I looked in the mirror one last time. My hair was pulled back in a high ponytail with my bangs left down to frame my face. Before leaving for her trip Auntie had chosen my outfit for my first day of school. I was wearing a pale pink undershirt with a lightweight white jacket that covered up my arms completely along with light wash skinny jeans. White ankle boots with small heels completed the look. The clothes seemed extremely fancy for going to school especially since my previous private school had a mandatory uniform, but I trusted Auntie's fashion sense.

Swinging my almost empty backpack over one shoulder I thought of all the notebooks and textbooks that would soon fill it with anticipation. I was excited to be able to own up to the fact that I was a complete nerd. In my old school, I had a dangerous image; most people had no idea that I was the top student in the school. Even if they had seen my name on the honor roll they wouldn't have associated it with me. I shook my head and smiled at my reflection. I don't need to hide anymore, I thought to myself firmly.

I arrived at school to find the parking lot almost completely empty. I looked down at my watch and chuckled to myself. In my excitement, I had somehow managed to arrive an hour early. Shrugging, I headed to the doors and discovered happily that they were open as they swung in without resistance.

Slowly I wandered the halls, looking at all of the nameplates above the doors and trying to remember as many as possible. The school appeared to be divided into wings: Science wing, English wing, Math wing, and so on. After my exploration was complete, I realized that a couple of students had started trickling in, probably from club meetings and practices, I assumed.

Turning around, I made my way back to the front of the school where the principal's office was located and noticed a door down the hall labeled "Student Council Room." Feeling curious, I walked over and knocked lightly. I heard a faint, "Come in" and let myself in as directed. The room was large with desks arranged in a U shape facing a large desk where a boy with golden hair was sitting. He looked up from a paper he was reading and I met his gold eyes head-on and I couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"You really are the student council president."

Nathaniel looked stunned and a little hurt at my comment."You thought I was lying?" he asked with a frown.

I could feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and I bit my lip slightly before shaking my head. "N-no. You had no reason to lie about something like that. I'm sorry," I apologized, feeling foolish.

His face relaxed and he waved a hand in dismissal. "Don't worry about it. Did you bring the fee and photo?"

I pulled out the photo I had gotten yesterday and the 25 dollars from my purse I had stashed in my backpack, handing them both to Nathaniel. "You said something about an enrollment form? I thought I turned that in with my other paperwork?"

Nathaniel nodded, "Yes, you filled it out, but someone must have given you an outdated class schedule because you signed up for a couple of classes that we don't actually offer, I'm afraid to say."

I blinked in surprise. "Which ones?"

Nathaniel pulled out a sheet of paper from the file he had placed my picture into and studied it for a minute. He then pointed to the bottom of the page.

"You signed up for AP Calculus and AP Government. However, both of those classes were taken off the roster a couple of years ago due to lack of participation."

My shoulders slumped and I barely resisted the urge to sigh. I had been excited to see that they had those classes so that I wouldn't have felt like I had wasted my time in my old school by taking the classes my junior year instead of my senior. I had even moved around my schedule to make sure they fit in.

"I see. Well, could I get an updated class schedule so I could revise my choices?"

Nathaniel's cheeks turned a slightly pink color as he cleared his throat. "Actually, since it was the school's mistake I took the liberty of changing it myself. You can, of course, choose different classes if you'd like but..." Nathaniel trailed off as he handed me a different paper.

I took it with interest and looked over the schedule he had made for me. He'd switched around my classes so that my hard classes were all in the morning and the easier ones were in the afternoon. I noticed with interest that he had replaced AP Calculus with regular Calculus and AP Government with World History.

"World History? Why didn't you change it to regular government?"

"Ah, Government is actually a senior-only class here at Sweet Amoris. I asked the principal to make an exception, but she refused. I'm sorry. Was there a different class you'd like to take?" he asked while reaching for a class catalog, but I shook my head.

"No, World History will be fine. Thank you, Nathaniel. This saves me a lot of hassle. I'm sorry you had to go to the trouble of fixing my schedule for me."

"Oh, it was no trouble. I enjoy organizing things and making them more efficient," he admitted while tucking my file into a cabinet against the wall.

"So, you're going to be a businessman later in life?" I asked and he laughed.

