Claudine closed the door of her dormitory unit at 7 am, joining the stream of students leaving the area. Today marked the beginning of another school year at Moon Academy. The courtyard buzzed with conversation as students caught up after the break.
Clutching her books tightly in her left hand, Claudine adjusted her glasses. Despite the shadow of a past incident, she refused to let her illness define her. Never again.
"Hi, Miss Claudine!"
"Good morning, Miss Claudine! You look stunning as always."
"Still the reigning queen, Miss President!"
Every student she passed greeted her warmly. It was no surprise; Claudine was known across the academy for her brilliance and leadership. Her long black hair cascaded down her back as she returned each greeting with a radiant smile.
Two weeks ago, the headmistress called her telling her that she will be keeping her position in the student council as the president. Since last year when she got elected as the SC President, the headmistress became really fond of her for some unknown reasons. Truth be told, she is quite popular to everyone here in Moon Academy after last school year's foundation day. She opened the academy to the public and let all the clubs start their own fund raising activity that whoever earns the highest amount of money will win a trophy for recognition and only half of the money will be donated to the school and the rest, the club members may use it any way the want. That time, all the donated amount was used to feeding activities for the homeless, ten laptops were given for free to struggling students who cannot afford to buy one and twenty bicycles was added to the school transportation system. With all that, Moon Academy become known to everyone and there was a boost in the number of enrollees this year which maybe is the reason why the headmistress still wants Claudine to remain in her position. Well that's just a hunch though.
"How I wish she'll see me," sighed one student dreamily.
Today promised a fresh start, brimming with potential. Claudine could almost visualize herself on stage at graduation, basking in the fulfillment of her dreams. She could smell success in the air—it was hers for the taking.
Turning left down the hallway, Claudine's first task of the day was to visit the Headmistress's office. Duty called.
She arrived at the office and rapped lightly on the wooden door. Moments later, the Headmistress's secretary, Faith Felicidad, opened it.
"Hello, Madame Faith. I'm here to see the Headmistress. May I come in?" Claudine asked politely, flashing her trademark smile.
"Yes, of course. She's already with the transfer students," replied Madame Faith in her usual stern tone, stepping aside to let Claudine enter.
Inside, shelves lined the corners of the room, two chairs sat in front of a wooden table, and a long red sofa rested to the side—Madame Faith's domain. And there's this floral scent everywhere in Madame Faith's very organized place. It's kinda relaxing in some way actually.
Claudine followed Madame Faith to an adjoining room—the Headmistress's office. Three new students occupied the long sofa, with two more seated opposite each other on single couches. The Headmistress stood before them.
"My apologies for interrupting, Headmistress. Miss Suchyvette is here," Madame Faith announced.
Headmistress Lady Jennifer Grace Montrose turned towards Claudine, recognition lighting up her stunning face. She approached Claudine with open arms.
"Don't apologize, Miss Suchyvette. I'm delighted to see you!" Headmistress Montrose exclaimed, enveloping Claudine in a warm embrace.
Claudine was accustomed to such displays of affection. "Thank you, Headmistress," she smiled.
Madame Faith excused herself, leaving Claudine with the Headmistress and the new students. Claudine couldn't help but size them up. Three girls and two boys—each with a story to tell. Claudine greeted them with her characteristic warmth. She waved her hand and smiled at them.
"Students, meet Claudine Vallerie Suchyvette—our Student Council President and one of our brightest minds," proclaimed Headmistress Montrose with evident pride. ''She won champion in the Brilliant Minds UltraQuiz competition, was Gold Medalist in the Interschool Sports Fest, and organized a very remarkable foundation day celebration last school year. And I believe that there's still more of her that we don't know. She's a friend to everyone as well so don't hesitate to approach her anytime." Oh well the last part was a lie. Not everyone likes her.
The newcomers sized her up in turn. Two girls seemed indifferent, while a petite girl looked at her with admiration. The two boys simply stared, unmoving.
One girl with dark eye shadow, Ivory, broke the silence. "Are you really one of the smartest here, or just another boring know-it-all?" she remarked snidely.
Claudine maintained her composure, her voice taking on an authoritative tone. "Please choose your words carefully. You're addressing the Student Council President. Let's maintain a respectful and professional atmosphere."
Ivory rolled her eyes but remained silent—a small victory for Claudine's authority.
Claudine glanced at the Headmistress, who observed the exchange with interest. Straightening her posture, Claudine spoke firmly.
"As new students of Moon Academy, respect and mindfulness are crucial in our community. We do not tolerate unkind actions especially bullying here and at any cost, we encourage everyone to always show kindness and respect. We get treated the way we treat others and so if you do not want bad things to happen to to you, then let us all do the good things only. I am very much aware that not everyone will like me but rather than attacking me through saying quite unkind remarks at me, you can just stay silent and choose peace. That's all and glad to meet all of you," she asserted before yielding the floor to the Headmistress.
The Headmistress resumed her role, guiding the students through introductions and expectations. Claudine stood on one side, listening attentively despite her initial disappointment with Ivory's behavior. She wasn't one to tolerate disrespect or troublemaking. But of course, she won't waste her time and energy for some petty fights. Important thing is she already said what she wanted to say.
"As you can see, Miss Suchyvette isn't just our President—she's exceptional. Wouldn't you agree?" Headmistress Montrose beamed before turning to Claudine. "Can you show them around today, Miss President?"
Claudine stifled a mental snort. "Absolutely, Headmistress," she replied with a smile, knowing refusal wasn't an option.
"Perfect!" Headmistress Montrose clasped her hands together. "Introduce yourselves to Miss President. She'll be your guide today."
The Headmistress returned to her seat, leaving Claudine to await their introductions.
"Hello, Miss Suchyvette. I'm Clarissa Amalia, thrilled to meet you! And uhh you just sounded so cool just now. You talked like a 'you do not want to mess with me' kind of girl just like the ones I read from action novels. Very strong personality. I like you and very nice to meet you!" chirped the cute girl with expressive blue eyes. Claudine returned her smile warmly.
"Thank you and yes, nice to meet you too. A'right let's proceed. So...next?"
"The name's Ivory Addilyn Grobinner. Sorry and yeah, cool to be here," announced the girl with the dark eye shadow, her tone less enthusiastic and insincere. But Claudine chose to acknowledged her with a nod before turning to the next girl.
"I am Unice Faye Estebann, Ivory's best friend. Nice to be here," said the last girl, eyes fixated only to her fingernails.
Claudine nodded again in acknowledgment with a little smile. Bet she'll be having a little hard day today. "A'right nice to meet you girls. So now...let's listen to the boys."
Her gaze landed on one boy, whose handsome features caught her attention—messy black hair, sea-green eyes, and a sense of mystery. This guy is wearing a black hoody, hiding his face a little. "I'm Prince. Pleasure to meet you, Miss President," he said calmly.
Claudine smiled inwardly. "Likewise, Prince."
The next boy stood up—a contrast to Prince with his light brown hair and hazel eyes. Handsome in a different way, but Claudine found Prince more intriguing, though she couldn't pinpoint why.
"I'm Nicko Aaric Glaston. A pleasure to meet such a beautiful young lady like you," Nicko said, reaching for her hand to kiss it. Claudine withdrew her hand politely with a small smile on her lips.
"Nice to meet you too, Nicko," she replied with a serious look. "But I don't shake hands that way. Hope you understand."
With introductions complete, Claudine proceeded to explain the school's rules and regulations to the new students. Later, she would give them a tour of the expansive campus—an endeavor that already drained her energy.
"If only I could say no," she thought wryly.
