Saturday – First Day of the Cultural Days
8:06 AM
The school was packed. Everyone was in high spirits, and their voices echoed throughout the campus.
Élisa stood in the middle of the crowd, surrounded by her friends.
Ino, who looked tired, was dozing off as she mumbled sleepily:
— Aaah... girls, I'm exhausted. I couldn't sleep all night!
— What the hell were you doing that kept you up, huh? asked Émilie suspiciously.
Ino looked at her with half-closed eyes and replied:
— Well... I was picking out my outfits for the three days of the cultural event. It took me until 3 AM... I'm so tired!
Lusia, exasperated, snapped:
— You're way too superficial... You love clothes way too much.
Then, proudly, she added:
— You should be like me and Élisa. We always go unnoticed with our dresses, not like you, Ino! You dress like you're in an R-rated music video. Right, Élisa?
She turned toward her friend but realized that Élisa wasn't even listening. She was looking around, scanning every corner of the school, clearly searching for someone.
Nasser still hadn't arrived.
Where is Nasser? she thought. It's already 8... That's not normal. Did he really recover? Or maybe...
Suddenly, Ino grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her violently, shouting, annoyed:
— HEY, airhead! Are you pretending not to listen or what?
Élisa, completely rattled, stammered:
— Uh... sorry, I was looking at the gate, I'm waiting for someone...
Ino squinted suspiciously:
— Hmm... Who are you waiting for?
Lusia, smirking, added in the same teasing tone:
— I think I have an idea!
Élisa froze. Oh no! If she didn't give a name, they'd know it was Nasser. She had to come up with an excuse fast, or they'd tease her relentlessly.
Ino crossed her arms and said, clearly annoyed:
— Élisa Delgado Ramirez, I'm talking to you! Who were you waiting for?
Élisa trembled slightly and stuttered:
— Uh... well... I was waiting for...
She didn't even get to finish her sentence when the principal's voice rang out, saving her:
— May I have your attention, please!
The whole school turned toward him, curious.
— Welcome, everyone! I hope you're all doing well. Today marks the first day of the cultural festival, and many of you are here to celebrate. Am I right?
A joyful cheer erupted throughout the school.
— YESSS!!!
The principal continued in a loud voice:
— So, that means you're also ready to face the students from Atlas Academy?!
An awkward silence fell instantly. The students, suddenly struck by despair and exhaustion, looked at each other, defeated.
The principal, surprised, frowned:
— What? You don't want to face the Atlas students?
He began to sweat and nervously stammered:
— Wh-why didn't you tell me earlier? I could've avoided this...
In one unified cry, all the students shouted:
— BUT YOU'RE THE ONE WHO ASKED IF WE WANTED TO FACE THEM!!
The principal, panicked, started running around the stage, repeating:
— We're screwed... we're so screwed... What are we gonna do? We're done for!
Then, his phone rang. He picked up while still holding the microphone:
— Hello... What?! They're already here?! And I have to announce their entrance...? But... Fine, okay.
He hung up and looked at the students with a desperate face.
— Ah... kids, I don't even know what to say anymore, but... what's done is done.
Taking a deep breath, he declared:
— Please welcome... the students from Atlas Academy!
The main doors swung open, revealing a group of students with an elegant and impressive appearance. They all seemed to come from a very wealthy background.
Élisa, mesmerized, whispered:
— Wow... They look seriously rich...
Ino, eyes sparkling, exclaimed:
— Do you think my future husband is among them?! These guys are amazing!
Lusia, arms crossed, replied in a serious tone:
— Don't get your hopes up...
As Élisa watched the scene, a familiar voice called out to her:
— HEY, ÉLISA!