A NEW SCHOOL

The start of my high school journey had finally arrived! As the sun rose on a fresh Monday morning, I greeted myself with excitement and anticipation in front of the mirror. After a refreshing bath, I meticulously selected the perfect ensemble to make a lasting impression on my first day.

Taking a moment to admire my reflection in the mirror, I noticed a change in my appearance. My once long, sleek, black hair now sported with vibrant highlights, adding a touch of uniqueness to my overall look. I like it, it's my hobby.

While preparing myself, the aroma of a delicious breakfast wafted through the air, drawing me towards the kitchen in search of my mom.

"Oh, my princess Jezz, you look so lovely, my dear," My mother exclaimed. She had always praised my appearance, even going as far as to say that I was the height of a model.

However, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment when I realized that I was taller than some of the boys in my class. Standing at five feet nine inches, I towered over most girls my age, and I was still growing. Some of the boys would compliment my hazel eyes, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was just a cheesy pickup line. My best friend, Tagi, on the other hand, insisted that I was truly blessed with my looks. I found it hard to believe her, though. It had only been a year since we had that conversation, and I hadn't changed much since then.

"From now on, things will get busier for you. Enjoy your time at school and have fun with your friends," my mom added, as if preparing me for the challenges that lay ahead. She made all my favorites. Fried rice, crispy dried fish, medium eggs, and coffee, I started devouring the food. I have been so hungry lately.

"No worries, Mom, I can eat all of it." I told Mom to assure her.

"Eat slowly; we have another bowl of fried rice," Mom said. When she notices that I ate two bowls of fried rice already, she thinks that it was too much for me. This is a nice way to start. I'm trying to help myself gain more confidence, but to be honest, I felt nervous at that time.

"Thank you, Mom. You always know exactly what I need." I said, and kissed her cheek before saying goodbye.

"I can take you to school," mom offered.

"Thanks," I said.

As I gather my belongings and prepare to leave, my family and I set off towards school, which is conveniently located just an 8-minute drive away from our home. Along the way, we passed by my father's workplace at the college school, where I hope to be accepted next year if I can maintain my high grades. With this in mind, I remind myself to remain focused and dedicated to my studies. Eventually, we arrive at the high school, which is so vast and stunning that it resembles a college campus. A sense of awe washes over me, almost as if I am under the spell of a dormant spirit. I find myself captivated, unable to tear my eyes away from the sight before me. Glancing at the watch adorning my left wrist, I realized that I had arrived a bit early. Taking this opportunity, I begin my leisurely stroll from the entrance gate, bidding farewell to my mother as she departs. As I make my way, I notice the occasional subtle glances from passersby, adding a touch of curiosity to the start of my day.

Thankfully, nothing means. I have registered online already. So, I just need to go to the registration office and pick up my schedule. Then I realized I attract a lot of male attention, and I don't like that. I have never really been interested in dating. I have goals and a career to think about. My mom was pregnant at 20 and had to leave college for a while to take care of me. She says it was the best thing she ever did, but she doesn't want me to sacrifice my dreams. I wonder if she ever felt that way. She has never even hinted at it. But I still wonder. According to her, I am her entire world, and she wouldn't trade me for anything.

"How blessed I am" I said to myself. An older woman with glasses on a chain was at the front desk.

"Hi, I'm Abby Jezz Urdanzo, and I am new here." I told her with a smile.

"Welcome, Miss Urdanzo" She extended her hand for a shake. So, I held my right hand out to her.

"I have all your papers here. This is a map of the campus; you will need it. This is your class schedule. You must keep it and, lastly, the key to your locker with a number imprinted on it" a woman said. First, I look at the map of the huge school with a little trepidation.

"Xyler is here; he can show you to your locker and your first class." She points to a boy, shorter than me, who is filing papers. He pushes up his glasses and stares at me. His cheeks turn a rosy pink.

"Oh, OK, sure." He stutters as he looks at my schedule. He first shows me to my locker, which I open using the key I was given. After that, we headed to my first class, TLE (Technology and Livelihood Program). He leaves me there at the door with a little shy wave. I went inside and greeted my new teacher. He is about 50 years old and has messy white hair like Einstein. Maybe it's a look he's going for. I told him my name, and he handed me a heavy book and told me to go ahead and take a seat in the front. I hesitate because I don't like the idea of everyone staring at the back of my head. I reluctantly sat down as I looked through the book.

The room fills with students, and I get a lot of stares. I'm sure they will be surprised by a new student in January. After the bell rings and the class settles down, the teacher announces my presence. I want to sink under the desk.

"We have a new student. Miss Abby Jezz Urdanzo, please give her a warm welcome." I hear a few hellos and mumbles. And then the torture is over. I'm glad he didn't make me say something about myself. That would be so embarrassing.

The guy next to me gave me a big smile and a wink. What does that wink even mean? I just smile back and then face forward.

After class, I take out my map and schedule. The Wink guy offers to show me to my next class. I took the offer since I had no idea where I was going. This school is massive.

"You need to head to the other wing." He points at the map, which shows two distinctive wings with a multipurpose room in the center. He places his hand on my lower back as we walk. I don't feel comfortable with that. So, I sped up just a little to get out of his reach. He takes the hint and removes his hand.

"I can come back here at the end of class and show you to your next room if you like." He offered. "Thank you, but I should probably try to figure it out on my own," I said.

"Oh, okay, Jezz. I'll see you around, I guess," he replied. He waves as he turns and goes on to his own class. The Wink guy was nice, but I don't want to give him the wrong impression. I am not interested.

I entered my English class with high hopes. I love reading, and I love English. I hope I like the teacher. That makes a big difference to me. A good teacher can change the way I think. Someone is pushing a table in the front. I saw him but I intended to pass him by, never intervene what he was going to do now. Maybe he wanted a nice view, or space in the classroom. But I didn't expect to be hit by his elbow.

"Oh, sorry I didn't see you..." he told me immediately. We make eye contact. My breath hitches. His brown eyes meet mine, and I forget where I am. I just stared at him. Neither of us said a word. Then he took a big breath. I took a big breath. He smells amazing. What the heck? Since when do I smell people?

"I'm really sorry I didn't mean it, are you hurt?" he asked me. I heard his voice but, it seemed like the sounds of "tweet, tweet" in my ears.

This guy must have the most amazing cologne ever. He's still staring at me and I'm still staring at him. I hear someone clearing their throat behind me. It snapped me out of whatever that was.

"I'm new here." I suddenly snuck in.