'Smile with the eyes. Shoulders back. Dainty but purposeful steps. Breathe.' Sofia thought to herself in an almost robotic fashion, her mother's training embedded in her mind.
Pretending not to care about the stares the other students were giving her, or the whispers that floated about, Sofia kept her gaze forward and impassive. Even though it was only the first day of school, majority of students here had been in the same classes together since elementary school, considering the academy ranged from elementary to high school. Thus, cliques and groups were already formed and Sofia was positive that she stood out like a sore thumb.
The click of her Mary Janes' heels against the marble floor was starting to grate on her nerves. Why couldn't it be a plush carpet instead? At least then it wouldn't hurt so much as she ungracefully tripped over a bag and fell to her knees. Wincing at the pain blasting through her knees, Sofia waited a brief moment before grunting and rising to her feet. On the outside she may have appeared calm and unfazed but it was quite a different story on the inside where she was cussing up a storm.
"Hey!" A sharp voice stated, gaining Sofia's attention and she glanced over her shoulder curiously, eyebrow raised.
Standing there, looking none too pleased, arms crossed over her chest, was some long crimson haired haired, stone grey eyed girl. Her eyes were stormy as she stared down at Sofia, who was at least three inches shorter than the other.
"What?" She questioned dully, forgetting her mother's training for a moment, no longer in the mood.
"Your cheap shoes scuffed up my new Gucci bag, that's what!" The taller girl snapped.
"Well, no offense, but you really shouldn't have your bag in the middle of the hallway." She replied calmly, shrugging.
"Well, no offense," She mocked, causing Sofia's temper to flare. "But you should watch where you're going, filthy commoner."
Okay, now she was really getting pissed. Deciding to walk away before she did something she'd later regret, Sofia gave a fake, but convincing, apologetic smile. "Look, I'm sorry about your bag, I didn't mean to scuff it up." She said, attempting to keep the sarcasm out of her tone. "How about we just let the whole thing go, okay? I don't want any trouble."
The girl sniffed, putting her nose in the air. "Hmn, well, since I doubt you have the money to buy me a new one, I'll have to think of another way for you to pay me back."
"Wait, what?" She demanded.
"You honestly think I'm not going to have you repay me for this? You must be poor and dumb." She laughed and Sofia held back the urge to slap the snobby prick.
"Che palle, it was a freaking accident!" Sofia exclaimed angrily, a bit of her Italian side showing.
"Accident or not, you need to pay me back. This was a limited edition bag, making it irreplaceable."
Sofia got the feeling that she wasn't about to get out of this and this girl seemed like the type to make her life a living Hades if she didn't do what she wanted. Sighing heavily, Sofia pinched the bridge of her nose. All she had wanted was a calm school year, but of course the universe had a personal vendetta against her and ruined her plans all in a span of five minutes.
"Fine! What do you want me to do?!" She demanded, a low growl in her tone, and the other smirked in triumph.
"Its simple really," She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "All you have to do is be my personal 'assistant' until you've paid off the price of my bag."
Sofia really didn't like the way she said 'assistant' and the thought of being in anyone's debt make her cringe. Still, she really didn't have the money to pay for a new bag considering their family spent quite a bit of money on the move from America to here. "And just what does that entail?" She questioned through grit teeth.
"Oh, the usual things, carrying my books and bag, getting my lunch, doing my homework, and whatever else I can think of."
"... You were a lonely, unloved kid growing up weren't you?" She stated dully and that comment earned her a harsh glare.
"Watch your mouth, commoner! My parents love me! They get me whatever I want and we take numerous vacations together." She hissed and Sofia held back a scoff.
"Whatever you say, princess." She rolled her eyes.
"Shut up! Assistants are to be seen, not heard."
"Oh yeah? You know what, forget it. You can take your bag and toss it in a fountain for all I care." She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring up at the other girl.
"Fine, but don't be surprised if you get a call from my father demanding payment for the bag."
"You're ridiculous, you know that?!" She demanded before giving a low growl. "Fine, i'll be your 'assistant' but on one condition."
"Oh, this should be good ..." She scoffed and Sofia's fists clenched even tighter at her sides.
"You keep your mouth shut with your petty, snide remarks. Just because you're rich does not automatically make you a better person, despite what you may think. Capisce?" She stated, raising an eyebrow at her and Ayanokoji frowned.
"...Very well, I'll keep my opinions to myself." She agreed reluctantly in a quiet tone. "Now, take my things, I can't be late for class."
"Eh … Can't I start tomorrow? I have no idea where my classes are yet." She complained, frowning and the other girl simply frowned disapprovingly, raising an eyebrow at her. Sighing, Sofia grabbed the bag that caused all these problems. "Fine." She growled.
With a satisfied smile, Ayanokoji nodded to herself and headed for her class, Sofia grudgingly following after her. Glaring up at the red head through her bangs, Sofia wondered why the Universe hated her so much and enjoyed making her life miserable sometimes. Seriously, what did she do to deserve this?