The next morning was Hope's first day of school. Which made her and Steve both nervous. Probably because she still got brainwashed and people say that she's evil.

As Steve was driving, Hope was looking out the window. At the bright sunshine. She never saw anything that beautiful before. And Steve was trying to make conversation.

"So... new school, huh? You must be excited." Steve said before Hope ignores him. "You know I was bullied...." Steve continued on as Hope cancels his voice out.

When they got there, Steve got out of the car and opened the door for Hope.

"Come on. Let's go." Steve said before Hope gets out of the car. And walks to the school. They both went into the principal office to officially set Hope up.
—————

The principal leaded Hope into her first class. English. As they went into the classroom, they casually interrupted the class.

"Oh. Mr. Gill. What a pleasure." The female teacher said to the principal.

"Hey, sorry for interrupting. But we have a new student. Her name is Hope." Mr. Gills informed.

"Oh. Well, nice to meet you, Hope." The teacher says before Hope nodded with a smile. "You can sit with..... Penny." The teacher pointed at a girl with dark brunette hair with turquoise eyes, buried in her books. She shot up a look towards the teacher.

"Me?" Penny asked softly.

"Yes. Is it a problem?" The teacher asked.

"No. No, not at all, Ms. V." Penny smiled.

"Good. You can sit now, Hope." The teacher informed Hope. Then Hope slowly walked to the seat next to Penny and sat on it. The two girls exchanged looks, but that's it.
————

At lunch, Hope had a salad but she didn't care. Because of all the eyes on her. She feels all eyes on her as she walked towards the nearest table to her. She can see them. Talking.

"What a freak." They say.

When she sat in her empty table, she was just digging in her food. Playing with it. Observing it. Then the familiar girl arrives at her table and sat across from her. Penny.

"Hey." Penny said with a smile. But Hope kept looking down. "I'm Penny. You must be Hope."

Hope nods. "You don't talk that much, do you?" Penny asked her before Hope shakes her head no.

"Oh. Well, I think it's cool. It's like you're from another planet. Not normal." Penny started off. "Maybe we could be friends?"

"Friends?" Hope finally spoke.

"You know, a person who hangs out with you and keeps you company."

"Oh."

"I understand if you don't want me to be your friend. Actually, I don't know what I'm doing. This was stupid, anyways." Penny said walking away from the table. But Hope stopped her.

"No." Hope said. "Stay."

"Oh. Okay." Penny said going back to Hope's table.

"Friend." Hope said.

"Friend." Penny said back.
————

After school, the two friends walk out of school, talking and laughing. And Steve was waiting for Hope in his car to see this. With her, laughing and smiling. It touched Steve in a way that only he would understand.

He then honked his horn to get Hope attention. Which he did.

"Hey. See you tomorrow, best friend." Penny says before Hope nods. And she walked back into Steve's car. Still looking at Penny.

"Hey, sweetpea. How was school?" Steve said messing up Hope's hair as she continues to look at Penny.

"Good." She says.

"Good. Who's that girl that you were talking to?"

"Penny."