#rachel raspberry

Mary van Nia: Can't I wait another year, Paul? I don't see why I can't be homeschooled anymore. Mary van Nia: My grades are fine! Not to brag, but they're one of the best in the region! Paul van Nia: Oh, Mary, I already told you. Paul van Nia: Our prefecture's laws state that every student requires at least 4 years of in-person schooling to be eligible for graduation. Paul van Nia: If you want to qualify for running for office someday, you have to. Mary van Nia: I'm starting to rethink my choice in career... Paul van Nia: Don't worry. Derek goes to this school too, remember? You won't be all alone. I'll be there too. Paul van Nia: If you have any trouble, you can come straight to us. Mary van Nia: But you guys are in the upper grades! We won't encounter each other as often! Paul van Nia: Listen, Mary...this is a big adjustment for everybody. Paul van Nia: But all you have to do is find your niche in school. Paul van Nia: You're a smart girl, and there's so much to do at Kingdom High! You'll find your way.

Before I can reply, the warning bell rings from the inside, signaling the start of classes.

Paul van Nia: Oh! I'd better get going. Your classroom number is 1-B, okay? Paul van Nia: I'll meet you at lunch. Good luck!

I wandered the hallways alone, walking slow so that I didn't run into any students. From the sounds of it, there were a LOT of them, all jostling to get to their classes on time.

Paul meant well, and his advice never failed me before, but he just didn't understand.

I would never find my niche it the people at this school wouldn't let me join it.

Memories of getting laughed out of my old study group stabbed the back of my mind like needles.

The only reason I had the guts to come here was because the very thing that they'd been laughing at was now concealed behind my blindfold.

I'm sure it looked strange, but it couldn't be any worse than coming to school without it.

I make it a good distance down the hallway before I realize something: I have NO idea where Class 1-B is.

I stop in my tracks, trying to think of which way it's most likely to be. I'm trying not to panic, but it's steadily becoming more difficult.

However, I should've remembered I was still smack-dab in the middle of the hallway before freezing up.

Reed Velvet: HEY! Quit blocking traffic! There are students trying to get to class here! Mary van Nia: Eeek! S-Sorry! I didn't mean to get in your way...

I step back at the sound of an impatient voice behind me. I sway to the side, my back against the wall.

Just then, I realize this is the first person who's spoken to me, probably one who saw me standing in everyone's way. Maybe they'd know where to go?

Mary van Nia: H-Hey, hold on a second! Do you know where Class 1-B is? Reed Velvet: Class 1-B? You passed it a while ago. This is the 2nd classroom wing. Mary van Nia: What?! Are you serious?! Reed Velvet: Just go back and it's on your left. Better hurry, class starts in 2 minutes.

I sense him passing me, only to stop briefly, as if he's noticed something.

Reed Velvet: You know, you'd see a lot better without that blindfold on your face. Just a tip.

I shrank in embarrassment. I guess the blindfold DID stand out a little more than I wanted.

His instructions were vague, but by some miracle, I managed to make it to class on time.

Luckily, the other students were too busy chatting with each other to notice me slip inside.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I sank into a random chair and dropped my bag. Finally, a moment of peace...

Leanna Latte: Alright, class, I've got some exciting news for us today! Leanna Latte: To start things off, openings for the Model UN club are still available, so be sure to sign up before all the spots are taken. Leanna Latte: Secondly, the student council has arranged a big school dance a week from today, so feel free to volunteer to help set up and grab a date! Leanna Latte: And lastly, we have a new student joining us today, so let's give her a big welcome!

I had relaxed too soon. All I could do was sit there like a statue as the teacher waved at me from my desk.

Leanna Latte: Miss van Nia? If you could introduce yourself, please?

Inwardly groaning with defeat, I shuffled to the front of the classroom, thankful for the first time I couldn't see how many pairs of eyes were burning into me.

WHY did teachers always feel the need to do this?! Whatever happened to introducing yourself to strangers on your own accord?

Mary van Nia: Er...hello, everyone...my name is Mary van Nia... Mary van Nia: I'll...I'll be joining your class from today, so...I, um...I look forward to working with you.