"Maybe. Your locker number and combination are at the bottom of your schedule. Have you had a tour of the school yet?"

"I came early and looked around; I shouldn't have any trouble finding my classes."

Nathaniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise at that comment and he turned to look at me completely. "How early?" he asked curiously.

Feeling a little sheepish but also weirdly proud, I glanced at my watch.

"About forty minutes ago." Nathaniel's mouth fell open and I covered my mouth with my hand to keep myself from laughing at his shocked look. "I'd better let you get back to work. Thank you for everything."

I walked out without waiting for Nathaniel's reply. He seemed like a very nice guy. Serious and studious, he admitted his faults easily... I couldn't remember ever meeting someone like him. I walked away towards my locker, wondering if there was something special people did to become friends in real life or if it just happened naturally like in books.

Placing my backpack and purse in my locker, I removed only my schedule, a notebook, and a mechanical pencil to take with me as I headed to my first class: Chemistry. I was the first one to class and I sat down in the first row at the far end of the class. I was pretty sure the teacher was going to ask me to introduce myself so it made sense to sit in the front. After a few minutes, I began to hear the sounds of students arriving and chatter coming from the hall. I smiled and looked out the window. This classroom was on the second story floor and I could see into the parking lot which was filling up quickly.

As I listened to the growing noise coming from the hall I wondered what to do. I didn't think it was necessary to be a recluse anymore. In fact, I really wanted to talk to some people and make friends... but the years of avoiding such a situation were hard to forget. As I was mulling over what the best course of action would be to at least make a good first impression, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning in surprise, I found myself looking at a smiling redhead. Her hair was tied in a loose side braid and she was smiling brightly at me.

"Hi, my name is Iris. Are you new?"

I opened my mouth to respond when my voice caught and I cleared my throat self-consciously. This kind of welcome was way beyond my expectations and I wasn't quite sure how to react. The girls at my old school had given me a wide berth and never came up to me on their own. Although that probably had a lot to do with the rumors. My mind snapped back to the present and I smiled up at Iris.

"Yes, I moved here over spring break. My name is Opal."

"Opal, huh? That's an unusual name. I love your hair! Do you dye it?" Iris asked, sitting in the seat next to me. I smiled in surprise at her bluntness, but I couldn't help but enjoy her straightforward attitude.

"Thank you, but no, I don't dye it. This is my natural hair color."

"No way! I'm so jealous!"

More and more people continued to trickle into the classroom. Several of them greeted Iris and I got some curious glances, but no one else joined in on our conversation which was fine with me. It was strange having such a carefree conversation with someone my age.

Before I knew it, the bell rang out through the school and the rest of the students streamed into the classroom, taking seats and chatting about their spring break adventures. A short woman with gray hair pulled into a tight bun walked into the classroom, followed by a middle-aged man with light brown hair and an unfortunate receding hairline just as the tardy bell rang out. The short woman looked at a clipboard in her hand and then raised her head.

"Opal Sato?" she called out abruptly. I looked at her with surprise and raised my hand, uncertain what was going on. The woman noticed me and smiled.

"Ah, there you are. I am the Principal of Sweet Amoris. I was expecting you to come to see me before you came to class, but Nathaniel told me that he had already given you your schedule. If you would please stand," she explained while beckoning for me to come up next to her. Trying not to seem nervous, I followed her silent command. She reached out and pulled on my elbow, prompting me to face the dozens of curious eyes that were locked on me.

"This is Opal Sato. She has recently moved here and I expect you all to make her feel welcome, alright? Would you like to introduce yourself, Opal?"

I forced a smile for the principal. I had somewhat been expecting this, but not from the principal herself. Trying to focus my attention on the class I saw Iris wave at me and I gave her a grateful smile.

"There isn't much to tell. My name is Opal Sato and I'm seventeen years old. I used to live in a city much larger than this so I am enjoying the change. I look forward to my time here at Sweet Amoris."

The principal nodded happily and motioned for me to take my seat again. I sat down and she launched into a speech about the importance of chemistry and how it could open many doors for us in the future. I blinked in surprise but listened carefully, even writing down a few notes. After she was finished she ordered us to work hard and then left. I glanced over at Iris with one eyebrow raised in silent inquiry.

