Chapter One
The classroom was bustling with activity. People were chattering on about plans for Christmas break. Students were making paper airplanes and tossing them around the room. One hit a girl in the back of her head. Angry, she chased after the boy who threw it. He just laughed at her and ran away, knocking over desks and pushing people out of the way. Aryl paid no attention to the ruckus. Instead, she stared out the window at the snow covered courtyard. Aryl sighed and rested her head on her desk.
"Hey Aryl," said a voice, "Did you do last night's homework?" Aryl looked up and saw her friend Kari standing over her.
"We had homework last night?" Aryl asked, puzzled. Just then, an old woman walked in, and the class fell silent. She wore a grey sweater and a long black skirt that reached her ankles. Her grey hair was tied up in a tight bun, making her look even older. She stuck out her foot and tripped the boy who had thrown the paper plane, sending him flying headfirst onto a nearby desk. As he groaned in pain, she walked towards him, her stiletto shoes clicking against the linoleum floor. The boy turned around to see her standing directly in front of him.
"James, please tell me," she said in a low, sinister voice as she grabbed his shirt, "Why aren't you in dress code?" The boy called James gulped and tried to avoid looking directly at her cold, black eyes. "I'm waiting," she said, lifting him up off the floor.
"I-I forgot," he stuttered, fear showing in his eyes. The woman stared at him.
"I forgot," she mimicked, gripping his shirt tighter. "Then maybe I should remind you." She dropped him onto the floor and turned to the class. "For the boys," she said, "A beige jacket with the school's logo on the left breast, with a plain white shirt underneath, khaki pants, and black shoes." James tried to crawl away from her as she spoke to the class, but she stopped him with her foot. "For the girls," she continued, "A beige jacket with the school's logo on the right breast, with a plain white shirt underneath, a khaki skirt, white stockings, and black shoes. Is that clear?"
"Yes teacher," the class said in unison. The teacher then turned her attention back to James.
"Is that clear, James?" she asked.
"Yes teacher," he muttered. She then let go of his shirt and he crawled back towards his seat.
"We have a new student today, class," she announced, "I know it is unusual for us to be accepting more applicants this late in the year, but this is an exception." She turned towards the door. "Kameshi, please come and introduce yourself." The class turned their attention to the door as a young girl entered the classroom. Her hair was black and shoulder-length with a white camellia resting in it. She looked at the students, her brilliant red eyes observing each of them.
"Hello," she said, bowing slightly, "My name is Kameshi Yumanoya. I hope we can be great friends!" She looked up at the class and smiled.
"Why don't you go take a seat over there?" the teacher said, pointing to the seat behind Aryl. Kameshi nodded and made her way towards the empty desk. As she passed, Aryl felt something disturbing about her presence. She watched as the girl sat down and took out her notebook. Noticing Aryl's stare, she looked up and smiled, a bittersweet smile.
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The cafeteria was as noisy as ever. Students constantly fought over who was first in line. Others just sat there talking their mouths off, not even touching their food. Aryl sat next to Kari, picking at her peas with a spork. She watched as the new girl, Kameshi, stood in line waiting for her lunch.
"Hey," Kari said, nudging her, "You've been staring at that new girl a lot."
"What? No I haven't!" she said defensively.
"Well, since you seem so interested in her, maybe we should invite her to sit with us," Kari suggested. Aryl choked on her food.
"I am NOT interested!" she exclaimed, "There's just something..... Off, about her."
"Do you mind if I sit here?" asked a third voice. Aryl and Kari both looked up to see Kameshi standing over them.
"Not at all," Kari said, "We were just thinking about inviting you." Kameshi set down her tray and sat in front of Aryl. She stared at her for a moment before looking at Kari.
"What's that on your face?!" Kameshi exclaimed, pointing at Kari.
"What is it?" Kari asked, confused.
"That!" Kameshi shouted, "That thing on your nose, covering your eyes!"
"You mean my glasses?" Kari asked.
"Glasses..." Kameshi said, trailing off. "May I try them on?" Kari nodded and handed them over to her. As she put them on, she let out a yelp and fell out of her seat.
"Are you alright?" Kari asked, helping her up.
"Woah!" she cried, "Everything looks so weird and blurry!" Kameshi took off the glasses and handed them back to Kari. As she started to eat her lunch, Aryl looked at Kari.
"This chick is crazy" she mouthed at her. Kari just rolled her eyes and continued eating.
