First day of school {Mystic High School} [6]

James and Evan arrived in their classroom to find other students engaged in conversations; some glanced at them before resuming their chatter.

They too returned to their seats, and Evan began taking out his textbooks according to the schedule Fiona had provided.

As the class commenced, Evan's initial excitement gradually waned. The more he listened to his teacher, the sleepier he became, sometimes barely keeping his eyes open to avoid dozing off on his first day.

Beside him, James was asleep, unconcerned. Just as the period was nearing its end, the teacher's gaze landed on James, catching him asleep. This led to a few extra minutes of lecturing before the period concluded.

After a bit more admonishment, the teacher left, and the classroom erupted into a buzz of gossip.

Many students thanked James because, thanks to him, the last few minutes did not become unbearable for everyone, as the period after break is always challenging for every student, even for those who study diligently.

"It's nothing, just a normal talent to help each other out in times of trouble, so I just offered myself as a sacrifice for everyone," he said, boasting as if he were floating on the flow of a river.

"Well, Mr. Helper, would you please sit down, as I am already here," someone said from the classroom door and closed it behind him.

"Oh no, it's Sir Peter," everyone whispered and hurried back to their seats to sit properly.

"So, I hope you all are ready for the board test I assigned a few days ago. The punishment will be much harsher than usual," he announced, causing the entire class to burst into despair, with only a few faces showing confidence while the rest trembled in fear, having forgotten about it.

"Hey, did you prepare for it?" a student asked Rook, who was quite confident and one of the few who seemed unfazed.

"Yes, do you expect me not to study for Sir Peter's class? I still remember the punishment he gave me back then," Rook replied, shivering slightly but ready for the challenge.

"Well, well, it looks like we have a new face here, so why don't you introduce yourself, kid?" Peter said, scanning the room and noticing a new student sitting there, assuming he was from a different section and had stayed because he hadn't gone to his class.

Evan who was sitting beside James stand up from his seat and stand still without saying anything.

"Are you mute or something." He asked as Evan moved his head in no.

"Then told me your name and why are you in this class." He asked as he never ever thought that a new student can enter in class.

"Sir, I am a transfer student and today is my first day here," Evan said in a low voice that failed to reach Peter's ears, leading him to believe the boy was making excuses.

"Please leave my class, or I will have to send you to the principal's office," he said, as Evan was stunned that he was being sent out despite telling the truth, unaware that Peter had not heard him correctly.

James, who was sitting next to him, grasped the situation and stood up.

"Sir, wait, there seems to be a misunderstanding," he interjected confidently.

"What are you implying, James? It seems you're also in favor of letting students stay in class after the break, thinking it promotes harmony. But now it appears to be misused, so I might have to ask you to leave as well," he said, mistakenly assuming James was defending Evan.

"No, sir, what I mean is Evan isn't from another section; he's a new transfer student who joined our class this morning. If you don't believe me, you can verify with Ms. Blake, who introduced him herself," James explained loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"So, you're saying this student is new to our section?" Peter sought confirmation.

"Yes, sir, and if you have doubts, please confirm with Ms. Blake. She introduced him to the class herself, and I don't believe a teacher would lie to us," James replied, as the entire class nodded in agreement, pleased that the discussion was prolonging the time before a test.

"Yes, sir, we urge you to check with Miss Blake for confirmation," the class chimed in unison, leaving Peter astonished at the students' solidarity, all for a transfer student they barely knew.

"Okay, if you insist, I'll go outside and ask Miss Blake for confirmation, but if anyone makes noise while I'm away, be ready for the worst," Peter said as he left the classroom to find Fiona.

"Hurray!" Everyone cheered, surprised that today's test might be postponed, especially since it was Sir Peter's test.

The class was abuzz with gossip, yet the volume remained low; no one wanted to be punished, test or no test.

"Hey bro, sit down now, the teacher's already gone," James said to Evan, who remained standing even after the teacher had left.

"But what if he comes back?" Evan asked, worried that Peter would be angry with him.

"Don't worry, nothing's going to happen. The period will be over by then," James replied nonchalantly.

"Alright, if you say so," Evan conceded, sitting down next to him. Within minutes, they too were engrossed in discussions about the game they had played the day before.

While students continued to gossip among themselves, Peter could be seen walking down the hallway, heading straight for the teacher's office.

Upon entering, he found Fiona busy with student papers.

"Ms. Blake, I need to inquire about something concerning your class," he stated promptly upon approaching her.

"Oh, hello Mr. Peter, what is it you're referring to?" she asked, surprised by his presence at that time.

"Well, as I was about to start my session in your Section-A class, I noticed a new student there. It seemed he had sneaked into the class to spend time with his friend without notifying anyone," he explained, getting straight to the point.

"Ah, you mean Evan. I'm sorry, Mr. Peter, but I'm as in the dark as you are. Mr. Rick personally enrolled him, and there's nothing I can say or do about it," she responded, indicating her lack of involvement from the beginning.

"Then I must discuss this with the principal," he declared, resolute in discovering why this student was in the class.

"Perhaps, but I doubt you'll get far; he's not one to share information," she cautioned, but Peter remained undeterred, convinced that Rick should at least disclose something about the student.

Leaving the office, he made his way to the principal's office.

-- To be continued --