Chapter 4- Door's eyes

Kylie’s POV

"Kylie, I'm already leaving!" I heard Mom shout from downstairs.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back as I grabbed my school bag and checked myself in the mirror.

I gave myself a thumbs-up. I had no problem with how I looked today, and luckily, I didn’t have to stress over what to wear—thank God for school uniforms.

I'm wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt with the school logo imprinted on it, paired with a black, knee-length pleated skirt. I added the school tie, which is blue with black stripes. The uniform actually looks nice on me.

"Kylie, if you don’t come downstairs now, we’ll leave you!" Mom yelled again, making me snap out of my mirror session.

"Just give me a minute, I’ll be down!"

"A minute is too much. I give you just 20 seconds!" she shouted seriously.

I rolled my eyes, slipped on my shoes, grabbed my blazer, tucked it into my bag, and rushed downstairs.

Mom glared at me. "I wonder what you were doing up there. Let’s go."

"Where’s Ken?"

"He’s gone to school. He’s not coming with us."

"Us?"

"Yeah, I’m driving you to school."

"No, you’re not."

"And why not?"

"If you do, it’ll arouse suspicion. I’m taking the bus."

She laughed. "When was the last time you took a bus?"

"Never."

She laughed even more. "And you want to start now?"

"Yeah. There’s a first time for everything."

"Okay, but what happens when you get lost or arrive late? You might not even make it to school."

"Mom, be positive," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Oh, shut it and get into the damn car. I’m already late!"

"Language, Mom. If your children start swearing, you’re the one at fault."

"If you dare swear in front of me, you’ll get spanked," she said, walking out of the house and getting into the car.

I followed her and sat in the front seat. She was driving, of course—Mom doesn’t like anyone else behind the wheel.

---

She parked a few meters away from the school. I had to force her to stop there; otherwise, everyone would’ve seen me getting out of Kye’s mom’s car, and that would’ve sparked suspicion.

She still didn’t understand. "I don’t see why you can’t let me drop you."

"Mom, I’ve told you the reason like a million times," I said, opening the car door.

She rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath. I didn’t hear it.

"Mom, I’ll be fine," I reassured her for what felt like the hundredth time.

"I know. Have fun—and welcome to my school."

I rolled my eyes. "Instead of telling me to focus and learn, you're telling me to have fun."

"Isn’t that why I’m sending you to school? To experience high school life? So have fun—and make sure you pay attention."

"Love you, Mom."

"Bye, love. I love you."

I smiled and walked toward the school.

The gate was open, and several cars were driving in. I walked in but was stopped by the security guard. He looked like he was in his forties.

"Hey, stop there. I haven’t seen you here before. What are you doing here?"

I rolled my eyes. So he knows everyone?

"What do people usually do in school? Oh wait, if you don’t know—I came here to learn," I replied sarcastically. "I’m a new student. Honestly, I’m wondering how you recognize everyone. There are thousands of students here. You must really like your job."

"Yeah, I like my job," he said, clearly annoyed. "Show me your student ID card."

"I don’t have it yet. Just call the secretary or someone and ask for Kylie Tanner."

He gave me a long look, then went into his office. After a short while, he returned. "You can go in."

"Thank you. And I’m sorry for talking to you that way. Please accept my apologies," I said with a sincere smile.

He looked surprised. "I get a lot of rude remarks, but nobody has ever apologized. You’re the first. Apology accepted," he beamed.

"Hurry up, kiddo. You don’t want to be late for your first class."

I smiled, adjusted my glasses, and walked into the school compound.

It was huge and beautiful.

“Ivy High School” was boldly written on the building. It was my first time here. I’d never visited before.

Mom must have spent a lot building this place.

I entered the main building, but I didn’t know my way around. I tried calling out to a few people, but they ignored me like I was invisible.

"Hey!" someone called behind me.

I turned. It was a girl with brown hair that matched her brown eyes. She looked pretty.

"Hi," I said.

"I’m Anna. I know you’re probably wondering why I came to you. I noticed you looked lost or confused or something. I don’t know. But my body just pushed me to check on you. Should I go? I can go. I really should be getting to class anyway, but my first class on Monday is always boring. It’s better to get detention than—"

I covered her mouth to stop her from talking.

She licked my hand.

"Ew!" I wiped it on her shirt.

She giggled.

I rolled my eyes. "You talk a lot."

"Yeah, my bestie Camille always says that. Should I tell you who she is?"

"Just take me to the principal’s office. I’d appreciate that."

"Oh, that’s not a problem. I’ll take you there!" she smiled and walked ahead.

I followed her. It wasn’t even far.

"Thank you," I said.

"No problem. By the way, I didn’t get your name."

"I’m Kylie," I said, stretching out my hand.

She took it. "Nice to meet you, and welcome to Ivy High School."

I smiled and withdrew my hand.

"Bye! See you around," she said, skipping away.

I knocked on the door.

"Come in."

I opened the door and stepped inside.

"Good day, sir."

"Kylie Tanner?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Here are your things," he said, pointing at a small parcel on the table.

"Okay, thank you, sir," I said, picking it up.

I opened it. It was my class schedule.

I was so focused on the schedule that I didn’t notice I bumped into the door on my way out.

But what surprised me was that the door talked.

"Even with your glasses, you still can’t see?" a voice said, with a British accent.

I looked up—and my eyes met his.