A wave of polite greetings returns my introduction, much to my relief. That wasn't so bad...

However, as I make my way back to my seat, it's the whispers I overhear that hit me.

Observant Student: "van Nia"...isn't that the last name of the meditation club's president? Surprised Student: I didn't know Paul had a younger sister. I never saw her during our junior high semesters. Curious Student: Why's she wearing that blindfold over her face? Can she see out of that? Cold-Hearted Student: If it were me, I'd be wearing a whole bag! Ha!

Pretending I didn't hear a word, I continued the walk of shame back to my seat.

The things I would give to disappear right now...

A) Sit up and pay attention.

But I couldn't do that, not on my first day. Paul would be so disappointed in me.

So, begrudgingly, I sat up straight and gave my full attention to the teacher.

She went on about the syllabus and the study guide for a little while, and before I knew it, class was over.

That was when people started to flock to one another's desks, chatting away. Even a few students from other classrooms came in to hang out with their friends.

Some even flocked to mine, though the bunch that approached me didn't appear to be as snarky as the students who'd been whispering about me earlier.

Marcus Madeleine: Greetings, young miss! We heard our neighboring class had a new student and I just HAD to see for myself! Marcus Madeleine: And alas, my sources did not disappoint! As student council president, I, Marcus Madeleine, welcome you, Miss! Herbert Hoo: Hello there...you must be the new student. Nice to meet you. Herbert Hoo: I'm Herbert Hoo. You'll usually find me with the gardening club. If you're interested, do come have a look. Rachel Raspberry: So, my friends weren't kidding: a greenie HAS joined Class 1-B. Rachel Raspberry: Haha, don't take it to heart! Name's Rachel Raspberry. Try your hardest and you'll do fine. Rachel Raspberry: Not too hard, though, I got a title to keep! Haha! Serena Faire: ...Oh. So there IS a new student. Serena Faire: My name is Serena Faire. Please make yourself at home.

These students from the neighboring class, they sounded so welcoming, so excited to meet me.

And they're not the only ones. I hear someone ahead of me turn around in their seat, also joining in the multitudes of greetings.

???: The new student? What luck...who'dve thought I'd be sitting in front of our latest addition? Cold-Hearted Student: Hey, Claude! Where's your head at! Listen to this story I was about to tell you!

I'dve liked to answer all of these nice people, but there were more than I expected, and the thought of looking like a fool in front of them scared me.

It scared me so much...I couldn't even look up to face them.

However, my fear is short-lived, and I ended up getting rescued by an unlikely guest.

Derek DaChoco: HEY! Back up, all of you! Quit crowding her! Herbert Hoo: Eek! Marcus Madeleine: I beg your pardon, good sir! We were merely introducing ourselves- Derek DaChoco: Take the hint. She doesn't wanna talk with you. SO LEAVE. Rachel Raspberry: Okay, okay, geez! It's not like we were gonna eat her up or anything, JERK! Serena Faire: Very well...we shall go.

Derek's less-than-polite warning drove them all away and they ended up leaving. I felt better now that I wasn't at the center of attention, but a little put out as well.

A.A) Thank him.

Still, I know he was only trying to help, and I'm grateful for the breathing room.

Mary van Nia: *sigh* Thanks, Derek. Derek DaChoco: You should really tell someone if they're bugging you. It's rare, but sometimes they genuinely don't know they're doing it. Mary van Nia: I know, I know, it's just...it's harder than it looks. Derek DaChoco: Maybe. But if you let people walk all over you, eventually you're gonna get completely trampled. Mary van Nia: Is that why you'd turned yourself into a brick wall that no one can walk over?

I was only teasing, but Derek went silent after that. Fearing I may have said something out of line, I tried to correct myself.

Mary van Nia: W-What I mean is, you seem so much tougher than me! You don't take crap from anyone, and I really admire that. Derek DaChoco: Maybe...but it also means no one wants to be near me. Mary van Nia: ...I do.

There's a slight rustle of his uniform shirt as he shrugs back at me. As if he has nothing more to say, he's quick to dismiss himself.

Derek DaChoco: I need to go. Paul's waiting for you outside.

