Harvest Moon: High School Parade
Chapter 2: The Newbie
I thought I was going to throw up. I was so nervous as the car curved around, and the "Castanet Academy" sign was passed. When the car stopped, Finn had to elbow me in the arm to remind me of why I was there. I stepped out and inhaled deeply, trying to take in the new feeling.
"Hello! Welcome to Castanet Academy! You must be Hikari." A short, stout man waddled over to greet us. He seemed very jolly, and excited to show us the school.
He continued, "My name is Mr. Hamilton, and I am the principal of this school. Please allow me to show you around."
I nodded politely and followed him down the path. Finn followed behind me. Back at the car, Mr. Cain called out, "Well, good luck with school Hikari! See you in class." He waved through the open car window and drove away.
Well, that was it. I stood up straight, took a deep breath, and marched proudly toward my new future.
The principal began to go on about the history of the school, and pointed at buildings and monuments. My mind was on overload with facts and numbers. I could tell by his speech that he was very proud to be principal.
He stopped, faced us, and gestured, "Behind me, and in front of you, is the main building, Celesta. Here you will have all of your classes. Our counselor, Mr. Perry, will give you a handout of your class agenda this evening. To the left of the Celesta building is Harmonica Hall where all of our assemblies take place, as well as some dances and plays. We also have basketball games in here during the winter. On the right is Flute Field, our athletic area. Our football games are held here in the fall, and Baseball and Track in the spring. Feel free to come here to jog anytime if you'd like."
Finn whispered behind me, "There's also a workout room too in Harmonica Hall, if you're interested in athletics."
I nodded.
Principal Hamilton continued, "Directly behind Celesta, is the Garmon building, our dining hall. We pride ourselves with great food here at Castanet, and even have an after school program for those interested in cooking."
I looked back at Finn, "Wow, that sounds like fun!"
Finn frowned a bit and his cheeks flushed. His eyes dropped to the floor as if he knew something, but was reluctant to tell me. I let it pass, and followed Mr. Hamilton as he continued walking.
I looked around at all the new sights. There was a lot less people here than I thought, but that didn't really bother me. I liked small schools. It really was a beautiful school. I was excited at prospect of exploring after the formal tour. I did notice that the other people around didn't seem to look at the school in the same way that I did. They all seemed a bit…bored? Sad? Melancholy? Maybe it was because I was new and overly cheerful. I'll have to investigate later.
Mr. Hamilton continued down a path leading away from the school towards two hotel-like buildings. Here he stopped, "Well, we arrived at the dormitories. On the left is Fugue Forest, the boys' dorm, and on the right is Toucan Island, the girls' dorm. All rules and curfews are posted on the bulletin boards as well as other announcements and activities. Please be sure to check those periodically for news. Mrs. Sue is the Resident Director of the girls dorm who will be here to meet with you shortly to show you to your room. Mr. Samson is the RD for the boys' dorm as well."
He shook my hand and politely said, "It was very nice to meet you Hikari. I hope you enjoy your time here at Castanet. I look forward to speaking with you again. Be sure to meet all the teachers and students while you have the time. Take care!" With that, he as off. I turned towards the dorms and sighed. Home sweet home.
I began to walk towards the girls' dorm with Finn trailing behind. He was carrying most of my bags, and said between short breaths, "Don't… forget…. we need…. to see…President…. Oi! Hikari! You're not even listening, are you?"
I was…
Barely. I was too excited to worry about duty. I wanted to get my room ready, and figure out my classes, and meet new people, maybe even…boys. I giggled inside at the prospect. I never even had a boyfriend before. My heart pounded in my chest as I daydreamed about picnics and dances with my imaginary future boyfriend. My dream bubble popped when a lady's voice called me, "Hello? Are you Hikari?"
I looked up and bowed in apology for not paying attention. "My name is Mrs. Sue." She said, "It's good to meet you. I will be showing you to your room." I began to follow her into the dorm looking at all the posts and pictures on doors, wondering who were the people living behind them. I could hear a slight booming noise above me. It sounded like the bass of a song turned way too loud, and feet stomping to and fro. Mrs. Sue stopped. "Selena! Turn that music down! You know the rules!" The music then turned up a bit louder. "Gosh that girl! How many times-I will deal with her later." As we neared the end of the hall, we stopped at a blank door. "Here is your room. We have a rule list on your desk, and a chest for your books and things. Let me know if you need help unpacking. Please be in your room with lights out at 22:00. Feel free to walk around the school to find your locker, and such. Boys are not allowed in rooms at any time. They are allowed to be in the halls until 20:00. Any other questions?"
I looked at the blank door, "No I'm fine I think. Thank you."
"If you need anything, let me know. There's a phone in your room, and a list of numbers. I will be around if you need me." She turned and left, mumbling something under her breath about loud music and a dancing drama queen.
I took the bags from Finn and dropped them in my room, looking around at the small space. I walked to a small table next to my bed and saw a notebook there. I opened it and wrote on the first page today's date and time, and began, "Day 1. Fall."
Wait a minute. I thought. I have way too many things to do. I shouldn't take the time to write my thoughts right now.
I needed to explore.
Finn reminded me for the 100th time that we needed to go see the President. But I was way too interested in meeting new people.
Where do I begin?
END Chapter 2