Chapter 2: New School and New People
I looked at the campus that stood before me. ’Oh wow, it’s beautiful…’ I thought. Trees surrounded almost everything, except the mile long path that a bus had just brought us down. Before, I wasn’t really sure about coming to this private school, but my parents insisted. They knew that things haven’t been quite the same since the accident, and they didn’t want to see me get in a rut at my tiny school back home in California. So they sent me here. To the middle of nowhere. When I found out that the nearest other town was at least a 30 minute drive from the campus, I almost locked myself in my room. But strangely, now I felt, new. Nobody knew me here, and it was refreshing. I tucked my light blonde hair behind my ear, and saw that there were a few other kids, all heading in the same direction. I decided to follow them, unsure of where to go. I came to an auditorium, and saw kids piling in. I saw a seat near the end of an isle, and a boy sat in the seat next to it. I saw that he had unusual hair. It was blue, and I was curious. I had better start trying to make some friends, so that I had some people to talk to at least.
"Hello." I spoke up as I approached the empty seat. I knew he heard me, because I saw his head move away a little bit. ‘I bet he’s just shy.’ I thought as I smiled. "When someone says hello you should say hello back." I said cheerfully. He looked at me quickly, and then in a split second, looked away again.
"H-hello." He muttered so low I almost didn’t hear him over the hustle and bustle going on around us. ‘Yep, a very, very shy one. My guess is a bit socially awkward. But, I’ll take the challenge.’ I giggled a little and took my place in the empty seat.
"My name's Katara, what's yours?" I asked him. He barely glanced at me, and once again, returned his gaze to his lap.
"Hei.” He answered quietly. ‘An interesting name as well.’
"Don't be afraid to look at me, I don't bite, hard." I laughed a little, trying to make him feel more at ease. Then he actually looked at me for a second, a small smile on his lips.
"I-it's a p-pleasure to meet you." He spoke a little louder, but wavered at the end.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, I hope we can be friends." I smiled back. He looked back down.
"Yea that would be nice." I barely heard him.
"Good." I put my knees against the seat in front of me, and slid down so I was in a comfortable position. "Nice shoes they're the same brand as mine." ‘I wonder if he skateboards too?’
"Thanks." He looked at me, and I was actually able to see the face of the boy called Hei. His hair was a little longer in the back, clean and flat. He was pale, with what I would call perfect skin. But above the different hair color and lovely skin, there was something else that captured my full attention. ‘His eyes, I’ve never seen a color like them. They’re so dark, and teeming with mystery. Almost sad, but not quite. Like smoky charcoal…’ He looked back at his hands, and I blushed a little, embarrassed that I had been staring. I had probably just scared him off. I crossed my arms and listened to Mr. Nightray, the headmaster. Even though he said students could call him Doc, it felt funny to me not to address someone of his age by a nickname. When he dismissed the student body, I practically ran out of there. I was still feeling uneasy about my actions, but I hoped that Hei would maybe talk to me in the future. I wasn’t paying attention and ran right into someone and fell down.
“I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going…” I apologized. I saw a hand outstretched and I took it. A boy pulled me back to my feet.
“Don’t worry about it! Are you alright?” He asked with a smile. This boy had choppy, light brown hair, the longest pieces being about chin length. His eyes were a brilliant, emerald green.
“Yeah, I’m ok!” I smiled. “I’m just a klutz.” I laughed a little. He laughed a bit too.
“So klutz, do you have a name? I’m Hiro.” He introduced himself.
“I’m Katara.” I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you Hiro.” I said.
“The same.” He nodded. “Um, could you help me with something?” He asked.
“Sure, it’s the least I can do after running into you.” I said.
“Which floor is for guys? I kinda wasn’t paying attention…I could follow people, but everyone is kinda, gone already.” He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled.
“The second floor for you.” I pointed down a hall. “I saw some stairs at the end of that hall.”
“Thanks! You’re a big help!” He gave me a thumbs up. “See you around Katara!” He turned and ran off quicker than I could have thought.
“Well, I guess I should find my room.” I said out loud to no one. So with that, I left to find my room. It was on door 7, but my name was the only one on the door. Curious, I walked into the room and found that only my stuff was brought to the room. “Well, this is kinda nice, I guess I don’t have a roommate, for now anyways.” I glanced at the clock and realized I had about an hour and a half until the dinner at 6. I smiled and unpacked quickly, taking the window side of the room for myself. I pulled out a short, pretty black cocktail dress and decided to wear that to the dinner. I curled my hair and pinned it up and to the side, and allowed the tight locks to cascade down to my shoulder. I put some light makeup on, and some small heels. I looked in the mirror and nodded. “I think this looks nice. I hope others dress up too…” I left and locked my room, and stared wandering around, looking for where I was supposed to go. “Dining hall…dining hall…” I was early, so I couldn’t just follow like I did before. I looked around a corner, and came to a dead end, with one door at the very end of the hallway.
“Well, hello Miss.” I turned around and saw Headmaster Nightray.
“M-Mr. Nightray, hello.” I nodded.
“That door down there leads to my office, did you need me for something Miss…um?” He looked at me, and I knew he wanted my name.
“Miss. Katara Mai sir.” I said my full name and held out my hand. He took it and shook delicately.
“Miss. Katara, I take it you are searching for the dining hall?” He said.
“Yes sir.” I said politely. A small smile crept up on his lips.
“Allow me to point you in the correct direction young lady.” His slightly graying hair stuck up in many directions, and he wore a strange looking suit that almost reminded me of a science lab. Maybe this was why he said people could call him Doc. His yellow eyes seemed almost mischievous, and full of energy.
“Thank you.” I said. He explained to me where to go and I bowed slightly.
“Please you don’t have to be so formal!” He said with a laugh.
“I-I’m sorry sir.” I apologized.
“Oh no, don’t be sorry, I’m just not used to the politeness! Have a lovely evening Miss. Katara.” He walked down to his office door and went in quickly. I heard a click, so I figured he locked the door behind him. I shrugged and followed Mr. Nightray’s directions, and found that others were heading towards the dining hall now as well. I smiled, and hoped that it would be a fun evening of good food, and making new friends.
