The echoes of hiddenvile high

Hidden Vale High had seen its fair share of drama. Breakups in the hallway. Pop quizzes no one studied for. Rumors spreading faster than wildfire. But nothing prepared them for the moment Iris walked through the front gates. Conversations slowed. Heads turned. "Who's that?" "Is she new?" "She's gorgeous." "Why is everyone staring at her?" Iris adjusted the strap of her bag and lowered her gaze. She hated being noticed. Her coily hair framed her face as she walked across the crowded courtyard, pretending she couldn't hear the whispers. Some were kind. Some weren't. "I love her skin." "She looks weird." "Why is she dressed like that?" Her stomach tightened. First days were supposed to be hard. But not this hard. She searched for the principal's office, checking the schedule in her trembling hands. Bang. She collided with three girls. Missy. Regina. Talia. The mean girls. Missy rolled her eyes. "Watch where you're going." "I said sorry," Iris replied quietly. Regina smirked. "Guess manners don't come with transferring schools." Talia laughed. Iris swallowed her embarrassment and walked away. She refused to cry on her first day. Minutes later, she stood in front of her new class. "Everyone," Mrs. Bella announced warmly, "this is our new student." Every pair of eyes landed on Iris. "My name is Iris," she said softly. "I just moved here." Mrs. Bella pointed toward an empty seat beside a brunette girl. "This is Jenna." Jenna smiled. "Hi. Don't worry. They're not always this scary." Iris laughed nervously. For the first time that day, she felt herself relax. Lunch arrived quickly. Questions surrounded her. "Where are you from?" "Why did you move here?" "Do you miss your old school?" Then Jenna's eyes drifted downward. A silver necklace rested against Iris's collarbone. It shimmered. Only for a second. "That's pretty," Jenna said. "Can I see it?" Iris immediately covered it. "No." The sharpness in her voice surprised even her. Jenna blinked. "Oh... okay." But curiosity lingered. When the lunch bell rang, Jenna followed Iris back toward class. "Please? Just for one second." "No." "Why?" "It's personal." Jenna reached out. "I just want to look—" "Don't touch it!" Suddenly— A blast of energy exploded through the hallway. Lockers slammed shut. Papers flew into the air. The lights flickered. Students screamed. Silence followed. And for the first time since arriving at Hidden Vale High... Iris realized she wasn't afraid of being different. She was afraid of what she had just done.