Chapter 4 Pool mates

Slowly, I begin to knock on the slightly ajar classroom door and hear footsteps approaching before the door opens.

"Morning, Miss Spencer. I'm Aurelya, the new transfer student starting today," I say a bit nervously, facing the woman with a bit of excess weight in front of me. Her lipstick is incredibly distracting, clashing terribly with her reddish-brown hair, at least in my opinion.

"Yes, Miss Brenda informed me, and you're twenty minutes late, Aurel," she says firmly, checking the time on her wristwatch.

"And I forgive you this time since it's your first day. So, enter and find an empty seat," she continues.

I follow her steps into the classroom and am immediately greeted by a variety of curious gazes from the students.

"Please introduce yourself, Aurel," Miss Spencer, now seated at her desk, instructs.

I stand in the middle of the room, take a deep breath, and then truly introduce myself.

"I'm Aurelya, a transfer student from Indonesia, and-" I pause for a moment, observing all the students in the class looking in my direction. I can't decipher the meaning behind each of their gazes, but I sense a general disinterest.

Some of the boys in the back whisper to each other, and while I don't understand their words, I'm sure they're talking about me since they glance in my direction afterward, examining me from head to toe.

Is there something wrong with my appearance? I don't think so.

In NYHS, students are free to wear any attire to school; there's no specific uniform, except if they choose to create one or belong to a school club.

Miss Spencer's throat clearing brings me back to reality, and I refocus on her.

"And I need your help," I add, then begin to look for an empty seat.

Great, the second seat in the middle row. I make my way over, placing my backpack down and following Miss Spencer's provided lesson schedule.

I tidy my books and am about to stand up when someone taps my shoulder from behind. I turn around to face them.

"Hi," they greet. I blink a few times, noting their unique style. They have blonde hair with pink and blue ends, and it seems like they haven't slept for two days, given the dark circles under their eyes. They remind me of a character from some movie collection I have, but I can't quite place them.

"You're from Indonesia, right?" they ask, making me snap out of my thoughts and nod awkwardly in response.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jeni," they say, extending their hand towards me. I shake it.

"Aurel," I reply.

"I know," they say with a wide smile. Ugh, those dark circles are so distracting. I can't just start complaining about it in our first encounter.

"Do you have any more classes after this?"

"No, I mean, I have an hour, but I want to visit the swimming pool."

"Why?" they ask, curious. And I'm just as curious about why they're asking.

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you want to go there?"

Come on, why should I explain myself?

"I plan to join the swim club at school," I answer, then start to get up from my seat. I don't want to waste any more time and want to wrap up this conversation.

"Do you know how to swim?"

"Of course. I want to take swimming as an elective class. How about you?"

Now, we're walking side by side down the NYHS corridors.

"I'm taking music classes. I love playing the violin," they say, making me immediately turn to them in disbelief. They can play the violin? I thought they would have joined a club related to careers or robotics or something.

"Aurel, may I escort you to the swimming pool?" Jeni offers, and I nod my head and smile at them.

We continue walking until we reach the innermost part of the NYHS building. According to Jeni, the swimming pool is located in the farthest building, a bit distant from the other classroom buildings.

It takes us about five minutes to arrive at the building located deep within NYHS. As I step inside, I'm amazed by the vastness of the NYHS swimming pool. It's huge, clean, and well-organized, with two large swimming pools equipped with diving boards at both ends.

Perhaps this is why NYHS placed the pool in the farthest area; they needed enough space. The swimming area is indoors, which is perfect for my interests. I can't wait to join the swim club.

"When are you planning to register?" Jeni asks as we get closer to the pool.

"As soon as possible. I hope the selection process won't be too difficult," I reply with hope.

"You'll probably get in right away as long as you can swim," Jeni says, making me furrow my brows. Is it really that easy? But why?

"Why?"

"Because there aren't many members. I've heard they're actively seeking new members to join the NYHS swim team. You see, not many students here are enthusiastic about swimming," Jeni explains.

"Why? Isn't it enjoyable?"

"It's enjoyable to you because you enjoy swimming."

"Then which clubs are they interested in?"

"Cheerleading, football, robotics, and music. Those are the four most popular clubs among students," Jeni explains, and I nod in understanding. That's good; it means I don't have to worry too much about competition if there are fewer members.

A moment later, I'm surprised when Jeni suddenly grabs my arm, pulls me down to crouch, and hides us among the chairs near the pool. Jeni presses a finger to their lips, gesturing for me to keep quiet. I get it, and I nod in agreement. Jeni lets go of my mouth.

"Why?" I whisper in confusion.

"Sshh, we should probably leave now," Jeni replies in hushed tones.

"Why?"

"Look!" Jeni points toward the pool.

What the heck?

My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. What are they doing in the school swimming pool?

"What are they doing?" Okay, I know that's a dumb question. Anyone could tell what that couple is doing, half-naked in the pool.

"Lower your voice, Aurel, unless you want us to get caught," Jeni scolds in a whisper.

"What are they doing?" I ask again, trying to keep my voice in check.

"Obviously, making out. What else?" Jeni's answer confirms my suspicions. But why are they doing something so inappropriate within the school premises? Couldn't they just rent a hotel room?

"Why are they doing it here? Isn't anyone stopping them?"

"Because this is their favorite spot. I've heard rumors that they often use this pool area for their private moments, and no one dares to stop them," Jeni explains, leaving me more confused. After that, Jeni pulls me away from the pool area, and I just follow their lead.

Before leaving the area, I manage to turn my head slightly toward the couple who's still engaged in their amorous activities in the pool. I've only seen the guy's back this whole time. I squint my eyes, feeling like I've seen him somewhere before. Ah, whatever, I just need to get out of here quickly.