I slowly walked inside, and I saw people walking by, catching up with their old friends, greeting each other with, “Hi” and, “Can’t believe we made it to senior year.” Seeing a sea of people who are unfamiliar to me made me conscious and anxious to really make friends here. I was really confused and panicking at the same time. As soon as I got to the center of the hallway. There were three directions. One to the left, another one to the right, and the last one to the hallways which lead to stairs.

I had my schedule with me but I did not really look into them since I was confused. My heart beat faster, my hands were shivering, and I was hyperventilating as I was trying to catch my breath.

I took a deep breath and took the first step straight towards the hallway that led to the stairs. I was still walking slowly. I saw people catching up to their friends and I was trying to fit in.

I should just not have friends, stay lowkey, and graduate on time. So, I could move far away from my family. I told myself. One year. If I hold onto this miserable year, I can find a job, move to a different country, and finally find my freedom, which I lost 17 years ago.

I went up the stairs to the third floor. Even though I was running late, I stopped by the bathroom to wash my face and take a breather.

I washed my face with clean and warm water. As the water splashed on my skin, I felt something electric going under my skin. It felt funny. I do get these electric feelings all the time, but this felt different.

I looked in the mirror and my face looked swollen as I woke up early. I don't usually wear makeup. I have long hair that goes below my lower back. I put my hair in a bun and wondered how the girls in this school looked very beautiful. The way they take care of themselves is amazing. The clothes that they are wearing seem to be very expensive.

I want to have beautiful skin, wear branded clothes and style my long black hair.

I told myself. “I know the reality. I know why I was able to join this prestigious school, one of the best high schools in the country. If it weren’t for my grades and the school principal, I couldn’t be able to even take a step in this school”

I took my belongings and headed to find my class. I felt much better now after my self-realization and self-talk.

The hallways are still filled with people who are just talking. I seemed to be an odd one out that no one knew me.

Finally, I found my class and I entered it. The class has already started as my teacher started to teach English literature in class.

I said, “Excuse me, I am a new student.”

The teacher turned her face and introduced herself with a warm and big smile that could lighten up the room. “Welcome, Welcome! I am Elizabeth, but you can call me Mrs. White. Please come in and introduce yourself to the class.”

I walked inside the room and no one seemed to be interested in knowing me except this one girl who was sitting in the back. She had a huge smile just like Mrs. White.

I murmured, “Hi. I am Radha. I just transferred to this school for this year. There is not much to say about myself. I like to read and pet my grandma’s cat.”

Some of them gave me a weird look, and some of them showed absolutely no interest.

Mrs. White asked me to sit next to the girl who had a huge smile.

“Hi, I am Olivia. I am your classmate, project mate, and maybe friend mate.”

I said hi and we started the class. Mrs. White seemed to be a middle-aged, blonde-haired, and tall person. As she taught the class, I realized that she is a very warm, outgoing, understanding, and fun person. As the first period ended, more teachers came in and asked me to introduce myself to them. It was finally lunch time.

Olivia met with her other friends and went out with them. As the first 4 periods ended. I had an appointment with the nurse before going to the cafeteria. I somehow found the nurse's office and gave all the medical information that she was asking me.

It is already 12:30. I only had 30 minutes to find the cafeteria and have lunch. As I was walking the hallway. I felt lonely and depressed. I was so depressed thinking about my family’s messed-up situation that trying to find a way to the cafeteria was too difficult. At one point, I couldn’t hold everything together and broke into tears in the middle of the hallway.

I cried for a couple of seconds. I got up and decided to ask someone. This school is a huge maze where each room looks like a basketball court. And they designed each room with students’ fingerprints and faces.

Finally, I found the cafeteria. I went inside. I have never seen a cafeteria that size. It was as huge as a stadium. It made sense because everyone had to fit in one cafeteria. I sat at a table where no one was present.

I brought a cereal bar, an apple, and a cup of coffee for lunch. I saw other people eating fancy food such as sushi, expensive meat, many vegan options, expensive pizza, and drinks. I decided to have everything simple.

While I was eating, I decided to listen to some music since I did not want to feel lonely again because of the people’s noise.

By then, I felt someone’s hand holding onto my shoulder very tightly.

That touch gave me an electric feel and my body shivered slightly. I felt like a shock went through my skin and my cheeks started to blush.

I turned around to look at this tall person whose face was covered with sunlight. All I could feel at that moment was that I felt safe with this person even though I did not see HIS face…