[center][h2]Zaylin Devonshire[/h2]
[h3] Morning Classes to Near the Forest Behind the Dorms
7:00 a.m. to 12:55 p.m[/h3][/center]
	Zaylin left a few minutes early to her classes after breakfast, giving herself a margin of error in navigating the halls. Though she had a map tucked away in her bag, she wanted to test her memory. Besides, she had time.

	Keeping a careful eye on her watch nonetheless, Zaylin found her assigned Home Economics room in good time. A couple students already lounged around in the cubicles set up like personal, miniature kitchens. Choosing one near the back corner, Zaylin dropped her bag in an out-of-the-way spot. As a few other students filtered in--boys and girls alike--she began to look through the cupboards.

	The sensation of someone’s presence behind her crept down Zaylin’s spine. She quickly shut the cupboard and spun around. She shouted, raised an arm as in defense, and jumped back into the counter from surprise at the smiling face beaming at her from only a couple inches away. The girl’s unruly mop of curly red hair bounced around her face as she took a slight step away, amusement flashing in her hazel eyes.

	“Hello!” the girl said over cheerfully, a slight Northern accent in her airy voice. “I’m Vic.” She offered a hand to Zaylin in an exaggerated gesture, her fingers partially covered by a neon green fishnet glove, a violet one on the other. “Haven’t seen your face around here! Well, other than yesterday. I think I saw you yesterday.”

	“Yeah, I just transferred,” Zaylin answered slowly, reaching to shake the girl’s hand. “I’m Zaylin.”

	Vic shook Zaylin’s hand with gusto. 

	“Wonderful!” Vic released Zaylin’s hand, though her smile refused to dampen. “If we have to partner, want to be mine?”

	“Uh... Sure?”

	“Great!” Vic squealed in delight, her smile growing impossibly wider as Zaylin silently questioned her own already uncertain agreement. 

	Vic looked up as the teacher walked in and called for order. 

	Unsure whether to Zaylin’s delight or dismay, they would, in fact, be paired up. With a couple exceptions of some well-known troublesome pairs, the teacher gave the students the freedom to choose with whom they would partner.

	The lively girl proved to be an excellent cook as they worked together, the mouthwatering smell of baked goods soon saturating the room.

	Despite Vic’s friendliness, Zaylin felt relief wash over her as they parted ways after class, if only for a short time, as she went to English. At the gym for PE, Vic joined a couple minutes late. Thankfully, a two of the girl’s other friends consumed her attention, the trio of sophomores laughing and talking excitedly. Zaylin excelled in the chosen sport of the day: volleyball. She utilized her enhanced strength and reflexes, the energy exertion welcomed and embraced amidst the awkwardness of the first day in a new school.

	After a quick shower in one of the provided stalls, she headed to the dining hall for lunch.

	Not wanting to entertain the scarily pleasant Vic, Zaylin kept an eye out for the girl as she got in line for lunch, for once glad that her clothes, at least, wouldn’t as easily set her apart from a majority of the other girls.

	After eating her food fairly quickly, she disposed of her dishes as necessary and eagerly headed outside. The gentle warmth of the late summer carried on a gentle breeze that tickled across her face. Other students roamed around, some in couples, some in packs, and others alone. Zaylin looked up, admiring the building as she headed toward Rosaline Hall, where she went around the back.

	She paused as the immaculately kept lawn and brick path rounded to the back. A few yards away, trees studded the landscape, thickening further out. She looked at her watch and sighed, before turning her longing gaze back to the forest and the couple trail heads visible from where she stood. The desire to explore settled in her chest, urging her to enter the maze of trees.

	[i]After classes,[/i] she promised herself, then continued her walk around the building, killing time until she had to attend her next class.