At last, Derek leaves me be and exits the classroom. However, I find myself yet again the subject of the class's whispers, and my happiness from interacting with my old friend doesn't last long.

Curious Student: Was that Derek DaChoco? Does he know the new kid? Observant Student: Maybe he has beef with her! Did you see the way they were arguing? Cold-Hearted Student: The 'ol Dark Tornado's probably just reminding that loser who's boss so she doesn't get in over her head. Cold-Hearted Student: Not that I see why he thinks SHE'D be any threat. Hmph!

Upon overhearing that, my head quickly whirls away to hide my blindfold soaking up from my welling tears. So much for letting words wash over...

By the time the dismissal bell rang, I walked to the front gates alone, where Paul was waiting.

Paul van Nia: Hello, Mary! How did your first day go?

Instead of replying, I rested the top of my head against his chest, my whole body droopy from my self-disappointment.

Mary van Nia: I want to go home...

Confused, but at least understanding I was sad, Paul chose not to question me and put his arm around my shoulder, gently guiding me out the gates as the sun began to dip into the horizon.

A.B) Scold him.

Mary van Nia: Why'd you do that?? They weren't going to hurt me. I mean, they didn't SOUND like they were going to. Derek DaChoco: If you were feeling smothered, you should've said something. I can't babysit you all the time, dummy. Mary van Nia: Hey, it's not like I ASKED you to, okay?! What are you even doing on the lowerclassmen floor?

Derek grunts lightly, so low I almost didn't hear what he said, the way he does when he doesn't want to admit to something.

Derek DaChoco: I was on my way to the headmaster's office...

He wasn't quiet enough, as I overheard him. I stood up sharply in my seat, it being my turn to scold him.

Mary van Nia: Oh, not again, Derek! You didn't get into another fight, did you?! Derek DaChoco: So what if I did? THEY started it. Mary van Nia: That doesn't matter! You know the school board's going to blame you regardless! Mary van Nia: Remember that session Paul talked about? Let their words wash over you, like a harmless wave.

Derek scoffs in response.

Derek DaChoco: And how's that advice working out for YOU?

His snarky comment rubs me the wrong way. My lip turns up and quivers, but I swallow my indignation.

Mary van Nia: As a matter of fact, it's working out fine. No one's tried to start a fight with ME. Derek DaChoco: Not like you'd last in a fight with anyone.

With a huff, I turn my chin up and away from him.

Mary van Nia: Oh, be quiet, you! Serves me right for worrying about you... Derek DaChoco: Heh...alright, then, you're on your own. Derek DaChoco: I guess Paul and I will just stop by the ramen shop ourselves... Mary van Nia: Ramen shop?! HEY! Wait a minute! I want to go too! Mary van Nia: DEREK! Get back here! I take back what I said, okay?!

I instantly stand and catch up to Derek before he can get too far. Even if the detour means a bonus trip to the headmaster, so be it. A good bowl of ramen is totally worth that.

B) Put my head down and stay out of sight.

Once I was there, I put my head down and didn't come up until class was over.

Maybe if I'd been a little more alert, so much trouble could've been avoided...

By the time I'd put my head up again, I couldn't hear a sound. The entire class had emptied itself without me noticing. Not even Paul or Derek had shown up to pick me up.

I feel relieved, but at the same time, I feel like crying. At least when I was homeschooled, I had someone to talk to. But here? I don't have anyone.

But maybe...it's better that way. As long as I stay in my comfort zone...what could go wrong?

???: Cleanup duty already? Mary van Nia: Eh?

I look up at the sound of a young man's voice. It certainly didn't belong to Paul or Derek. So then who was it?

???: Mrs. Latte really wastes no time with her charges, does she? Putting the new student on cleaning duty on her first day... ???: But even for cleaning duty, you're staying afterschool awfully late. Why the delay? Mary van Nia: Afterschool...? Mary van Nia: Eep! Wait! How long has it been?! ???: Don't tell me you fell asleep in class. That's not quite appropriate of school conduct, is it?

Even as he scolds me, he doesn't sound harsh, or even mocking. In fact, he sounds amused more than anything.

