**Chapter 3 is now up! Thank you all for reading and reviewing. The reviews really help me to continue writing. Enjoy!
Harvest Moon: High School Parade
Chapter 3: Meeting Ms. President
Taking out the map, I located the counselor's office and set on my way there. I was eager to see what classes were lined up, and when. On the way I met a few teachers. Mr. Hayden and Mr. Dale, the deans, greeted me politely, yet made sure I knew certain rules. Mr. Simon, the school's photographer, told me when picture day was so that I would be prepared. And Craig, our school janitor, well…he didn't really say much to me.
Finn still followed me, giving me tips on this and that, making sure I was okay, helping with directions, and yes, telling me to see President Sephia. At least he cooled down a bit since earlier, allowing me time to look around.
When I walked in the counselor's office I felt a bit…at peace. I guess that's the point of a counselor's office. Mr. Perry beckoned me in, "Hikari, I was expecting you. It's very nice to meet you. I have your schedule here. Please sit down and let's go over it."
Finally. The moment I was waiting for….what classes do I have?
I sat in the large, cushy chair in front of his desk, and tentatively took the small piece of paper in my hands. Looking down at the words, I frowned slightly. Why, it's just a normal list of classes.
Math, History, Literature, Science, Visual and Performing arts, and P.E.
Mr. Perry continued to let me know where classes were, and such and such, but I was hardly listening. I was smart enough to figure out which class was where in this small school.
There was a quiet knock at the door. A lady stuck her head in "…excuse me Mr. Perry." At seeing the visitor, Mr. Perry blushed slightly, "M…m…Ms. Mira, pa…p…please please, come in. " He stood up to greet her.
She said, "I'm sorry to burst in like this, but I wanted to go over some schedule changes for my classes if you have a moment. I believe there is an over lap with my teaching schedules."
"Uh…sha…sha…sure, of course." He fidgeted a bit and looked at me in an 'I'm Sorry'-look. "Um, Hikari, I think you're set for now. Let me know if you have any concerns." I then got up and proceeded out the door. I had a feeling something was up with them, especially from the way he reacted to her greeting. I giggled to myself, it's funny when adults have silly crushes.
In the hallway I turned suddenly to Finn, "Hey Finn, you know what? I think we're ready to go see this President of yours now." Finn practically shot through the roof from excitement at my statement.
"Really Hikari? I am so glad! Her office is just down this way right past Gramon Dining. I know a shortcut form here." He happily bounced down the hall, as I laughed to myself at his mood. He looked like such a child in his bright orange outfit and silly grin from ear to ear.
As we walked to see Ms. Sephia, I was a little nervous for some reason. I heard such wonderful praise by Finn, that I was expecting something…amazing. We kept walking on, and I noticed that her office was a little out of the way. Maybe she liked her peace from all the bustle of high school. Finn lightly knocked on the door, "Ms. President, it's me Finn. Hikari is here to see you."
From behind the door I could hear a soft, angelic voice say, "Please, do come in."
Upon entering, I was a bit in shock at the beauty of her office. Everything was so neat and in its place, but at the same time very tranquil, and not over-bearingly organized.
But it wasn't until I saw her that her office seemed like a garage. She was a very tall, elegant woman. She stood politely waiting for us. Her long aqua-colored hair flowed neatly behind her. Everything about her shined "importance."
She motioned for us to sit down, and unconsciously I obeyed.
"I've been expecting you Hikari. It is very nice to finally see you." She turned to Finn, "Thank you Finn for bringing her here."
Finn beamingly smiled at her gratefulness.
She continued, "Hikari, as you know, we don't usually accept transfer students from as far as you came, but we made an exception with you. You are a very capable young woman based on what we have seen in your scores and activities. I know you have what it takes to assist in the task that I ask of you." She paused slightly, collecting her words. "Unfortunately, Castanet Academy is not as it used to be. Enrollment has dwindled, teachers have lost their spirit, and the students are apathetic. The Superintendent is planning on shutting this school down." Finn loudly gasped at this news, and I placed my hands over my mouth in amazement. I could see that Ms. Sephia really cared deeply for this school. Even though I just arrived, I also began to accept this place as my new home.
I was concerned, and a bit angry, Castanet has always been famous for its prestige. How can it be shut down? I won't let that happen. I won't let that happen! "I won't let that happen Ms. Sephia. You can count on me." I became very determined. I knew I had what it took to help bring this school back on its feet. I would do my best, even if it would be difficult, tiresome, monotonous, or even make me want to quit. I would never give up, especially since the way President Sephia and the rest of school counted on me.
She gently smiled, "I am so glad to hear that." Her face then became more serious, "It's not going to be an easy road ahead of you. You will need to convince each member of the School Board to keep this school running. The Superintendent will not even listen without the Board's approval first. Each of them has different views on how this school can be successful. I can only do so much. For a while, the School Board has been inactive because of the lack of participation and enthusiasm from the people here. They do not hold meetings anymore, so you will have to speak to them individually. Finn will know where they are located and what to do." She looked at Finn, and he nodded in obedient approval.
Her face was solemn, yet hopeful as she said to me, "For the sake of this school, we are counting on you Hikari. Thank you." She then stood up to show us out. I bowed briefly as I left.
I stood silent in the hallway, my brow furrowed deep in thought on what was just said to me.
My time here at Castanet was about to get interesting.
END Ch.3
