ROCKIE'S DIARY

The alarm rang at 7:00 a.m. I woke up, took a shower, flung open my wardrobe, and decided to wear something great—after all, it was a new year at school. I pulled out my white crop top and paired it with blue high-waisted jeans, layering it up with a matching jean jacket. I applied a little makeup, knowing there would be a party at college today.

When it came to my hair, I searched online for trendy styles and finally settled on one. Looking in the mirror, I felt proud of my appearance and took a few selfies. Grabbing my white backpack, I packed a few books. I slipped on my black sneakers and headed downstairs to pick up my bracelet and wristwatch, which I had forgotten on the table last night.

While having breakfast, my mom came downstairs.

"Where's Dad?" I asked.

"He had to leave early; there was a problem at the company," she replied.

"Morning," I greeted her.

"Morning, what's the occasion?" she asked curiously.

"There's going to be a party at college today. It happens every first day of the school year," I explained.

"Okay, but be careful," she said, kissing my cheek.

"Bye," I said as I got into the car.

The driver drove off, and soon I arrived at school. I didn't have any friends yet, so I decided to make some. As I walked into the class, my eyes met Kyle's.

"Hey, beauty," he said with a smile.

Just then, the speaker system crackled to life.

"Attention! All students should report to the main hall immediately," the announcement echoed.

Everyone started leaving the class. I walked over to the only available seat, which happened to be next to Kyle, and we both went to the hall together.

"Attention! I know everyone is ready for the party, but it will have to be postponed until tomorrow," the principal announced.

"What? No way!"

"Aww…"

Various responses erupted from the crowd.

"You can now return to your classes. We apologize for the inconvenience," the principal added before leaving.

Back in class, I realized our history teacher wasn't around, giving me a free period. I decided to head to the ladies' restroom. After using the toilet, I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. I decided to wash off the makeup since it wasn't really necessary.

"I don't really like makeup; it gives me a whole different face. I'm beautiful just the way I am," I thought to myself.

I was tall, light brown in complexion, and slim. After wiping my face with tissue and disposing of it, I went back to class. The atmosphere was lively; everyone was singing and having fun.

Suddenly, someone announced, "Hey guys, it's the principal!"

Everyone quickly went back to their seats and pretended to be reading.

"Good morning, sir," the class chorused as the principal entered.

"Morning, students. We have a new member here at Sunshine Academy, and she's joining this class."

A girl walked in—she was neither short nor tall, with a slightly dark complexion and short black hair. She wore a black top, purple baggy trousers, and black shoes.

"So this is what delayed our party? This… thing?" someone whispered from the back.

"Her name is Elizabeth. Welcome your newest classmate," the principal continued.

Elizabeth walked in quietly and took a seat in the second row, right in front of me.

The attendance teacher came in and asked Elizabeth to introduce herself. Everyone seemed uninterested except Kyle and me.

"Hi, my name is Elizabeth, but I go by Liz. I'm 15 years old, and I hope I'm welcome here."

"No, you're not. Find your way to the science class; we don't want you here in arts," Diana, the class bully, sneered.

"Hey, Diana, be nice," the teacher warned.

Liz, unsure of what to do, returned to her seat.

"Huh, Liz? What a name," someone mocked.

"More like an acronym for lizard," Diana added, causing an outburst of laughter.

I leaned towards Liz. "Hey, look, you'll get used to things around here, okay?"

Diana smirked at Liz before walking out of the class.

Later during math class, I discovered Liz was a math genius after she aced the test with an A+, while I only managed a C.

During recess, I sat alone in the cafeteria when Liz walked in, struggling to find a seat.

"Here, come sit with me," I called out.

She smiled and sat across from me.

"I'm Rockie. I was once new here too. That's how they treat newcomers, but don't worry."

"Are you in the hostel?" she asked.

"No," I replied.

In the afternoon, I wandered through the hallway and heard a beautiful voice coming from the music studio. I peeked in and saw Liz singing.

"Oh, come on, you don't have to stop. Let's sing together. I can play the guitar; you play the keyboard," I encouraged.

We started singing, and soon another girl joined in, playing the drums. It was a magical moment, and I realized I had made two friends that day—Liz and Maria, who was new in the science class.

After some conversations, we all left the studio and returned to our classes.

As the bell rang for dismissal, someone announced, "Tomorrow is the party—everyone dress wonderfully!"

"Party?" Liz asked.

"Yeah, there's always a party on the first day of school, but it got postponed," I explained.

"Okay, good night. See you tomorrow," Liz and Maria said, heading to their dormitory.

As I was about to leave, I saw Kyle.

"Hey, where have you been? You missed a lot of classes today," I said.

"I went out with my friends," he replied.

"Going home?" he asked.

"Yeah."

"Mind if I drop you?"

"Sure."

As we drove, I gathered the courage to ask, "Kyle, do you love me?"

He looked at me with his cute face and smirked.

"Why do you ask?"

"In all my years, I've known questions to be answered, not replied with another question," I lamented.

"Hmm… maybe," he said playfully.

I turned away, blushing.

We locked eyes, and he leaned toward me—only to unbuckle my seatbelt.

"You're home," he said with a smile.

"Oh," I said in disappointment and stepped out of the car.

When I got inside, my mom asked, "How was the party?"

"It was postponed till tomorrow," I replied while sitting at the dining table.

The doorbell rang, and I answered it—it was Dad. He drove in and stepped out of the car with several parcels.

"Father!!!" I screamed and jumped into his arms.

"I missed you so much!"

"I got something for you," he said, handing me gifts.

Inside were a shiny red gown, a diamond necklace, and golden heels.

"Oh my God! Thank you, Dad!"

"Anything for my angel," he said.

Later, as I enjoyed some ice cream from the fridge, Dad promised to send me money for the

I received a message from Kyle on my phone...