Author's Note:
Hi guys, so sorry for the late update. I'll try to update more frequently from now on. Briefly, I want to announce that the story will be continuing through different POVs, which feels like the best way to explore this story. Without further ado, let's dive in.

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Anna's pov:

Sarah’s grip on my wrist was ridiculously tight—not enough to hurt, but firm enough to annoy me. Her hand was soft too, which somehow made the whole thing even weirder. She dragged me up the school steps like she owned the place, moving with this overly confident stride that made me want to roll my eyes.

I glanced back, and yep, there he was—my dad, still standing by the car. He looked smug, like he’d just made the best decision in the history of parenting. Parents and their “we-know-what’s-best-for-you” garbage. Seriously, what did I do in a past life to deserve this?

Before I could keep stewing, Sarah yanked me forward and threw open the grand glass doors of Denburg High with a dramatic flourish. Light poured in from the high ceilings, and I had to admit, the place was kind of stunning. The floors were polished to the point of blinding, the school’s crest was etched perfectly into the center of the hallway, and the lockers looked so pristine it was hard to believe real teenagers used them.

I hated it. Not the school itself—it was pretty impressive, actually—but the fact that I liked it. There was no way I was letting my parents know I thought this place was even remotely okay. If they picked up on that, they’d think they’d won, and that just couldn’t happen.

Sarah finally let go of my wrist, stopping dead in the middle of the hallway. I rubbed my hand, shooting her a sideways glance. What if she was secretly some kind of assassin hired to brainwash me into liking this school? Ridiculous, I know, but it wouldn’t be the craziest thing to happen to me lately.

“Well, here it is!” she said, throwing her arms up like she was unveiling the Mona Lisa. “The grand hallway of Denburg High!”

Her voice was so chirpy it grated on my nerves.

“Oh, wow,” I said, layering on the sarcasm thick. “It’s so amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she gave me this weird, thoughtful smile that sent a chill down my spine. What was her deal? And for a brief, absurd second, a thought crossed my mind. Wait... is she into me?

“I knew from the moment I met you that you were extremely anti-social,” she said, her tone suddenly shifting to something sharper. “So I’m just gonna drop the giggly act and be real with you.”

I blinked. Giggly act? Was she seriously admitting to playing some weird role?

“Let’s start over,” she said, flashing a more genuine smile. “Hi, I’m Sarah McKlan, future journalist and—” she paused for dramatic effect, “daughter of the principal of this prestigious school.”

Her words hit me like a slap to the face. I stared at her, completely stunned. Out of every single person in this school, my dad had paired me up with the principal’s daughter?!

“Principal’s daughter?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“Yep,” she replied casually with a shrug, like it was no big deal. Her green blazer, with its silver accents, practically screamed look at me, I’m important. She looked like she belonged on the cover of some preppy fashion magazine.

“I feel like you think that’s a little weird,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

“No, no. It’s not weird at all,” I lied, trying to sound convincing but failing miserably.

“I’ve known you for, like, five minutes, and I can already tell when you’re lying,” she said, looking way too pleased with herself.

I froze for a second. Wow, she’s good.

“Okay, you got me,” I admitted, nervously sucking my teeth. “But don’t all the kids here hate you?” I asked, blunt as ever, slipping my hands into my back pocket.

Her confidence wavered slightly. “Well... not really…” she said, clearly struggling for words. “I mean, there’s no hate toward me… as long as my dad doesn’t do anything stupid…”

I raised an eyebrow. “But your dad’s the principal. Of course he’s going to do stupid stuff from time to time.”

“Yeah,” she admitted, shaking her head.

An awkward silence settled between us, thick and tense. I folded my lips, unsure of what to say next. This was already shaping up to be a long day.

“ So, let's get you into your uniform!,” She said cheerfully and broke the silence that seemed it would go on forever.

With a warm smile, she turned and her shoulder length, black silky hair flipped way to violently...in my opinion at least.

As she held her clipboard firmly- I wonder what that's for- she led me through the beautifully and breathtaking interior design of the halls and the lockers.

As we passed, I noticed that each locker had a unique design to it.

“ As you may notice, each locker has it's own unique design,” She sounded like a tour guide. “ That's because, here at Denburg high, we let the students design their lockers. It's a tradition that has been going on for generations,” She added.

