ask my history professor what it's called.

I give the lady my school id and I enter the dining hall.

I really don't feel like having to deal with the whole, 'where to sit' thing so I don't.

I find Kikomi and sit with her. She and her friends basically ignore me but that's alright, for now. I got more important matters right now so I say my goodbyes when I finish my food and head for the library.

I get to the library and the lady there actually gives me the books this time, she's a lot more friendly too. I wonder what the headmaster said.

Doesnt matter to me because when the bell rings once I realize my day is over.

Fuck yeah, I didn't die! But I have to try harder tomorrow, but I didn't die!