Aunt Sarah's Toyota Corolla, which rattled everywhere except for its horn, screeched to a halt at the entrance of Midtown School of Science and Technology with a jarring sound of brakes.
"Listen, Alice."
Aunt Sarah unbuckled her seatbelt and used the rearview mirror to tidy up her slightly messy bangs.
"Although this school claims to value science, this is still an American high school. There are football bullies who only have muscles in their heads, and there are mean girls who wear thick eyeshadow and take pleasure in mocking what others wear. If anyone bullies you, don't just endure it like a doormat."
Aunt Sarah paused, turned her head, and stared at Alice with fierce eyes.
"Although I don't have the money to pay for medical bills, I'll be even angrier if you come back crying with a bruised and swollen face. In this neighborhood, if you're weak, people will eat you until not even your bones are left. Understand?"
Alice looked at this woman, who was tough on the outside but anxious on the inside, and nodded obediently.
"Don't worry, Aunt Sarah, no one can bully me."
This wasn't an empty boast.
Possessing the combat skills of the Ackerman clan, plus the stealth abilities of Kato Megumi, she was arguably the most dangerous creature in this school for the time being.
Principal's Office.
Sitting behind a large desk was a middle-aged Asian man with a buzz cut, a kind face, but sharp eyes.
Principal Morita.
Alice's gaze lingered for a second on an old photo frame on his desk.
It was a black-and-white photograph of a soldier in World War II uniform wearing a beret; it was his grandfather, a former member of the Howling Commandos.
"Miss Mason, to be honest, your application caused some discussion among the school board."
Principal Morita put down the transfer file, adjusted his glasses, and his gaze lingered on Alice and Aunt Sarah with a complex expression.
"Is it because of her parents who made the headlines?"
Aunt Sarah sat in the chair, arms crossed, like a hedgehog ready for battle at any moment.
"If it's because of that, the law stipulates that public schools cannot refuse students within the school district due to family background. Her parents are bastards, but this child is just a homeless victim."
"Calm down, Ms. Wilson, I didn't say I wouldn't accept her."
Principal Morita waved his hand, his tone gentle.
"On the contrary, having looked at her transcripts from her previous private school, all As, plus awards in math competitions. For a school like Midtown High School that values STEM, we welcome such students. What I'm worried about is public opinion."
He sighed and pointed to the campus outside the window.
"High school students can be cruel sometimes. With those news reports causing such a stir, you know how kids are these days, never without their phones. After Alice enrolls, she might face some criticism and isolation. I hope you are mentally prepared."
"I don't care."
Alice sat straight, her bright blue eyes gazing calmly at the principal.
"I'm here to attend school, not to make friends. As long as the school can provide a quiet library and laboratory, everything else is just noise to me."
Principal Morita was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting such a cold and mature response from this delicate-looking young girl.
The worry in his eyes dissipated a little, replaced by a hint of appreciation.
"Very good, this focused attitude is very much in line with our school motto."
Principal Morita picked up a fountain pen, signed his name on the enrollment documents, and stamped them with the official seal.
"Welcome to Midtown High School, Alice Mason. You can pick up your class schedule at the registrar's office later. Today is Friday, you can familiarize yourself with the environment first, and classes will officially start next Monday."
Emerging from the principal's office, it was just the break time between classes.
The hallway was surging with people, and all kinds of students were weaving through the lockers.
There was the typical American high school ecosystem here: jocks in varsity jackets shouting loudly, nerds hugging thick books walking along the wall, and trendy cheerleaders huddled together whispering.
Aunt Sarah checked her watch and said hurriedly, "The paperwork is done, I have to rush to the hospital for my shift. You go to the registrar's office to get your schedule yourself, then take the bus home. No problem, right?"
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