Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

Sherry stepped out of the principal’s office, casting a sidelong glance at Daisy.

Daisy, in her plain white tee and well-worn jeans, was a far cry from the typical image of a Wilder. Sherry had initially thought about getting cozy with her, considering the Wilders’ sway in Narston. But Daisy’s unassuming appearance made her reconsider. Maybe life at the Wilder mansion wasn’t all glitz and glamour.

With a sly smile, Sherry tossed out a casual question. “So, Daisy, you ever go to school in Mistville? How’s the education there?”

Daisy, trailing behind, got what Sherry tried to say immediately. But she just shrugged it off. “Nah, never had the chance.”

Sherry’s smirk widened. “Class I’s got the best of the best, kids from families with either brains or bucks. You don’t seem to fit the bill. Maybe you should try to fly under the radar.”

She added a sotto voce, “And you won’t be sticking around long,” thinking she was being sly.

But Daisy heard every word and let out a soft laugh, catching Sherry off guard.

Sherry’s eyes turned sharp. “Something tickle your fancy?”

Daisy shook her head, a playful smile playing on her lips. “You know, some folks can’t see the real deal when it’s right in front of them. They mistake a gem for a pebble.”

Sherry’s laugh was forced, as if she’d stumbled onto a joke that wasn’t quite funny. “So you’re the gem, huh? Let’s see if you sparkle like you think you do.”

The hallway buzzed with the usual pre-class chatter, but as the bell rang out, the noise was instantly zapped away. Sherry, standing at the door, couldn’t help but smile at the obedient silence her class had fallen into. It was clear she was proud of the respect she’d earned from her students.

Daisy, waiting just outside, was greeted by a kind and gentle voice from Sherry. “Hold tight right here, and when I call for you, come on in.” The warmth in her tone was a stark contrast to the usual sternness.

Sherry turned to the class, her excitement palpable as she said, “Hey, everyone, we’ve got a newcomer today from the peaceful Mistville. Let’s give her a big Narston High welcome!” She then waved Daisy in, her gesture full of encouragement.

The news of a new student had already sparked a flurry of whispers among the students. When they saw Daisy, the room was almost set ablaze with curiosity and excitement.

The typical image of a country girl didn’t apply here. Daisy had a face that could launch a thousand ships-a doll-like innocence with skin so soft it looked like it could bloom, and hair as smooth and dark as the finest silk. Her eyes, bright and round, held a sparkle that was hard to resist.

Daisy wasn’t just easy on the eyes; she had an aura of approachability that made her hard to ignore.

She stepped forward with calm confidence, greeting the class with a soft voice, “Hey, I’m Daisy Wilder from Mistville.”

Her eyes, green and deep, scanned the room, her gaze steady and serene. There was a quiet strength to her, not intimidating but commanding, that made you feel seen when she looked your way. It was a presence that spoke volumes without raising her voice.

The buzz of gossip was interrupted by a girl in a flashy outfit, chewing gum with an air of superiority. “Just got here from Mistville?” she quipped at Daisy, her gaze sweeping over Daisy’s attire. “Those threads look like they’ve been through a few rounds at the Goodwill. Your folks must be scraping by, huh? Need a handout?”

A soft voice cut through the snickers. “Come on, guys, cut her some slack. Daisy’s still finding her feet here. We’re all in the same boat, right?”

It was Laura, her eyes welling up, tugging at the heartstrings of the class.

“Chill, Laura, don’t get all teary-eyed,” a guy with chestnut hair chimed in, his tone dripping with over-the-top empathy. “We’ll give Daisy the VIP treatment.”

Another girl sneered, “So good at acting.”

“Please,” a girl with curls muttered and stood up, coming to Daisy’s defense. “Who hasn’t got some small-town blood in their veins?”

Her words landed like a challenge, and the room fell into an awkward silence.

Sherry stepped in to defuse the tension. “Alright, Daisy, let’s get you settled. Take a seat behind Emma, please.”

As Daisy made her way to her spot, a nearby girl slyly stuck out her leg, aiming to trip her up. But Daisy was one step ahead, sidestepping the trap with a wry grin.

“Ouch!” the girl yelped, feigning offense. “Daisy, are you even watching where you’re going?”

Daisy shot her a look that was equal parts amusement and defiance but didn’t engage. She slid into her seat, unfazed.

Sherry, who had caught the whole exchange, wasn’t about to let the disrespect slide.

“Yvonne, let’s keep things civil,” she admonished, calling out Yvonne’s petty antics.

Yvonne, fuming at being called out, shot back, “She just stepped on me! Shouldn’t she say sorry? I heard she’s the Wilder family’s new girl, fresh from the country. No wonder she’s so unrefined.”

Yvonne and Laura were thick as thieves, and Yvonne had taken it upon herself to give Daisy a hard time. But Daisy wasn’t about to be pushed around.

Sherry, recalling the file on Daisy she’d seen in the principal’s office, wasn’t about to let this turn into a full-blown drama. “Daisy, even though Yvonne was out of line, you can’t just step over people. Give her an apology.”

Daisy, with a casual shrug, agreed. “Sure thing. My bad.” But as she ‘apologized,’ she made a point of brushing past Yvonne’s foot again, just to drive home her point.

“Sorry, Yvonne, guess I didn’t spot you there,” Daisy said with a cheeky grin before bouncing into her seat. As she passed Emma, she noticed her giving a thumbs-up, and á smile broke out on Daisy’s face.

Emma, who had spoken up for Daisy earlier, leaned over. “Hey, I’m Emma. That was pretty slick, what you pulled off. But just a heads-up, Yvonne’s not the type to let grudges go.”