As Olivia and Reiji headed into the school, a younger woman at a foot taller than them sauntered behind them, asking the security for instructions on where to go before noticing the two, particularly the young teenage girl.

She smiled. "She's not alone like I was," before slumping. "Hope her love life is better than mine."

The dark skin woman adjusted her glasses and ensured her suit, pants, and ponytail were proper, finding the main office. Many faces were ones she wasn't aware of, though a few ones stuck out, one of whom remembered her.

"Michelle James," an older blonde woman with a shrewd face, snidely called. "You actually made something of yourself," hollering. "Who ever expected you to become a teacher?"

"Well, substitute," nervously reliving some bad memories of that teacher. "Maybe by the end of this semester, I'll be a full fledged teacher!"

"As if," laughing at her expense. Ms. James tried not to clench her bag in her fists.

"Calm down Michelle. You've taught at elementary and middle school. Just have to do your best and wait until one of these old farts can bite the bucket," she thought. "Well we'll see, maybe I'll be an even better teacher than you."

"You trying to say I wasn't good?"

She gulped when a man of large stature interrupted them.

"What's with the negativity, Ms. Pyrite? Is that any way to treat our family?"

Pyrite and James took a closer look at the man. He had the same dark skin, but was a few inches taller than her, and had a larger stomach. Yet his face was shaped strong with a handsome smile to match.

"Hello, I'm the new principal of the school, Gary Vival."

"Cute and chunky," she thought. "Michelle James. I'm just a sub but it's my first day working at a high school. You just started too?"

"I've taught at other schools before, but this is my first rodeo as the big man in charge," about to head out to meet the freshmen. "Care to join me?"

She obliged and followed alongside him.

"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

"Twenty-six. You?"

"Twenty-nine," impressing her. "It's not a big deal. I just want to lead these kids to a happier future and boost their morale."

She sighed. "I wish I had that back then."

"But now, we can correct that mistake, right? I'm counting on you as much as any other teacher here."

Her cheeks widened, thanking him as they walked into the auditorium. He walked at the podium while she stood beside him and other teachers.

Olivia, Reiji, and the rest of the freshmen paid close attention as he introduced himself to them.

"As your home away from home, it is my responsibility to ensure you succeed academically, inspire leadership, and find trust within one another. To help navigate your success, you have to participate in at least one club. High school is a new adventure for you all, but that doesn't mean you have to navigate it alone. Now before you resume your classes, take some time now to get to know your peers before class begins. If you ever need anything, you have me to thank," even winking at Ms. James.

Olivia nodded and whispered in agreement, asking Reiji if he wanted to join one with her, much to her joy.

"Though it's probably a good idea to make some friends before then. There's anyone you know?"

She shook her head while another lady around her age had her eyes on the two.