Chapter 1: New Beginning

Looks like today was going to be another boring day in Darkview City. In a quiet,

modest town, an overtly boring girl would be waking up just about now.

"Mia!"

"Mia,

open the damn door! You'll make us late for school!"

The door creaked open to reveal a red-haired, emerald-eyed beauty with glasses far

too big for her face. She wore her school uniform and a bored expression.

"Eric,

you should know you have a greater tendency to make us late for school than I

do," Mia sighed at her twin brother.

Although

they were twins, it was hard to tell. Eric was dark-haired, broad-shouldered,

and on the tall side, while Mia was red-haired and of average height. The only

feature they shared was their striking emerald green eyes, a gift from their

mother, who had sadly passed away two months ago before they moved to Darkview.

"You're not even completely dressed?" Mia asked, unimpressed.

"I thought you were still asleep! Besides, you know I don't put on my shirt until

after breakfast," Eric replied, hinting that breakfast was waiting downstairs.

MIA

Going to school has never been the highlight of my day, and starting a new school is

definitely not my favorite event. Eric doesn't seem affected by it, though. Why

should he? Wherever he goes, he's always the popular kid. He's got the

confidence of a giant.

"Ouch!"

Damn it, I really need to watch where I'm going.

"Mia, honey, you've got to be more careful," my dad said as he walked by. He's a

professor at the state university.

"I'm alright. What's for breakfast?" I asked, hoping for something other than

cereal.

"Cereal," he replied with a chuckle. I should have known better. Dad doesn't cook—not

because he can't, but because he generally forgets to buy groceries due to his

busy schedule.

"Always,"

I muttered, watching Eric slurp his cereal, leaving a mess on the table. The

sight of my brother's less-than-graceful eating habits was not one his fans

ever got to see

Ugh, no wonder girls fawn over him; they've never seen this part of him.

"Dad!!"

I called out, exasperated.

"Time to go!" he shouted back, shoving his papers into a bag.

I quickly packed up my things and headed to the car while Eric put on his shirt,

literally practicing his "cool" demeanor in the reflection of the hallway

mirror.

"Do you think they'll like me at the new school?" I asked, feeling a twinge of

anxiety.

"Just be yourself, Mia. They'll love you," Eric said, though I could tell he wasn't

thinking much beyond his own popularity.

 As we stepped outside, the sun cast a golden glow over Darkview, but it did little

to lift my spirits. I was about to face a whole new set of challenges, and I

couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. As we piled into the

car, the familiar hum of the engine filled the air. Eric slid into the passenger seat, flashing his signature grin.

"Can you at least try not to embarrass me today?" he teased, adjusting his hair in the visor mirror.

"Me? Embarrass you? Please, you do a good enough job on your own," I shot back, rolling my eyes.

"Oh, come on! Just

don't be weird, okay?" Eric replied, a hint of annoyance creeping into his

voice.

"I'm not the one who

wears his shirt inside out half the time!" I retorted, smirking.

Dad chuckled from the driver's seat. "Maybe you two should focus on getting to school instead of

fighting."

Eric crossed his arms, pretending to sulk. "Fine, but Mia better not do anything to ruin my

reputation."

"Your reputation?

You mean the one built on slurping cereal and acting like a goof?" I laughed,

feeling a little lighter despite the upcoming day.

"Alright, alright! Let's save the sibling rivalry for later," Dad interjected, glancing at us

through the rearview mirror.

"Mia, how are you feeling about starting a new

school?"

"I don't know. I just wish I could blend in, you know? I'm not exactly the most outgoing

person," I admitted, my voice softening. I was against leaving after mum died

but dad had promised her he would do his best to take care of us and that

included accepting a job at Darkview State University (DVSU). It was tough

making friends and now I had to leave everything behind.

Dad nodded, his expression turning serious. "I get that. But remember, it's okay to be

yourself. The right people will appreciate you for who you are."

"I just don't want to be seen as the 'new girl' who's awkward and different," I confessed,

fiddling with the hem of my uniform.

"Different is good,"

Dad said, his tone encouraging. "It's what makes you special. Embrace it. Trust

me, it's the people who try too hard to fit in that end up being miserable."

"Easy for you to say. You're not the one starting over," I muttered, but his words stuck with me.

Eric turned in his seat, a smirk on his face. "Hey, at least you won't have to worry about fitting

in with my friends. They'll love you—once they get over the shock of how weird

you are."

"Thanks for the vote

of confidence, Eric," I shot back, trying to keep my frustration in check.

Dad chuckled again,

breaking the tension. "You know, there's no such thing as normal. Everyone has

their quirks. Just focus on being you, and the rest will follow."

As we pulled into

the school parking lot, I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. "Alright, time

to face the day," I said, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

"Just remember what I said," Dad reminded me as I opened the door.

"I will," I replied,

taking a deep breath as I stepped out into the chaos of students bustling

around.

Eric hopped out beside me, a confident grin plastered on his face. "Let's make today awesome, okay?"

"Sure, if by 'awesome' you mean surviving without embarrassing each other," I replied,

shaking my head as we headed toward the entrance.