???: I don't think I've ever seen you on campus before. Are you new? Mary van Nia: Y-Yeah...it's my first semester. ???: Ah, that explains it. It can take a while to get used to the Kingdom High schedule. ???: In any case, it's unsafe for a girl of your age to be out so late by herself. Lucky I found you before one of the more...unsavory bunch.

I sat up rigid in my seat just thinking about how vulnerable I had left myself due to my own self-indulgent misery. What if someone DID do something while I was unaware?

B.A) You didn't do anything...WEIRD, right?

Thanks to him putting that ever-so delightful possibility in my head, I could hardly be blamed for confronting him with what I said next.

Mary van Nia: Er...you...you didn't...? I mean, have you...while I was...? ???: Oh? Of course not! I'd never be so vulgar. ???: What kind of class representative would I be if I resorted to such unmannerly deeds? Mary van Nia: Class rep?? ???: Ah, so much for my manners. I haven't even introduced myself. Claude Creane: Claude Creane, Class 1-B representative, at your service. Claude Creane: And you? Mary van Nia: M...Mary. Mary van Nia. Claude Creane: van Nia? Now THERE'S a familiar name... Claude Creane: Ah, you're Paul's sister. Now I see the resemblance. Mary van Nia: You know my brother? Claude Creane: Not personally. But he is spoken for around the school. A very wise and kind senior, and president of the meditation club.

Of course. Paul had been going to school far longer than I had. It made sense he'd have a name for himself.

If only I had the courage to do the same thing...maybe fitting in wouldn't be so hard.

Mary van Nia: W-Well, if it's as late as you say it is, I should get going. My brother's probably waiting for me. Claude Creane: Yes, it would be wise to get home as soon as you can.

As I'm gathering my books, I realize something else, mostly related to the reason I was found by this guy in the first place.

Mary van Nia: Hey, how come YOU stayed back so late? Doesn't the student council get off a couple hours sooner?

He doesn't answer me, instead changing the subject as quick as he can.

Claude Creane: You're right. I should probably head home as well. Be safe, alright? Mary van Nia: Yeah...okay.

B.B) Well, thanks for watching me.

Luckily, thanks to this stranger, I guess I'd avoided that fate. It only made sense to thank him.

Mary van Nia: Well...thank you for staying here with me until I woke up. Sorry I kept you. ???: It's nothing. It is the responsibility of a class rep to look after his classmates. Mary van Nia: Class rep?? Claude Creane: Ah, silly me. I haven't even introduced myself. Claude Creane: Claude Creane, Class 1-B representative, at your service. Claude Creane: And you? Mary van Nia: M...Mary. Mary van Nia. Claude Creane: Mary van Nia...how lovely. It's like the name of a princess.

My face suddenly feels hot. For a guy who resisted the urge to take advantage of me, he sure had a way with words. It was an...unfamiliar feeling.

And yet...not an unwelcome one?

As I'm reminiscing on these new thoughts, I suddenly remember something.

Mary van Nia: Ah! I need to get home right away! Paul's probably worried sick about me! Claude Creane: Paul? The president of the meditation club? Mary van Nia: Y-Yeah...he's my older brother. I hope he wasn't forced to go home without me.

Then I realize I have a bigger problem. Paul or Derek would usually walk back home with me, somewhere in the late afternoon after school let out.

It wasn't that I couldn't figure out the way back, but I didn't have any grasp on the school's layout. I had NO idea how I was going to get past the front gate.

Luckily, Claude's strive to look out for his classmates stretches far enough to help me out one more time.

Claude Creane: Here. Let me escort you to the front door. A proper young lady should not venture alone in the dark. Mary van Nia: Er...thanks?

I'm trying to sound unbothered by it, but in reality, I'm relieved, for two reasons. One, because I AM going to be walking out those front gates, thank goodness.

And two...because I've successfully managed to talk to someone at school.

The walk home is a mixture of emotions, both good and bad.

School wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be...but it wasn't amazing, either.

Overall, I just felt...empty, about the whole experience. I didn't want to feel that.

But, it's only been one day. Maybe tomorrow will offer me more opportunities...