She giggled and whispered, "She used to be the chemistry teacher before she became principal, so she'll pop in randomly once a month or so and gives the same speech."

I nodded my understanding and turned my attention back to the teacher who had launched into a lecture. The bell rang an hour later and all the students began packing up.

"So, what's your next class?" Iris asked me as we walked out of the room together.

"Calculus. What about you?"

"Calc?!? That's intense! I've got English 11. What about third period?"

Glancing down to check my schedule I replied, "AP English and I have Physics after that."

"No way! What are you, a genius?" she asked with wide eyes and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Not hardly. I just enjoy studying." Iris laughed with me and stopped at the staircase.

"Well, my locker is downstairs in the English wing. After morning classes are over meet me there and we can go to lunch together."

"Thanks a lot, Iris! I'll see you after fourth period."

Iris waved and went downstairs, so I turned to find my next class. I was surprised to find that I was ahead in Calculus by several chapters, so it was an easy period for me. After that class, I made my way to AP English and found that I enjoyed the teacher much more than my last one. The class was starting on their final paper, a persuasive essay on a topic of their choice. I ended up spending the period researching different topics I could write about.

Fourth period Physics was fascinating. The teacher at Sweet Amoris used real-life problems that we as teenagers might face as his examples and I found myself understanding them easily. When the bell rang to signal lunch hour I made my way down to the end of the English hall to wait for Iris. I scanned the crowds of students for Iris's red hair when she turned the corner. I walked towards her and she waved when she saw me.

"Hey Iris, how were your classes?"

Iris shoved her textbooks into her locker with a groan. "My mom is going to kill me. We got our test results for the exam we took before break in Pre-Cal and I got a C-."

"I could help you if you'd like. I'm pretty good at Math."

Iris beamed up at me and I realized that I was a good three inches taller than her."Thank you, Opal! But I am so done with Math right now. Let's go get something to eat!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I still have to put away my books and grab my purse. Can you save me a seat?"

"Sure thing, you know where the cafeteria is?" I nodded and she trotted to catch up with some of her other friends heading to the cafeteria.

I headed for my locker and was surprised at the lack of students in the hall. Most of them seemed to be either in classrooms eating in groups or heading to the cafeteria. With my locker being towards the back of the school near one of the staircases I didn't have to worry about jostling people to get to it, which was quite nice. I placed my textbooks in my locker with much more care than Iris had and reached for my purse when I heard an obnoxious laugh come from behind me.

"You must be the new kid. What do you think you're wearing? It's spring, not winter."

I startled slightly at the unexpected voice. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw three girls surrounding me. The one in the middle, who seemed to be the leader, had blonde hair the same length as mine but left free to fall down her back in beautiful waves. One of her friends looked Asian, perhaps Chinese, with light brown skin, slanted black eyes, and straight black hair. The third had brown hair pulled back into a ponytail and her entire aura gave off a "touch me and you die" vibe.

Wondering what they could want I turned back around, pulled my purse out, and shut my locker door before turning to face the three. "Can I help you?"

The blonde sneered at me, "Aw, aren't you so cute and polite. Look, new kid, there is a certain way this school is run. First off, you give me your money and then I leave you alone until the next collection date."

I could feel my eyebrows arch as high as they could go in surprise. "Why?" I asked in confusion.

The blonde's cheeks blazed red with anger and her green eyes narrowed at me. "You cheeky idiot, give me your money. Now!"

"Do you need it?" I asked, thoroughly confused.

She looked at me like I was crazy and her two friends met each other's eyes with wicked grins. The blonde flipped her hair dramatically and sighed.

"Yes, I do. My friends and I want to go to a new restaurant that just opened and we are just a little short on cash. So you're going to be a dear and help us out, aren't you?"

I stood there motionless, just watching the three of them until I could tell their tempers were about to break. In my last school, everyone thought I was a gangster and steered clear of me, so I'd never dealt with a bully before. However, from books I had read, I knew that if you gave in then the bullies would never stop, so I decided to stand my ground.

"You know, asking for money from a perfect stranger is quite rude," I pointed out, trying to sound logical. The blonde laughed her obnoxious laugh and narrowed her eyes even further, making them look almost snake-like.

