I got off the bus and looked up at the building. I had seen pictures of Ouran Academy for a long time, dreaming of going there. Now that I am here, I'm blown away. It's gorgeous. The entire campus had to be at least 8 city blocks long, and who knows how wide. I smiled to myself and began to walk through the fence gate.
I look around to see some gentlemen taking care of the landscape, while others are cleaning the outsides of the windows. I begin to walk toward the school with my three bags, going into the, what I believe is the main building. I walk toward the arrow pointing to where it says 'Office'. I sighed and looked at my feet.
In a way, I am pretty overstimulated. This is a new country, a new school, new everything. Leaving the United States was a difficult process. Having to emancipate myself and get a work and school visa all at the same time, left me overall tired and ready to have my "new beginning" that all of the books and movies talk about. I opened the office door and stepped in.
"Welcome to Ouran Academy, how can I help you?" A young, simple Japanese woman looked up at me from behind her desk, making eye contact while giving her welcome. I gave her a shy smile, ready to actually use my new foreign language. "Hello, my name is Kelly O'Connor. I am a new student, from the United States." She smiled gently, "You're our new Scholarship student, correct?" "Yes."
Scholarship student is one way to word my situation. I smiled to myself nervously.
She got up to grab a manila packet that had my name on it. "The Academy Chairman is looking forward to seeing you, Ms. O'Connor." I grabbed my bags and followed her to a back office. I looked around; the office was bigger than my old apartment in the United States. She offered me a seat and a bottle of water, and then walked away.
I looked up to see the Academy Chairman. "Good Morning, Sir." I said meekly. "Good Morning, Ms. O'Connor. Did you find Ouran Academy alright?" "I did, thank you." I didn't even find a place to sleep last night, I just stayed at the airport and then took busses here. I didn't tell him this, but he probably would have guessed it.
He smiled and looked at the manila packet. "My name is Mr. Suoh. I normally don't tell students that they will see me often, but you're a special case." I grabbed the packet and began to open it. He continued, "That packet has all of your information. It contains the following: School schedule, your uniform, and in this case, where you will be…staying."
Staying. He was looking almost uncomfortable about saying that. I guess I was the only one in this situation where he would have to say that.
After all, I was considered homeless in both Japan and The United States.
I played with my hair nervously. Looking at my packet, I began to read the information.
"Ms. O'Connor. Normally, we do not accept students with your situation. Liability reasons. But, with your grades and extremely impressive application essay, I decided to give you a chance. There are a few rules that you must follow. Do not tell anyone of your past situation, or that you will be staying here at the school, unless it is with my approval."
I nodded. It was understandable. I am sure that Ouran Academy did not that kind of attention going toward such an elite high school. "I understand. "
"Also, you will be able to see that your schedule is a bit different than most. For your Japanese, you will need some extra support. Grammar is a bit off, but we will work with you in Japanese as a Foreign Language class. Other than that, you are in all A rank first year classes." He looked at me with a soft smile.
"Ms. O'Connor, I understand that this situation is difficult for you. Starting all over in a new country is a brave movement to do. Which, is why I would like for you to continue to make these right choices." He then hands me another flyer. "This is a list of all the clubs and activities we carry here at Ouran. Looking from your records, you have only taken one year of independent violin studies. Ouran Academy requests all of our students to participate in activities, as it will help with their college entries and studies for the future. Ms. O'Connor, think of it this way: If you join a club and stick with it the whole year, I will pay for all of your expenses. This includes your uniform, meals, and other investments for your education." He looked me straight into the eyes and after a few more seconds, says "You're away from that situation, be yourself."
I looked at him and smiled. I could do that. He was right, I was free. I stood up and bowed to him slightly. "Thank you, again for this opportunity, Suoh-sama. I don't know where I would be without your support." I then walked out of his office, and into the women's restroom to get changed into this new uniform.
"Well, isn't this…lovely." I looked at the dress. It was absolutely the worst dress. It was this long yellow poofy dress that covered every part of the woman body. I understood that modesty was an extremely important part of the higher Japanese culture, but this is a bit overboard, don't you think?
I slipped it on, and buttoned up the back. I looked at myself. I looked wealthy, first time I had ever felt this way. I still looked ridiculous with it on, but the dress was meant to show the higher standards that Ouran Academy shows.
I looked at my phone, there was about twenty minutes until my first class starts. I left the restroom and began to walk across campus. I was starting classes about two months into the school year, so I knew that I would have a lot of catching up. I finally made it to my classroom 1-A and took a seat in the middle of the class, right when the bell rang.
Welcome to Ouran Academy.
