Why did we have to move to Japan?
I had pleaded with my parents multiple times on the matter, but despite all complaining and threatening, here we were, in Japan.
"I miss California…" I looked forlornly out the window of my mother's silver Toyota Tundra as Katy Perry's California Girls streamed through my headphones.
We were on our way to officially enroll me at Ouran Academy, the snobby rich people school that my dad's new company had so 'generously' paid for my senior year's tuition.
When I had first seen the brochure, all I could think was Seriously, the school is PINK?!
And, naturally, the girls were all meant to wear frilly yellow dresses. Like Princess Daisy.
Um, HELL no!
Mom pulled into the parking lot and I hopped out of the car, following sullenly behind her. As we passed through a long mirrored hallway, I couldn't help but smirk at my reflection on the wall.
My hair, naturally blonde, was dyed the brightest shade of red I could get it and straightened pin-straight. My eyes, an ever-changing mixture of gold, blue, and green, were outlined in gold with black on the waterline and framed by black lashes.
Instead of a ridiculous Princess Daisy dress, I was sporting dark denim shorts that reached above the middle of my thigh with a cut-up grey tank top with several bats made of rhinestones on the front, and to complete the outfit, classic black and white converse high-tops.
Not to mention the large red gashes that covered both my legs. It was always the same. Every year since 7th grade, just before I started school again I always got some epic booboos to show off. Last year it had been sliding down a mountain trail while on a hike. This year, my poor balance and a very angry brick wall. But I counted on my 'back to school booboos.' They were almost always an interesting start of conversation.
"Ashley, it's a hallway, not a funhouse. Come on." Apparently mother had noticed I was making faces in the mirrors.
Curse your stupid child-is-having-fun mother radar!
I trailed behind mom as she navigated the monstrous school, and I couldn't help but notice the hushed whispers and quick glances that all seemed directed at me.
Not that I have any idea what they're saying, though, since I don't speak a word of Japanese.
I had a basic idea, though. It was likely gossip about the strange American girl with the red hair who dressed funny and obviously didn't want to be here. But that was just a guess.
A few hours, a couple maps, several wrong turns and a lot of walking later, and I was officially enrolled at Ouran Academy.
"All that's left is a few forms for you to fill out." The man behind the desk had been talking with mom for the past hour, going over everything about the school, the rules, blah blah blah.
He turned to me then, a smile on his face, though it looked rather force to me. "Why don't you go explore while we finish up here?" He suggested, and I was more than happy to comply.
I bolted faster than rabbit and began my quest for a hiding spot. Classes would be letting out soon, and I wanted to be safely hiding by the time the halls were filled with rich, snobby teenagers.
Now let's see, where can a girl hide in this monster of a school..?
I picked a direction at random and started questing. When presented with stairs, I climbed up, and then back down or up again at every opportunity until I had no idea which floor I was on.
How many floors does this place even have…?
The thought died in my mind as one of the many doors I had been continually trying to open was actually unlocked, and thankfully, empty.
There were chairs, tables, and couches strewn about the room. Along the cream-colored walls were giant windows overlooking the school courtyard. The largest and most comfortable looking of the couches just so happened to be very close to one of the windows looking out at the cherry blossom trees.
Perfect.
I claimed it as my own, laying on my back and allowing my head to hang over the edge just a bit so that when I looked back, I could see the sun and the trees outside.
I sighed happily as Joel Pipers My Little Earthquake played in my head, calming me until old habits got the better of my. I pulled out my red Pantech Burst and unlocked it, using my thumb to slide through a couple of screens before Angry Birds Space took over my vision.
Come on, die you stupid space pig, die!
It was futile. I had played the same level at least ten times by now, but still I couldn't kill the last little pig.
I finally gave up and pocketed my phone as a bell sounded and Japanese chatter filled the building.
I removed my headphones with a small smirk. Good thing they're all out there and I'm in-….. The handle just moved. OH GOD THEY'VE FOUND ME!
I panicked. The last thing I needed was to be confronted by someone who wouldn't understand my well-practiced excuses. I dove behind a pillar just as the door opened and six boys came into the room. They all appeared to be students by their uniforms, but they were definitely some of the best-looking guys she had ever seen.
Get a hold of it, Ash! You gotta get out of here!
I shot down my inner fangirl and tried desperately to find a way out.
There! The group had gathered around a table, and none of them were paying attention to the door, which, thank God, was left ajar.
I sneakily made my way across the wall, my eyes on the boys the entire time. Thinking I was in the clear, I turned my back to reach for the door when a hand grabbed my elbow, and its partner slammed the door shut with an indefinite click, sealing off my only chance for escape.
"And just where do you think you're going?"