"You really are an idiot. We outnumber you. Just give us your money and you won't have to get hurt." I blinked in shock, glancing around at the empty hall and wondering if this happened often in public schools.

"Are you threatening me?" I asked, slightly incredulous.

The leader snarled and whipped a hand out to pull my hair. Years of training kicked in and I ducked and slipped through the space between her and her Asian friend. The girls turned around to face me and I extended a hand to them, trying to be friendly in hopes that they would calm down.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot here. My name is Opal," I said, trying my best to smile naturally as the Chinese girl looked back to where I had been standing moments ago and where I was now. The blonde glared at me and placed a hand on her hip, blatantly ignoring my offered hand.

"I'm Amber, these are my friends, Charlotte and Li. We rule this school so don't get a big head because you have some fancy moves. Hand over your money and we won't get rough."

This girl doesn't know when to quit, I thought to myself and shook my head, letting my hand fall back to my side.

"Amber, Charlotte, and Li. It's nice to meet you all... but, if you'll excuse me, I was on my way to get some lunch."

Charlotte stepped in front of me with a menacing glare and Amber and Li came at me from the side and the back. I sighed. I really didn't want to make a scene and once more glanced down the empty halls, wondering if anyone might walk by to see what was going on.

Suddenly, Charlotte shoved me towards Li, who shoved me towards Amber, who attempted to shove me into the opposite wall of lockers. Instead, I grabbed onto Amber's forearm and used the momentum from her shove to pull her into a spin. She lost her balance and began falling, but I kept a hold of her arm so that she didn't crack her head on the ground. Angrily she yanked her arm out of my grasp and lunged for one of my feet, but I nimbly jumped out of reach, twisting to keep Li from grabbing my jacket.

Biting my lip in mild frustration, I turned to face the three girls. Li was looking at me with shock and confusion, Charlotte was helping Amber up, and Amber was giving me a look that said clearly that she was going to make me pay for this. I sighed and shook my head.

"Look, let's just forget about this. You obviously don't need my money. You're all wearing designer clothes, so there's no way that you don't have enough money to go out to eat..." I reasoned, once again trying the logical tactic. It hadn't worked before, but maybe now that they saw I wasn't scared of them...

Amber hissed in anger and stalked over to me. I spread my feet into a comfortable stance, just in case, but she stopped within inches of my face, glaring at me.

"This isn't over. You think you're clever, don't you? You're just an ugly freak." She turned back to her friends and said, "Come on, girls. We got enough from the wimp. We'll settle this another day."

The three flounced past me. Before I could let out a sigh, Amber whirled around while pointing a threatening finger at me.

"Listen, new kid, you better leave Nathaniel alone. You go near him and you'll wish you had never been born."

You shouldn't have been born, my father's voice whispered in the back of my mind.

I looked away, breathing deep to keep the tears from coming as I tried to squash down the memory that Amber's words had stirred. After regaining my composure, I looked back to see that the three had already left. I slowly leaned against the lockers, thinking about what had just happened.

"Are you okay?" I jumped in surprise and turned to see a boy beside me. He was a little shorter than me, wearing massive glasses that made his green eyes look unnaturally large, and he had mousy brown hair that looked almost like a hat, perfectly cut to right above his ear. He was slouching, not quite meeting my gaze, and kept looking in the direction Amber and her friends went.

"Yes, I'm fine. How much...?"

"I saw the whole thing. They stole my money at the top of the staircase, so I saw them try to steal yours. You were... you were really incredible!" he exclaimed, looking at me with eyes wide with admiration. His glasses caused the effect to be almost creepy though, and I smiled uneasily.

"Well, thanks, I guess? I'm sorry they took your money."

He shrugged. "They do it all the time. I don't know why I even try to resist anymore. My name is Kentin by the way."

I smiled sadly at him. "I'm Opal. Hey, come with me, I'll buy you lunch."

"Oh, you don't have to do that! I have cookies in my locker, I can eat those."

"Cookies are not enough for a growing boy, now come on." I began walking towards the cafeteria and soon I heard him jogging to catch up with me.A/N These first few chapters will be introducing the main characters in the story, so hopefully they aren't too boring. The picture above is a picture of Kentin. Thanks for reading!