Endora yawned as her phone alarm buzzed, pulling her out of sleep. She stretched, reaching for her phone on the bed. It was 5:00 a.m., her usual wake-up time. She turned off the alarm, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and slipped her feet into her fluffy slippers. After dropping her phone on the table, she headed to the bathroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, she sighed and picked up her toothbrush. Once she finished brushing her teeth, she let her hair down. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, almost reaching her knees. Hidden within the black strands were a few streaks of blue hair, which she always tucked away. She hated the blue streaks, especially since they sometimes glowed for no reason. That's why she always tied her hair in a bun.
She stared at her reflection. Her black eyes, glowing light skin, and natural beauty were undeniable. After a quick bath, she dressed in a cozy knitted sweater that fell just below her knees. It wasn't too tight or too loose, just perfect. She combed her hair and tied it back into a bun, then applied a simple skincare routine and some lip gloss. She wasn't big on makeup.
Her first class was at 8:00, so she had plenty of time. But as she sat at her desk, memories of the previous day flooded her mind. The punishment she was likely to face today weighed heavily on her. Trying to distract herself, she put on her reading glasses and studied until 7:00.
When she finished, she walked to the window and opened it. The view was breathtaking, tall trees stretched beyond the school buildings, and the morning light made everything look magical. But the beauty couldn't shake the loneliness creeping into her heart. She began to sing softly, a song she had written herself, one she always sang when she felt alone.
"I just wish to be loved,
Love seems so far away.
I've tried all I could,
It's beyond my reach.
Will my father ever see me?
Will I stop being invisible?
Will there be a day
When I will feel it?
Will this void be filled,
Or will it grow bigger?
How will it feel
When you are loved?
I just wish to be loved."
As she sang the last line, she closed her eyes, lost in the moment. But then, a soft chirping sound made her open them. A beautiful blue bird perched on the windowsill, holding a small paper in its beak.
"Oh, hi there," Endora said, holding out her hand. The bird dropped the paper into her palm and flew away.
Curious, she unfolded the note and read:
"I just found my Disney princess. Your voice is out of this world, but it carries sorrow. I don't know your story, but it feels like you're struggling with the feeling of not being loved. Let me tell you this: you deserve to be loved. If you let me, I might be able to show you what it feels like. Maybe, somehow, I can grant your wish. If you want to know me, write back and call for my little birdie, Zizi. He'll deliver your letter to me. I'd like to know you."
Endora was stunned. How had someone heard her? Was she that loud? And who sends letters through a bird? Despite her confusion, she felt a spark of curiosity. She decided to write back.
She sat at her desk, penned a quick reply, and returned to the window. "Zizi," she called softly. The blue bird reappeared almost instantly. She handed it the letter, and it flew off into the distance. Endora watched until it disappeared, then closed the window against the growing cold.
As she prepared to leave for class, there was a knock on the door. It was Luci, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the room.
"Hey, Endora!" Luci said, hugging her tightly.
"Hey, Luci," Endora replied, returning the hug.
"I didn't see you in the cafeteria this morning. I wanted to come earlier, but Ana wouldn't let me," Luci said.
"I don't usually eat breakfast," Endora explained.
"Why not?" Luci asked, concerned.
"I'm just used to it. Don't worry about me," Endora said, brushing it off.
"It's not good to skip breakfast," Luci insisted.
"Let's just head to class before we're late," Endora said, locking her door and slipping the key into her purse.
They walked out of the dorm and toward the school building. The structure was massive, with an ancient yet beautiful design. Two statues stood at the entrance, and a small fountain bubbled nearby.
"Wow, this place is stunning," Endora said, admiring the view.
"I know, right?" Luci replied. "Those statues are of Lord Julian and his wife, the founders of the school. I don't know the full history yet, but we'll learn it eventually."
Inside the building, students bustled through the hallways, heading to their classes. Luci led Endora to their classroom on the top floor. At the door, Luci whispered, "Just stay calm. You'll need to mark your attendance at the professor's table."
Endora followed Luci inside. Students were signing their names on a sheet at the professor's desk. The professor was busy reviewing papers, his face hidden. Endora waited her turn, then stepped forward.
"Good morning, sir," she said, picking up the pen to write her name.
"You're new," the professor said, looking up.
"Yes, I just started yesterday," Endora replied.
"You're a week behind, so you'll need to catch up," he said. Endora nodded and was about to walk away when he stopped her.
"You need to introduce yourself. Everyone did it," he said.
Endora sighed. Introducing herself in front of a crowd was the last thing she wanted to do.
The professor stood and addressed the class. "Good day, everyone. We have a new student joining us today."
