Not A Small-Town Girl

"Emma, is Danielle really in our class? She’s only a freshman?" Celine chirped, seemingly oblivious to Emma’s disdain.

Emma shot her a sharp look, silently cursing her naivety.

Just then, a boy from the front row turned around. "Hi, I’m Grant Walter. Nice to meet you."

Danielle gave a polite nod. "Hello."

"Can I add you on WhatsApp?" Grant asked shyly.

Danielle’s tone remained cool. "Danielle. And no, it’s not necessary."

Grant’s face turned crimson with embarrassment, and the other boys who had considered approaching her quickly changed their minds.

Their advisor, a balding, portly man named Kaden Langley, entered.

"Good morning, everyone. I’m your advisor. Head to the admin office now to collect your military training uniforms. Be on the field in 30 minutes."

Groans erupted across the room.

"Move quickly. If you’re late, your drill instructor won’t go easy on you!"

Chaos ensued as students scrambled out the door.