I turned around, my heart still racing from the unexpected encounter, to face the girl who had just come to my defense.
She stood with an air of confidence, her dark brown curls bouncing slightly as she shifted her weight. Her piercing green eyes held a sharpness that contrasted with her delicate features. She was beautiful, but in a way that warned you not to cross her.
Tisha scoffed, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. "Relax, Bella. I was just greeting the new girl."
"Sure you were," Bella replied smoothly, crossing her arms. "Now, why don't you go greet someone else?"
For a second, Tisha hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. Then, with one last glance at me, she smirked. "Welcome to Fountain Falls High, new girl. Try not to embarrass yourself too soon." With that, she turned and strutted away, her heels clicking against the pavement. The few girls behind her followed suit, their whispers fading into the background.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Thanks," I muttered, still processing what had just happened.
"No problem," Bella said, flashing me a friendly smile. "Tisha thinks she runs this place. Actually… it wouldn't be too far-fetched to say she does. Her dad is one of the biggest shareholders in the school. Be careful around her." She extended a hand. "I'm Bella, by the way."
I shook her hand hesitantly. "Amelia."
"Well, Amelia, you've officially had your first run-in with the school's self-proclaimed queen. Congrats, you're now on her radar," Bella said with an amused grin.
"Great," I muttered sarcastically, glancing in the direction Tisha had gone.
Bella laughed. "Don't worry, you'll get used to her. Come on, I'll show you to the principal's office. You have to check in first, right?"
I nodded, grateful for the help. As we walked, I noticed curious stares from a few students. Whispers followed in our wake, but nothing that suggested they knew who I was or what had happened.
For now, I was just the new girl.
That was exactly what I wanted.
"I can't go in with you, but I'll wait outside," Bella said with a warm smile that, for some reason, reminded me of my mom.
"Thank you," I smiled back.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the principal's office.
A bespectacled man in his late fifties was seated behind a large desk, completely absorbed in his computer screen. He didn't even glance up at my arrival.
I took a moment to look around the office. To my left stood a tall bookshelf, neatly lined with various books. To my right, a door—probably leading to a private restroom. Behind the principal, a wide glass window stretched across the wall, offering a perfect view of the school grounds.
I cleared my throat softly, shifting on my feet.
Nothing.
Was I supposed to announce myself? Knock again, even though I was already inside?
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the principal finally looked up. His sharp gaze settled on me, and for a second, I felt like I was being evaluated.
"So, you're Amelia Lewis," he said, his voice deep and unreadable.
I straightened my posture. "Yes, sir."
He leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before nodding. "I've heard about you from your father. I hope what happened doesn't repeat itself."
Of course, he knew. He was the principal, and me transferring this late into the semester said a lot.
"Yes, sir," I replied, my fingers fidgeting slightly.
"Green. The students call me Principal Green or Mr. Green," he corrected.
"Yes, Principal Green."
He gave a small nod. "Miss Lewis, enjoy your stay here, and welcome to Fountain Falls High. Your homeroom class and schedule are uploaded to your student profile. I'd advise you to check it regularly. Dismissed."
I gave a quick nod before turning toward the door. Bella was waiting.
Now, it was time to face the real challenge—high school.