I could tell the morning would swim by unbearably slowly the second I stepped foot into my first class. It would be filled with awkward smiles, polite nods, uncharacteristic timidness, and each class will start in exactly the same manner as this. Judgemental gazes were thrown in my direction as first impressions were unashamedly made; indiscreet whispers exchanged among peers about me, the new girl, the minute I walked into the room.
"Who is she?", "What's her name?", "Maybe we could get her to join the cheerleading squad."
It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at the lack of discretion, or let slip a witty comment each time, and for the most part I kept my eyes on anything but them, periodically sparing them a glance and pleasant half-smile.
Of course, there were the nice ones, who smiled, waved, and bothered to introduce themselves, completely leaving out the part where they asked colleagues - who like themselves didn't know me - who I was. Some even sweetly offered for me to spend lunch with them, and genuine regret colored delicate features as I complaisantly declined each request. Infiltrating new territory meant that getting to know it was a good idea, and after the obstacle I had to overcome already, when the day had barely even begun, that was exactly what I intended to do. Before I'd even left the house, I made a conscious decision to wander around the art and the history departments, having no doubt that a lot of my time would be spent there.
I had five minutes to spare until the lesson began, and as I took a seat, I couldn't help but make observations of my own; by the windows were preppy little girls, laughing boisterously as they paid no mind to anyone but each other, half of the football team throwing a ball across the classroom, or blowing spit balls through straws at the 'nerds' sitting in the front row. The few minutes I had to gather my thoughts flew by way too quickly, and the next thing I know, the teacher's at the front of the class, demanding everyone's silence prior to directing an amiable smile towards me, his introduction doubling as a request for me to join him before everyone else, and let them all know who I was.
"We have someone new in our class today, everyone. Why don't you come up and introduce yourself?"
Thank God this was a History class.
"Hi, I'm Isobel Flemming, and I moved here from-."