After the announcements Jackeline was given her homeroom number and directed down another hall.
Her shoes tapped along the tiled floor as she walked, which made her regret wearing heels. Suddenly she felt way too over-dressed. Was she wearing too much makeup? Were her earrings too flashy? She should have stuck to jeans and a t-shirt like usual, what was she thinking? It must be blindingly clear to anyone with half a brain that she was trying too hard to make a good impression.
And here she was at her homeroom, the walk down the hallway now a blur of self-hate and self-pity.
Jackeline pushed open the door and took in the room. About half of the seats were filled, almost all in the middle or the back. Jackeline groaned internally.
She made her way down the second row from the front, taking a spot at the end as if to invite someone to sit in the unclaimed chair next to her.
On the walls were maps detailing trade routes, war zones, population density, and all number of things. At the front of the room was a dry erase board with the name Ms. Vanna written at the top in block letters. A small stack of papers sat neatly on the desk.
The door opened and a couple freshmen guys walked in, chatting. After taking in the quiet atmosphere they started whispering as they walked together to sit at the front.
Jackeline glanced behind her. Most of the students were on their phones, but one guy in the back was intently reading a book.
Oh god, Jackeline thought. That was the guy whose lap she had fallen on in the assembly hall. She looked away quickly.
Just then the door opened again and Jackeline gasped.
