us. Ugh! Why must some people be so annoying?! I know I’m new here and all, but they can at least have the courtesy to act as if I’m one of them! They’re literally looking at me like I am a poisonous snake.
Mother told me that I will be sitting for my placement test today. I hope I get into a good class! Mother will be so mad if I don’t. But for now, my greatest problem is: getting to the exam room!
You might be thinking, why is this girl talking of finding her exam room when she should be worrying more about the exam? Especially when her mother has high expectations of her! Well, excuse me! You’ll be worrying about familiarising with your school campus if you are in my situation too!
Okay. I take a deep breath and pluck up my courage. If I am to find that room and do it on time, the smart thing to do is ask someone. Right? Right. I must do this. Phew. Take a deep breath. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.
I cautiously walk up to someone and tap her shoulder. My heart beats quicken, and I think to myself, act casual!
The girl turns around and I brace myself for her unfriendly look. Oh, if this conversation will only be quick and awkward-free! Instead, she smiles at me and ask, “Do you need my help?”
I feel as if my tongue is glued to my mouth.
“Ummm…I-I wath just wondering ith…” I stammer. Oh, I have never felt so ashamed in my life! Did I tell you, when I’m nervous, a dreadful lisp just comes out. This is the opposite to what I imagined! Fancy speaking to the first person in your new school you have the courage to speak to, and lisping like a baby!
“Can you show me where is the exam room for placement tests?” I blurt, eager to get this over with.
“Oh, you must be a new student! Hi! I’m Rachel Jones!” Rachel says cheerfully. She pulls out a roll of paper and hands it to me. I unroll it and gasp.
“Yes, a lot to take in, isn’t it? Our school is really big, and it’s not a surprise if you get lost around here. But I figure you’ll be fine with that map. Bye-bye!” Rachel Jones skips away and I stare after her. Okay? That was a good meeting, I guess. I look down at the map in my hand. Savant Academy has a total of…twenty-three levels?! My jaw drops and I quickly roll it up again. Maybe I should just familiarise myself first.
I set off towards the staircase. Perhaps I should get a head start if I needed to explore so many levels.