Chapter Three:Oakwood Academy

The grand, high-ceilinged classroom at Oakwood Academy was a testament to the school's commitment to excellence. Large windows overlooked the lush green grounds, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden desks and chairs. The walls were adorned with gleaming trophies and certificates, reminders of the school's proud history and academic achievements.

That was the same school Anderson went to when she was younger.

Miss Grace, a lovely-looking woman with a kind smile, stood at the front of the room, welcoming a new student. "Everyone, please meet Rachel, our new student from London!" she announced, her voice echoing through the room. The other kids looked at Rachel with wide eyes, impressed by her exotic background.

But a group of girls, led by Laura, a petite blonde with a scowl on her face, gazed at Rachel with disdain. Laura's cohorts, Martha and Merry, flanked her, their faces mirroring their leader's displeasure. As Miss Grace continued to speak, Laura leaned over to her friends and whispered, "What's so special about her, anyway? Just because she's from London doesn't mean she's better than us."

Martha and Merry nodded in agreement, their faces twisted in jealousy. The trio's hostile stare made Rachel feel like an outsider, and she began to wonder if she'd ever fit in. As Miss Grace led Rachel to her seat, she noticed a beautiful girl with curly, full hair and brown skin smiling at her. Ashley's warm smile put Rachel at ease, and she felt a sense of gratitude towards this kind stranger.

Ashley whispered, "Hello, I'm Ashley. Welcome to Oakwood Academy," her voice barely audible over the hum of conversation in the classroom. Rachel smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful for Ashley's friendly demeanor, which seemed to be a stark contrast to the cold reception she received from Laura and her friends.

As she sat down, Rachel couldn't help but notice the intricate braids woven into Ashley's hair, which sparkled with tiny beads that caught the light. Ashley's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled again, and Rachel felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced since arriving at Oakwood Academy.

Maybe, just maybe, she had found a friend in this beautiful and kind girl named Ashley. Miss Grace asked everyone to keep quiet as she began to teach, and Rachel, being nine years old, settled into her Grade 3 English class. The lesson focused on grammar and sentence structure, and Rachel's hand shot up frequently as Miss Grace posed questions to the class.

Rachel answered each question confidently and correctly, leaving Miss Grace impressed. "Excellent work, Rachel! You have a keen understanding of grammar," she praised. Laura, however, grew increasingly uncomfortable, feeling like Rachel was trying to steal her glory. She attempted to answer a few questions herself, but her responses were met with gentle corrections from Miss Grace.

After the class, as the students filed out, Rachel walked alongside Ashley, who had been sitting next to her during the lesson. As they stepped into the hallway, Simon, the best male student and handsome guy in the class, walked towards them. Ashley's eyes widened, and she whispered to Rachel, "Oh my gosh, that's Simon! He's like, the smartest and most popular guy in our year!"

Rachel looked up at Simon, feeling a little shy, as he approached them with a warm smile. "Hi, I'm Simon. Welcome to Oakwood Academy," he said, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. Ashley couldn't stop blushing, her cheeks flushing pink as she nodded hello. Rachel, too, felt a little starstruck, but she smiled back at Simon, feeling grateful for his friendly gesture.

Laura, watching the exchange from across the hallway, felt a pang of jealousy. Why was Simon, the most popular boy in class, talking to Rachel and not her? She scowled, her eyes narrowing as she turned away, feeling more resentful than ever towards the new student.

As Laura walked past Ashley and Rachel with her entourage, Martha and Merry, she purposely aimed a step at Rachel's foot, trying to trip her,and when she fell,

Martha and Merry laughed as they walked behind Laura, Ashley's eyes flashed with anger, and she instinctively stepped forward, ready to defend her new friend.

But Rachel quickly stood up and grabbed Ashley's arm, holding her back. "Don't, Ashley. It's okay," Rachel said calmly, though her eyes narrowed at Laura's mean gesture. Laura smirked, thinking she had gotten away with her bullying, and continued walking down the hallway with her girls.

But, in a moment of karma, Merry slipped on a loose floorboard and fell, her books and belongings scattering around her. The students nearby couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight. Laura's face turned red with anger, and she shouted at Merry, "Get up, you clumsy idiot! What's wrong with you?"

Merry just sat there, rubbing her hurt knee, looking embarrassed and humiliated. Ashley and Rachel exchanged a knowing glance, both thinking that Laura's cruelty had finally caught up with her. And as they walked away, they couldn't help but share a small smile, feeling a sense of vindication.

As they continued down the hallway, Ashley whispered to Rachel, "Don't worry about Laura, she's just jealous because you're smarter and nicer than her." Rachel blushed at the compliment, feeling grateful for Ashley's kindness.

Meanwhile, Laura's anger and embarrassment simmered, and she began to plot her next move. She couldn't let Rachel get away with stealing the spotlight, and she was determined to take her down.

Churchill and the driver went to Rachel school to.pick her and while they were in the car,

Churchill asked Rachel about her first day at Oakwood Academy. She hesitated, not wanting to reveal the bullying. "It was good," she said with a forced smile. "I made a friend, Ashley, and the cutest boy in class said hello to me!"

Churchill beamed with a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Rachel! I'm so glad to hear that. Ashley and a new friend, how lovely!"

The driver nodded in agreement, and Rachel felt a sense of relief.