The Elites

A familiar face

There, sitting near the window, was a familiar face—Ruby Davis, her best friend from her former school. Mia blinked twice, stunned. Ruby’s eyes widened too, and she immediately stifled a giggle, throwing Mia an excited wave.

Ruby, a stunning young woman with a warm and infectious personality. Her curves accentuate her beauty, and her bright smile can light up a room. She's a cheerful and vibrant presence, always radiating positivity and energy. With a bubbly personality that draws people in, Ruby is a joy to be around, spreading warmth and happiness wherever she goes.

Mia could barely focus for the rest of the class. Her mind raced with questions. Ruby? Here? How?

The moment the lunch bell rang, Mia darted out of the classroom and headed to the school canteen. There, near a table in the corner, stood Ruby.

“RUBY!” Mia squealed.

“MIA!” Ruby exclaimed, running toward her.

The two hugged tightly, laughing and jumping as if they hadn’t seen each other in years.

“What are you doing here?” Mia asked, still shocked.

“My parents got transferred here because of work,” Ruby said, grinning. “I had to switch schools too. I can’t believe this!”

Just then, Stacy walked over with her tray. She looked at the two girls and raised a brow. “You know her?”

“Yes,” Mia nodded excitedly. “This is Ruby, my best friend from my old school.”

“Oh wow, nice to meet you!” Stacy said, smiling as she shook Ruby’s hand.

“When did you move to Sanstone?” Mia asked, still buzzing.

“Just a few weeks ago,” Ruby answered. “I’ve missed you so much, Mia. I was so sad when my parents had to move to Venador. I never imagined we’d end up in the same school again!”

“Oh yeah. I never thought I’ll be seeing you here in Sanstone. You’ve always dreamt of being in Venador. It’s surprising you came here.” Mia replied.

The three sat down, chatting through lunch like old friends. Mia couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this new chapter of her life was already turning out better than she expected.

Five minutes later, Stacy stood up and said, “Girls, I need to see Miss Zara for a serious discussion. I might not come back here, so see you in class.”

“Okay,” Mia and Ruby responded in unison, still caught up in their conversation.

The two best friends continued eating while reminiscing about the good old days—how they used to hang out after school, share snacks in class, and get in trouble for laughing too loudly. Mia also opened up about how lonely school became after Ruby left—how the bullying got worse, and how it felt like no one ever stood up for her.

Ruby’s smile softened. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t there. But I promise, this time, I’ll always be by your side. We’ll look after each other.”

Mia grinned, comforted. “That means everything, Ruby.”

They moved on to lighter topics. “Which street are you staying on now?” Mia asked.

“Oh, I’m at Greenfield Street,” Ruby replied.

“No way!” Mia exclaimed. “That’s just a few blocks from Pebble Avenue—where I stay! We’re neighbors, kinda!”

After school, the three girls walked home together. When they got to Ruby’s gate, she waved goodbye. “See you girls tomorrow! Mia, I’ll be visiting this weekend.”

Mia hugged her tightly. “Can’t wait!”

She and Stacy continued on their way. As they walked, Stacy said thoughtfully, “You must be very close to her. I didn’t know she could smile that wide and talk that much.”

Mia tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” Stacy began, “since she arrived a few weeks ago, she’s barely talked to anyone. She’s quiet, always keeps to herself, and doesn’t really have any friends. But no doubt—she’s brilliant. Always top of the class.”

Mia was surprised. Ruby had always been the loudest in their class, constantly chattering and cracking jokes—even when it got them into trouble. “Really?” she said, half-laughing. “She used to get us in trouble all the time for talking too much during lessons!”

They both laughed and chatted all the way home until they reached their houses and waved each other goodbye.

When Mia walked in, Jayda was at the dining table, working on her laptop.

“Hey baby, how was school?” she asked, glancing up with a warm smile.

Mia kicked off her shoes. “It was really good, Mom.”

Later at dinner, Andrew Norton joined in, curious about his daughter’s first day at school.

“It was amazing,” Mia beamed. “And guess what? Ruby’s there! Ruby Davis! She’s in my class!”

Jayda’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re kidding!”

“I’m not!” Mia laughed. “She moved here a few weeks ago. I couldn’t believe it.”

Andrew chuckled. “Well, what are the odds?”

They were genuinely happy. The two had been inseparable before, and now fate had brought them together again. For the first time in a long while, everything seemed to be falling perfectly into place.