Something about her

Episode 2:behind the scenes

Tiana stood outside the classroom for a few seconds, staring at the door.

She could hear the teacher talking inside.

Her palms were sweaty.

Okay, Tiana. Just walk in.

She took a deep breath and opened the door.

The entire class went quiet.

Almost everyone turned to look at her.

Tiana immediately wished she had stayed outside.

The teacher looked up from her desk.

“You must be Tiana.”

“Yes, ma.”

“Come in. Introduce yourself.”

Tiana swallowed.

“I’m Tiana. I just transferred here.”

“Alright. Welcome. There’s an empty seat at the front.”

Tiana looked at the seat.

It was directly in front of the teacher.

She forced a smile.

“Ma…is there anywhere else I can sit?”

A few students laughed.

The teacher sighed.

“Just find an empty seat.”

Tiana looked around.

There was another empty space beside a girl near the side of the classroom.

She walked over.

“Excuse me, can I sit here?”

The girl looked at her briefly.

“No.”

Tiana blinked.

“Oh…okay.”

“There’s a seat in front.”

“I know.”

“Then sit there.”

Tiana stood there awkwardly.

Before she could respond, a voice came from the middle of the classroom.

“You can sit here!”

Tiana turned.

A girl was pointing at the empty seat beside her.

She had a bright smile on her face.

Tiana walked over quickly.

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Tiana sat down and placed her bag beside her.

The girl leaned closer.

“I’m Vanessa.”

“Tiana.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

Vanessa smiled.

“So, where did you transfer from?”

Tiana hesitated.

“Another school.”

Vanessa laughed.

“I figured that one out.”

Tiana smiled slightly.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m just trying to make conversation.”

Tiana looked down at her notebook.

“I’m not really good at conversations.”

“I noticed.”

Tiana looked at her.

Vanessa laughed.

“I’m joking.”

For the first time that morning, Tiana laughed.

The teacher suddenly looked in their direction.

“Would you two like to share whatever is so interesting with the class?”

They immediately became quiet.

“Sorry, ma,” Vanessa said.

Tiana covered her mouth to hide her smile.

Vanessa leaned toward her again and whispered,

“See? We’re already getting in trouble together.”

Tiana shook her head.

“You’re the one talking.”

“And you’re the one laughing.”

Tiana smiled.

Maybe this school wouldn’t be so bad after all.