Breathing ∞ Kol Mikaelson [1]

The scent of new beginnings always carried the stale undertone of exhaustion for Emma Park. Another first day, another new school. This time, however, the air held a sliver of hope. It was her senior year, and for once, the start of school coincided with everyone else’s.

She sat in her car, the engine off, watching the morning sun illuminate the bustling parking lot of Mystic Falls High. Students mingled, some animatedly catching up, others trudging towards the school entrance, their summer reveries clearly disturbed. It was a familiar scene, a predictable chaos that offered Emma a fleeting anonymity.

Taking a deep breath, she slipped out of the car, blending into the stream of teenagers. A few whispers, a fleeting glance or two, but mostly, she went unnoticed, a quiet ghost in the crowded halls. Her pre-visit to the administration office had paid off; she knew her way, no need to awkwardly consult a map or fumble with papers.

Emma slid into a seat in the front row, just as the last stragglers filed in. The teacher, Mr. Saltzman (she’d finally remembered!), began the lesson with a historical flourish. "Welcome back, seniors. Let's turn our brains back on, starting with this country's original founders... The Native Americans."

Just then, a confident voice cut through the air. "What about the Vikings?" A blonde girl strode into the classroom, her eyes fixed on Mr. Saltzman. She moved with an undeniable presence, settling into the desk right beside Emma. "My name's Rebekah. I'm new. And history's my favourite subject." Her tone, a playful mix of challenge and flirtation, made Emma chuckle, a soft, involuntary sound. Rebekah’s blue eyes flickered to Emma, and a shared, knowing smile passed between the two new girls. The first day, it seemed, wouldn't be as uneventful as Emma had hoped.