I slowly began to tap on the slightly ajar classroom door and heard footsteps approaching as the door opened.
"Morning, Miss Spencer, I'm Aurelya, a transfer student who just started today," I said, feeling a bit nervous, facing a woman with excess body weight and lipstick that clashed horribly with her reddish-brown hair, at least in my opinion.
"Yes, Miss Brenda informed me, and you're twenty minutes late, Aurel," she said firmly, glancing at her wristwatch.
"And I'll forgive you because it's your first day. So, go in and find an empty seat," she continued.
I followed her into the classroom, greeted by various stares from the students inside.
"Please introduce yourself, Aurel," Miss Spencer said, now sitting at her desk.
I stood in the middle of the room, took a slow breath before truly introducing myself.
"I'm Aurelya, I'm a transfer student from Indonesia, and..." I paused in my speech, observing all the students in the class looking in my direction.
I couldn't read the meaning behind each of their gazes, but I felt their faces had the same expression, which was indifference towards me.
Some male students whispered from the back row; I wasn't sure what they were talking about, but I was certain it was about me because they then turned their attention to me, scrutinizing me from head to toe.
Was there something wrong with my appearance? I didn't think so. In NYHS, all students were free to wear whatever they wanted to school, no specific uniform, unless they chose to make one or were part of a school club.
Miss Spencer's clearing of her throat brought me back to reality, and I looked in her direction.
"And please help me," I said, then started searching for an empty seat.
Great, the second row in the middle. I walked over to the seat, placed my backpack, and followed Miss Spencer's lesson plan.
I organized my books, eager to check out the swimming pool at NYHS. I couldn't wait and felt incredibly enthusiastic.
I was about to stand up when someone tapped my shoulder from behind, causing me to turn and look at them.
"Hey," they greeted. I blinked a few times; they had a unique style. They had blond hair with pink and blue at the ends, and did they not sleep for two days? Look at those dark circles under their eyes. I felt like they reminded me of a character from some of my film collections. Who could it be?
"You're from Indonesia?" she asked, bringing me back to attention, and I nodded awkwardly in response to her question.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Jeni," she said, extending her hand toward me, and I shook it.
"Aurel," I replied.
"I know," she said with a wide smile. Oh, those dark circles under her eyes were really distracting, but I couldn't complain about that in our first meeting.
"Do you have another class after this?"
"No, I mean, I have a one-hour break, but I want to visit the swimming pool."
"Why?" she asked, curious, and I was equally curious why she had to ask that.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you want to go there?"
Oh, come on, what's wrong with wanting to go there?
"I intend to join the school's swimming club," I replied, then began to get up from my seat. I didn't want to waste any more time and wanted to end this conversation.
"Can you swim?" she asked again, following my steps out of the classroom.
"Of course, I want to choose swimming as an elective class. How about you?" I asked.
Now, we walked side by side along NYHS's corridors.
"I'm taking music classes. I like playing the violin," she said, making me turn and look at her, slightly disbelieving that she could play the violin. I thought she might choose a club related to careers or robotics, maybe. I wasn't sure.
"May I escort you to the swimming pool?" she offered, and I nodded and smiled at her.
We continued walking until we reached the deepest part of the NYHS building. According to Jeni's information, the swimming pool area was located in the farthest building, a bit far from the other classroom buildings.
It took us five minutes to reach the building's deepest part, and I was in awe of the size and cleanliness of NYHS's swimming pool area. It was huge and well-organized, with two large swimming pools, each with diving boards at both ends.
Perhaps this was why NYHS placed the swimming area at the farthest part, as it likely required a significant amount of space. The swimming pool area was, of course, indoors and matched my enthusiasm. I couldn't wait to join the club.
"When will you start registering?" Jeni asked, as we walked closer to the pool.
"As soon as possible. I hope the selection won't be too tough," I replied hopefully.
"You'll probably get in right away as long as you can swim," Jeni said, making me furrow my brows. Was it really that simple? But why?
"Why?"
"Because they don't have many members. I heard they're actively recruiting new members to join the NYHS swim team. You know, students here aren't very enthusiastic about the swimming club."
"Why? Isn't it a lot of fun?"
"Yes, it is, to you because you love swimming."
"Then what clubs do they prefer?"
"Chess, football, robotics, and music. Those are the four clubs most students are into," Jeni explained, making me nod in understanding. Well, that was a good sign; fewer members meant better chances for me.
Suddenly, I was surprised when Jeni pulled my arm and motioned for me to crouch down and hide among the available chairs around the pool.
Jeni still covered my mouth, preventing me from protesting, and pointed her index finger right in front of her own mouth. I knew exactly what she meant, so I nodded. After that, Jeni released her grip on my mouth.
Jeni still had her hand covering my mouth, ready to hush any protests. She placed her index finger right in front of her own mouth. I knew exactly what she meant and nodded. After that, Jeni removed her hand from my mouth.
"Why...?" I whispered in confusion.
"Sshhh, we should get out of here now," Jeni replied in a hushed tone.
"Why, though?"
"Look!" Jeni said, pointing towards the pool.
I couldn't believe my eyes. What the heck were they doing in the school swimming pool?
"What are they doing?" Okay, I knew this was a dumb question. Anyone could tell what a couple was doing in a swimming pool.
"Lower your voice, Aurel, unless you want us to get caught," Jeni protested, raising her index finger again.
"What are they doing?" I asked again, trying to control my voice.
"Obviously, they're being romantic. What else?" Jeni's response confirmed my suspicion. I mean, why were they doing it here in the school, though? They could do it somewhere else.
"Why are they doing it here? Isn't anyone stopping them?"
"Because this is their favorite spot. I heard rumors that they often use this pool area for their romantic escapades, and of course, no one dares to stop them," Jeni explained, leaving me even more confused. Afterward, Jeni immediately pulled my hand to exit the pool area, and I just followed along.
I briefly turned my head towards the two lovebirds still in the pool. I had only seen the guy's back this whole time. I squinted my eyes, feeling like I recognized him. Ah, whatever, I needed to get out of here fast.