DREAM HIGH SCHOOL

LUNA'S POV

As I stood in our small living room, clutching the acceptance letter from XOXO High, I couldn't help but feel like I was on top of the world. My heart racing, I read the words over and over again, making sure it was real.

"Congratulations, Luna! You have been accepted to XOXO High School's prestigious music and dance program..."

I looked up to see my mom beaming with pride, tears welling up in her eyes. My grandma, who had always been my rock, smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. My little brother, Max, looked up at me with wide eyes, not fully understanding what was happening, but sensing the excitement in the air.

And then, there was Oliver. My best friend, who had been attending XOXO High for the past two years. Her dad was a prominent politician, and she was used to the luxuries that came with it. But despite our different backgrounds, we had clicked instantly. She had been my biggest supporter throughout the application process, and I knew she would be thrilled when she found out the news.

But as I looked around our humble living room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. XOXO High was a school for the elite, the rich and famous. What was I, a girl from a low-income family, doing there? The scholarship I had received would cover most of my expenses, but I knew I would still have to navigate a world that was far removed from my own.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I had worked hard to get here, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. I thought about Oliver, and how she would be by my side every step of the way.

"Mom, Grandma, I'm going to do this," I said, my voice firm. "I'm going to make you both proud."

My mom smiled, her eyes

shining with tears. "We're already proud of you, Luna. We always have been."it

I grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. I knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible journey.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity as I prepared to start at XOXL High. I spent hours shopping with my mom and grandma, trying to find outfits that would fit in with the school's glamorous atmosphere. We managed to find a few affordable pieces, but I knew I would still stand out as a scholarship student.

Oliver, on the other hand, was thrilled to be showing me the ropes. She took me on a tour of the school's sprawling campus, introducing me to her friends and teachers. Everywhere we went, people seemed to know and adore Oliver. She was a social butterfly, and I was grateful to have her by my side.

As we walked through the school's opulent hallways, I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. Everyone seemed so polished, so perfect. I worried that I would stick out like a sore thumb.

But Oliver just laughed when I expressed my concerns. "You're going to love it here, Luna," she said, linking her arm through mine. "And I'm going to make sure you fit right in."

I smiled, feeling grateful for her friendship. With Oliver by my side, I knew I could conquer anything XOXO High threw my way.

The first day of school arrived, and I woke up feeling like it was Christmas morning. I put on my favorite outfit, a flowy skirt and a bright yellow top, and headed downstairs to grab some breakfast.

My mom and grandma were waiting for me in the kitchen, beaming with pride. "You look beautiful, Luna," my mom said, giving me a hug.

I grinned, feeling like the luckiest person alive. "Thanks, Mom. I'm going to make you proud."

With that, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door, ready to take on whatever XOXOHigh had in store for me.

As I walked through the gates of XOXO High, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The school's campus was even more beautiful than I had remembered, with its lush green lawns, sparkling fountains, and stunning architecture.

Oliver was waiting for me by the entrance, looking stylish in her designer uniform. "Hey, girl!" she exclaimed, giving me a hug. "I'm so excited you're finally here!"

I grinned, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks, Ollie. I'm excited too."

As we made our way to our locker, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the other students. I knew that XOXO High was a school for the elite, and I stuck out like a sore thumb in my thrift store uniform.

But Oliver didn't seem to notice. She chatted effortlessly with our classmates, introducing me to her friends and acquaintances. I tried to keep up, but it was clear that I was the odd one out.

Our first class was music theory, and I was relieved to find that I was actually pretty good at it. The teacher, Mrs. Jenkins, was strict but fair, and I found myself enjoying the challenge of learning new concepts.

But as the day went on, I began to feel more and more overwhelmed. The classes were tough, and the other students seemed to have an edge that I didn't. I started to wonder if I had made a mistake by coming to XOXO High.

At lunchtime, Oliver dragged me to the cafeteria, where we sat down at a table with her friends. They were all chatting and laughing, and I felt like an outsider.

But then, something unexpected happened. One of Oliver's friends, a boy named Ethan, started talking to me about music. We bonded over our shared love of singing and songwriting, and before I knew it, I was laughing and joking with the group like I had known them forever.

As we walked out of the cafeteria, Oliver grinned at me. "See, I told you you'd fit right in!"

I smiled back, feeling a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected. Maybe, just maybe, I was going to make it at XOXO High after all.