All eyes turned to Endora. She took a deep breath. "Hi, my name is Endora Windsor."
The room fell silent. Then whispers broke out.
"Isn't she the one who sprayed Senior Elion with pepper spray?" someone asked.
"Yeah, that's her," another replied.
"Elion's definitely going to come after her. She's doomed," someone else said.
"And wasn't she the one in the tree yesterday?" another student added.
"Oh, the one Senior Zayden saved? He's such a hero," a girl gushed.
"She's such an attention seeker, whining like a baby," someone mocked, and the class erupted in laughter. Endora's face burned with embarrassment.
"Well, looks like everyone already knows you. Take a seat," the professor said. Endora nodded and walked to an empty spot beside a boy, sitting down and pulling out her notebook.
"I'm Professor Florimond, your organic chemistry lecturer. Let's begin," he said, launching into the lesson.
When class ended, students started packing up and leaving. "Hi, I'm Jamian," the boy beside her said as she gathered her things.
"Nice to meet you," Endora replied with a smile, standing up.
"Nice to meet you too. You look beautiful," Jamian said, his tone genuine.
"Thanks for the compliment. You look good yourself," Endora said, glancing at him. He had ash-colored eyes and perfectly combed blond hair, with a face that could belong to a model. He was undeniably handsome.
"Can we be friends?" Jamian asked, extending his hand.
"Sure," Endora said, shaking his hand. She let go just as Luci appeared.
"Hi, Jamian. I see you've met my friend," Luci said cheerfully.
"Hi, Luci. Yeah, and she's really pretty," Jamian said, his eyes lingering on Endora.
"Looks like someone's already crushing hard," Luci teased, and they all laughed.
"Endora, Jamian and I are friends. We met here, so I guess we're all friends now," Luci said as they walked out of the classroom.
"What are you guys up to now?" Jamian asked.
"You know we have another class in about an hour," Endora said.
"Why don't we grab something to eat? It's almost 11, and that class was exhausting," Luci suggested. Just then, they spotted Professor Cassiodor walking toward them. Endora's heart sank, she remembered her punishment was coming.
"Endora, it seems you've forgotten already. Come with me," Professor Cassiodor said sternly. Endora sighed.
"I'll see you guys later," she said, following the professor to Mrs. Della's office.
"Good morning, ma'am," Endora greeted as she entered. Mrs. Della nodded in response.
"We wanted to give you a severe punishment, but someone pleaded on your behalf this morning. So, we've decided to give you detention today at 4:00. Don't even think about skipping, we'll be watching you," Mrs. Della said firmly. Endora nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. Detention on her second day wasn't how she imagined things would go.
"And stay out of trouble," Professor Cassiodor added.
"Yes, sir," Endora said, turning to leave. To her surprise, Luci and Jamian were waiting for her outside.
"How did it go?" Luci asked immediately.
"You guys followed me?" Endora asked, surprised.
"Of course. We're friends now. So, what happened?" Jamian asked.
"I got detention," Endora said, her shoulders slumping.
"Don't be sad. It's not the end of the world. Everything will be okay," Luci reassured her as they walked back toward the school building.
On their way, they ran into Ana and her boyfriend, Brixton.
"Hi, Endora! I heard what happened yesterday. I'm so sorry. I hope you weren't hurt," Ana said, pulling her into a hug. Endora forced herself to return it, also aware of the curious glances from passersby.
"I'm fine," Endora said as they broke the hug.
"Hey, kiddo," Brixton said, snatching Endora's cap and holding it high in the air.
"Give it back," Endora said, not even trying to reach for it. She knew she wouldn't be able to.
"Brix, give it to her. I told you to stop messing with her," Ana said, rolling her eyes. Brixton laughed and handed the cap back.
"Where are you guys headed?" Ana asked.
"To the cafeteria," Luci said.
"Great! We're heading there too. Let's go together," Ana said.
"You guys go ahead. I have something to do," Endora said, eager to avoid the cafeteria and any chance of running into Elion.
"Are you scared after what happened yesterday? Don't worry, we're here with you," Ana said, her smile sweet but unnerving.
"No, thanks. I really have something to do," Endora insisted.
"I'll come with you," Jamian offered.
"No need. I'll be fine," Endora said, waving them off and walking away.
Once she was far enough, she sighed. Truthfully, she had nowhere to go, so she decided to visit the library before her next class to get some books she needed for her class assignment and also study. She pulled out the school layout from her bag and studied it, following the directions to the library.
As she approached the library, her heart skipped a beat. She saw Elion in the distance. Panicking, she quickened her pace, almost running to the library entrance. In her haste, she bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry," she said, clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath. When she looked up, she froze.