“ Cool,” I dragged with disinterest.

“ But inappropriate stuff isn't allowed. People can get expelled for that,” she said. And just like that... I've found a loophole out of this beautiful looking misery.

Still walking through the seemingly long hallway, I saw portraits of what would be the matrons and the patrons of the school. And apparently students that made some kind of history in the school.

“ This portraits you see here are portraits of students and people who have contributed greatly to the school. Over here, we have Bob Nerdoff...who was...a nerd,” She pointed to a goofy looking, nerdy freak.

“ That is so amazing!,” I said sarcastically.

She gave me a look as she picked up on my sarcasm.

We walked further down the empty halls...and I am still mad at mum and dad who woke me up to early.

I think we've reached out destination cause she stopped and turned abruptly to me as we halted in front of a door with a dressing room label on it.

I scan the brightly painted brown door. Can this school get any shiner?

Sarah twists the door knob and pushes the door open to reveal a big and wide room that were filled with sparkling uniforms.

I unconsciously walked in- my mouth wide open. It was as if I was standing in Sofia the first's closet...but like...wider and longer.

“ I know right! It's lovely!," Sarah said as she joined me in taking in the glorious wonder of clothing.

“ It is actually,” I admitted. “ But this looks... expensive,” I mean, the uniforms look like they cost a kidney...not to talk of the Chandelier and the clothe racks.

“ It is... I'd tell you what my dad had to sell to get the money...but that's a family secret,” She said as she still marveled at the dressing room like she's just seeing it for the very first time. And quite frankly, I don't even wanna know what he sold.

“ C'mon,” She took my hand again. I hate it.“ So... we're gonna do a dress fitting for you and find the uniform perfect you unique shape,” She said giddily. I hate it.

“ Quite frankly, just give me anyone that's big,” I said as I went through the uniforms on the hanger.

“ Oh, you like big clothing?,” She asked as she joined me in searching.

“ No,” I answered casually. “ I just wanna wear something completely not my size so that people will think I'm weird and won't approach me...most especially the boys,” I told her casually.

She snorted. “ Your sarcasm is really sarcastic,” She said as the snort lingered.

“ I wasn't being sarcastic,” I said with a serious face.

Her smile vanished as she saw my absolutely, completely, unfazed.

“ Whoa? Why!?,” She asked- her voice a little high pitched.

“ Some past stuff. I don't wanna talk about it,” I told plainly as I continued looking for the biggest uniform on the rack.

“ You know, if we're going to be friends, we need to be more open with each other,” She said softly.

Pfft! She thinks we're going to be friends. I can't wait to push off a cliff.

“ Yeah. I know. It might take a little time for me though. I'm not really used to people,” I said in a sad tone. “ But I'm most free with people when we hike up a cliff,” I said.

“ Okay! Okay then! We are going to hike on a cliff this Saturday,” Sarah said with so much energy. Journalist! Always looking for a story.

“ Hey! Try this one!,” Sarah took off a uniform from the rack and placed it in front of her body as she sized it. It looked really small though. I'm trying to avoid people. Not giving them a reason to come talk to me... especially boys!

“ It looks kinda small,” I said.

“ It's the perfect size. I know it,” She said. And she seemed so certain about it.

“ Okay,” I gave in. I walked to her and scanned the uniform in her hand. She handed it to me and I took it.

“ This looks very tiny,” I said with a chuckle.

“ Just try it! You know, dad also said I got mom's knowing eyes,” Sarah said. And I could see she took pride in it.

“ How would I know that?,” I asked.

“ Just go to the stall and change,” She said almost annoyed with me. Yay! She's getting annoyed!.

Hiding how relieved I was, I made my way to the stall. I took off my clothes and changed into the uniform. And I couldn't believe who I saw in the mirror.

The uniform was a long sleeve, white packet shirt that I tucked in a brown This striking dark brown uniform skirt combines traditional Scottish tartan design with a modern, edgy flair. The pleated fabric showcases a rich dark brown plaid pattern, exuding classic elegance. Silver chains are artfully draped across the front and sides, adding a bold, contemporary statement to the otherwise timeless design. The skirt sits comfortably at the waist with a tailored waistband, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality.

And then, a neatly knot brown tie matching the skirt. I looked amazing....is this me?

(The skirt)