THE FIRST DAY

The alarm buzzed, and for a moment, Sia didn't move. The room was dim, curtains still drawn, but she could hear Sophie's music blasting down the hall.

She groaned, pressing a pillow over her face. First day. New school. New everything.

With a sigh she ran a hand through her hair-messy, tangled from sleep-before forcing herself up, dragging herself out of bed, she padded down the hall and nudged Sophie's door open. The scent of vanilla filled the air.

Sophie stood in front of the mirror applying gloss, lips pursed as she applied a final layer. Her soft brown curls framed her face, bouncing slightly as she moved. Bright, expressive eyes met Sia's through the reflection.

"You look like you're about to throw up," Sophie teased.

"I'm not nervous," Sia muttered, grabbing a brush and tugging it through her hair.

"You're lying."

Sia rolled her eyes, but Sophie just smirked, spinning around. "Come on. New school, new people. Maybe even a new boyfriend."

Sia shot her a look. "I just got here."

Sophie shrugged. "And?"

Sia didn't answer. She wasn't thinking about boys, or friends, or anything that made this move exciting. She just wanted to get through today unnoticed.

—

Breakfast

Their mom was already at the kitchen counter when they came down. Dressed in tailored navy trousers and a sleek blouse, she looked as polished as ever, her long locs pulled into a low, elegant bun. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air as she poured herself a cup.

"Morning," she said, not looking up from her phone.

"Morning," Sophie replied, grabbing a slice of toast.

Sia sat down, staring at her untouched plate as their mom finally set her phone aside.

"I'll be in meetings all day," she said, adjusting her watch. "First day at the new branch, so I'll be swamped."

Sophie nodded like she already knew. "Makes sense. The transfer worked out pretty smoothly."

Their mom shot her a knowing look. "I made sure of that."

She took a sip of coffee, then glanced at the girls. "And you two? Ready for your first day?"

Sophie grinned. "Of course."

Sia just nodded.

Their mom studied them for a second before softening—just a little. "Good. And Sia?"

Sia looked up.

"Give this place a chance."

Sia swallowed. "Yeah."

Their mom nodded, then grabbed her bag and keys. "Have a good first day."

The door shut behind her, leaving the two of them alone.

Sophie grabbed her sunglasses. "Alright, let's do this."

—

At School

The parking lot was chaos. Students spilled out of cars, music thumping from someone's speakers. Groups formed naturally—friendships already set in place.

Sophie was thriving. She spotted a girl with curly brown hair and immediately struck up a conversation, leaving Sia to navigate alone.

Inside, the school smelled like disinfectant and cheap perfume. Rows of lockers. Fluorescent lights. Loud chatter.

Sia found the office, got her schedule, and attempted to blend in.

Her first class was English. She slid into a seat in the back, head down, but she could feel the weight of curious glances. New girl radar was real.

Then—

"Hey, this seat taken?"

Sia glanced up.

A girl stood beside her desk, eyebrow raised. Her deep brown skin contrasted sharply against the crisp white of her fitted crop jacket. Dark, observant eyes flickered with amusement, her full lips curved into a knowing smirk. Her thick, coily hair was styled into an intricate braided updo, edges sleek and perfect. Everything about her—her style, her posture—radiated confidence.

"No," Sia said.

The girl sat, pulling out a notebook. "I'm Jada."

"Sia."

Jada leaned in slightly, dropping her voice. "You're the new girl, right?"

Sia sighed. "That obvious?"

Jada grinned. "You look like you want the ground to swallow you. Don't worry, people get over new kids fast. By next week, no one will care."

Sia almost smiled.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

—

Lunch

Sophie had already integrated herself into a packed table, laughing like she'd been here for years.

Sia? Not so much.

She scanned the cafeteria, debating whether to sit alone.

"Yo, Sia."

She turned.

Jada. Sitting alone, one leg casually propped up on the chair across from her. She nodded toward the empty seat.

Sia hesitated, then walked over.

"So," Jada said, taking a bite of her sandwich. "Tell me something. Are you cool, or just pretending to be?"

Sia blinked. "Uh—"

Jada smirked. "Good answer."

—

End of the Day

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as they stepped outside. Sophie unlocked the car, sliding on her sunglasses.

"So? How was your first day?"

Sia buckled in, exhaling. "Not terrible."

Sophie grinned. "Told you."

As they pulled away, Sia looked out the window.

The town looked normal enough.

But something about it still felt... off.

Maybe it was just her.