Today was my first day of school. Mom explained to me that all children here went to school and that homeschooling was actually quite uncommon. Back home, some kids went to school, and those who could afford it went to a boarding school or finishing school. Some people hired private tutors if they wished to stay home. Many people didn't go to school at all. I had known many children when I was younger who were illiterate. I had memories of a shabby schoolhouse from when I was young, before Papa became successful.

I missed Papa and Grandpa and Martha and Christabel. I even missed Stepmother, but only a bit. We were supposed to go to Grandpa's this year. I loved his house. It was an old castle that had been in the family for centuries. Papa had been quite the rebel when he was younger, running away to be a painter. Grandpa had forgiven him, though, especially since Grandma had gotten irritated at him. I had never met Grandma—she had died before I was born—but she sounded like a good person: unyielding, deliberate, and smart. I loved this place, and I had started making friends here. But I missed home terribly. I was starting to wonder if I had slept for 100 years like Rip Van Winkle. That seemed like the only explanation for the marvelous machines and clothes here, and the year being 2020. Like the car I was currently in. It was a marvel. It moved so fast and so quietly.

We pulled up to my new school. There were crowds of students in front, wearing crazy clothes. Clothes that showed far too much skin, Clothes that were so baggy they looked like sacks, hair colored unnatural colors, and piercings on people's faces. The students were laughing, screaming, and talking loudly. I could hardly hear myself think. It was perfect. It looked so fun and vibrant. I couldn't wait. There was nowhere like this back home.

I got out of the car, and Mom followed. Apparently, there was still more for her to explain. She had already lectured me about all sorts of things: teachers, classes, and not worrying.

"I explained your situation to the teachers, so you don't have to worry about grades for the rest of this semester. Just do your best. Laleh will guide you to all your classes," Mom had explained.

I was about to ask who Laleh was when I heard an ear-piercing shriek.

"NOELLE!" someone screamed, running toward the car. It was a girl in jeans (a new type of clothing), a sweater, and a high ponytail. She had dark brown hair with highlights and makeup.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S YOU!" she screamed and hugged me. I froze.

"Who is this?" I whispered to Mom.

"It's me, Laleh. Come on, let's go to class. I have so much to ask you. And I need to tell you all the latest gossip." I glanced helplessly back at Mom as Laleh had dragged me away. She smiled and waved goodbye, looking worried. I wondered why. School seemed like a wonderful place.

I was wrong. The classes and people were interesting, but there was so much noise. Too much. And it smelled of sweat, disinfectant, and tears. At least, that's what Laleh said the smell was when I asked her.

Laleh had been very helpful. She told me a bit about each class before we went in, and she taught me shortcuts to get to each one. She ended up late to her own classes because of helping me. I hoped we could be friends. I hadn't had a friend in ages because the noble and rich children back home were too different from me—entitled and shallow. None of them had grown up poor. Christie had been nice, but she always had her head in the clouds and was easily worried. Laleh was realistic and funny. Emilio was in some of my classes too, and I shyly smiled when I saw him. I had noticed that it was appropriate here for boys and girls to interact, but it still felt strange. Plus, I was so tired that I could barely stay awake. I almost regretted staying up so late. Almost.

Classes were fascinating, I enjoyed chemistry the most. Science had advanced so far since my time. I did not understand half of it, but I wanted to know more.

At lunch, the noise was even worse. I had to really focus to make out what Laleh was saying. The smell, however, was nice. Today, they were serving something called "nachos". It was cheese and meat on top of a very thin and hard bread called tortilla chips. My eyes widened in surprise as I bit into it. The cheese tasted very...interesting (and was very orange), but the meat had loads of flavor. Not nearly as good as Mom's cooking, but delicious nonetheless. Laleh wrinkled her nose.

"You like that stuff?"

"It's delicious! I mean, my mom's cooking is far better, but it's much more delicious than I expected."

"Ooookay," she said, taking a bite of her sandwich. "You do you."

We talked about classes for a bit, and she was telling me about some "extremely important" gossip when someone tapped my shoulder. I spun around and found Emilio holding a lunch tray.

"Hey! I thought maybe I should sit with you since it's your first day. Kinda first day. I mean, you've been here before but..." he trailed off.

"Um, okay?" I said, unsure. He smiled warmly and sat down next to me. Right next to me. Laleh smiled and elbowed me.

"Ouch! Why did you elbow me?" I asked. She slapped her forehead. Emilio blushed. I was utterly confused. What was going on?

"So," Laleh said, "the school is hosting a Christmas dance this year. Who are you going to ask, Emilio?" She stared at him intensely. I was still very confused.

"Um..." Emilio stuttered. "I- I- I don't have anyone to go with yet."

"Is there someone you'd like to go with?" she asked, smirking.

"Um...I-maybe-uh-Noelle-do you wanna-um go to the Christmas dance with me?"

Oh. Ohhhhhhh. That's what the smirks and stares had been about. I looked down at my plate, my face red.

"I- I- suppose. If you don't have anyone else?" I stammered. Emilio broke into a smile.

"Great!" Laleh smirked in a very suspicious way, looking extremely satisfied. Uh oh. What had I gotten myself into?