The inside of Southside High was no less daunting. The main lobby stretched out before them, its high ceilings and wide corridors echoing with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and slamming lockers. The walls were a mix of faded paint and graffiti tags, the latter offering a glimpse into the personalities that roamed these halls. A trophy case near the entrance was filled with dusty awards and old team photos, relics of a more prosperous time for the school.
The faint smell of mildew mingled with cheap cleaning supplies, and the fluorescent lights overhead flickered ominously in places. Students moved through the hallways in a steady stream, some shouting greetings to friends while others leaned against lockers in quiet conversations.
Lexi tightened her grip on the strap of her designer handbag, her eyes darting around as she took in the scene. “This place is... charming,” she said under her breath, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Jordan glanced at her, his expression neutral but his jaw tight. “It’s not that bad.”
Lexi arched a brow. “Not that bad? It looks like it’s one rainstorm away from collapsing.”
Jordan didn’t respond. Instead, his gaze was drawn to a faded mural on one of the walls. It depicted a phoenix rising from flames—a symbol of resilience, no doubt—but the paint was chipped, and graffiti obscured parts of it.
Keisha led the way with an exaggerated strut, clearly enjoying her self-appointed role as tour guide. “Alright, rich kids, this is where it all starts—the main office,” she announced, pushing open a heavy wooden door that creaked on its hinges.
The office was dimly lit, with tall windows partially covered by faded blinds. The walls were a dull beige, and old wooden paneling lined the lower half, giving the space a distinctly vintage feel. A large desk sat at the center of the room, cluttered with papers, a coffee-stained calendar, and an ancient computer that looked like it belonged in a museum. A bulletin board on one wall was filled with flyers for tutoring sessions, sports sign-ups, and handwritten announcements.
Behind the desk sat Mrs. Cooper, a middle-aged woman with curly gray hair and reading glasses perched precariously on her nose. Her floral-print blouse looked as tired as she did, but her eyes were sharp, taking in every detail of the new arrivals as they walked in.
Carmen smirked, leaning close to Lexi. “Bet this is a little different from your last school’s office, huh?”
Lexi didn’t respond, her attention on the old wooden counter separating the reception area from the rest of the office. The counter was scratched and worn, the varnish long faded from years of use. She glanced at Jordan, who seemed equally out of place, his tall frame stiff and his expression unreadable.
“Mrs. Cooper, these are the new kids,” Keisha said, gesturing toward the twins with a flourish.
Mrs. Cooper peered at them over her glasses. “Ah, the Harpers.” Her tone was brisk but not unkind. She reached for a stack of papers and pulled out two printed schedules. “You’re Jordan and Alexandra, right?”The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“Lexi,” Lexi corrected softly, forcing a polite smile.
“Right,” Mrs. Cooper said, handing them their schedules. “Welcome to Southside High.” She paused, eyeing their designer clothes with a mixture of amusement and pity. “It’s... different here, but you’ll get the hang of it.”
Jordan took his schedule and glanced at it, his jaw tightening slightly. “Thanks.”
“Let me see,” Keisha said, snatching Lexi’s schedule from her hands before she could protest. She scanned it quickly and grinned. “Ooh, we’ve got gym together. Lucky you.”
“Great,” Lexi muttered, rolling her eyes.
“Carmen, don’t forget to introduce them to Principal Turner,” Mrs. Cooper said, nodding toward a door at the far end of the office. A brass plaque reading Principal’s Office hung slightly askew on the door.
Carmen sighed dramatically. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”
The twins followed Carmen to the door, which she knocked on before pushing open without waiting for a response.
Principal Turner’s office was a stark contrast to the rest of the school. While still old, it was meticulously organized. A large wooden desk sat at the center, polished to a shine, with neatly stacked papers and a nameplate that read Dr. Elaine Turner. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with binders, awards, and framed photographs of students from past decades. The room smelled faintly of lemon polish and coffee.
Behind the desk sat Principal Turner, a woman in her late forties with sharp features and short-cropped hair. Her tailored blazer and no-nonsense expression immediately commanded respect. She looked up from her paperwork, her dark eyes landing on the twins with an appraising gaze.
“You must be the Harpers,” she said, standing and extending a hand. Her voice was firm but warm.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jordan said, shaking her hand.
“Lexi,” Lexi said, shaking her hand as well, though her grip was noticeably less firm.
Principal Turner gestured for them to sit in the two chairs opposite her desk. “Welcome to Southside High. I thought it would be a good idea for us to have a quick chat before you start your day.”
Lexi and Jordan exchanged a wary glance before sitting down. Carmen lingered by the door, her arms crossed.
“Southside High is... unique,” Principal Turner began, folding her hands on the desk. “We’re a community here, but we’re also a reflection of the challenges our students face outside these walls. For many of them, school isn’t just about academics—it’s about survival.”
Lexi shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Survival?”
Principal Turner nodded. “Yes. This is not the Upper East Side. The students here come from all walks of life, and some of those walks are harder than you can imagine. You’re going to stand out here, and not just because of your appearance.”
Jordan frowned. “We’re not trying to stand out.”
“I understand that,” Principal Turner said gently. “But it’s inevitable. People are going to make assumptions about you—about who you are and what you represent. My advice? Prove them wrong. Show them that you’re here to learn and to be part of this community.”
Lexi crossed her legs, her posture defensive. “And if they don’t want us here?”
Principal Turner smiled faintly. “Then prove them wrong anyway.” She leaned back in her chair. “I’m here if you need anything. My door is always open, whether it’s for academic concerns or... other challenges. Adjusting to a new environment isn’t easy, but you’re not alone.”
Jordan nodded slowly. “Thanks, Dr. Turner.”
Lexi glanced at her brother, then back at Principal Turner. “We’ll try.”
“Good,” Principal Turner said, standing. “Now, get to class. Mrs. Cooper will help you find your lockers.”
As they left the office, Carmen fell into step beside Lexi. “You guys might actually survive here,” she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
Keisha was waiting for them back in the reception area, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “Ready to face the jungle?” she asked.
Lexi sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Jordan adjusted his backpack, his eyes already scanning the hallway beyond. “Let’s just get this over with.”