I promise

Ch.4 welcome to hexside

Amity's POV

---

*6:09 AM*

The blaring sound of my alarm clock jolted me awake. I groaned, fumbling to turn it off, and then dragged myself out of bed. With heavy steps, I shuffled to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth with robotic precision, my mind still foggy from sleep. After a few minutes, I peeled off my clothes and stepped into the shower, cranking the knob to cold. My body tensed as the icy water hit me, but gradually, I started to relax. I lathered shampoo into my hair, scrubbing my scalp with a sigh.

*Afterwards*

I got dressed in a plaid mini skirt and a crop top emblazoned with "Hexside," paired with my favorite boots. I styled my hair into a half ponytail and applied mascara and a touch of eyeliner. As I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, my gaze landed on the framed photo of me and Luz from Grom Day. I picked it up, tracing the image with a nostalgic smile. "Oh, Luz... I miss you so much," I murmured softly before setting the frame back down and leaving.

No POV

at the owl house
---

*Eda's voice called up the stairs.* "Hey, kid, it's time for school, so wake up!" She pushed open the door, but Luz was already awake, her counting from an exercise routine catching Eda off guard.

"Oh, hey Eda," Luz said, a bit startled. "You scared me a bit."

"Sorry, kiddo," Eda replied with a grin.

"It's fine, and sorry if I'm being loud," Luz said, finishing up her workout.

Eda shook her head. "No, you're just fine."

Luz stood up, stretching. "Jeez, kid, you're ripped."

"Thank you, Eda," Luz said with a chuckle. "But let me go take a shower."

"Yeah, you stink," Eda teased.

"Yeah, yeah," Luz replied, speed-walking to the bathroom. *My first day at Hexside...again,* she thought.

Twenty minutes later, Luz emerged from the bathroom and faced her wardrobe. "Should I wear a plain black shirt or my new Slayer shirt?" After a moment's contemplation, she chose the Slayer shirt, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs.

Eda was waiting with a plate of breakfast. "Hey, kid, I made some breakfast."

"Appreciate it," Luz said as she sat down and began eating.

After breakfast, Luz hurriedly gathered her things and slung her backpack over her shoulder. "Thanks for breakfast, Eda," she called out as she headed toward the door.

Eda, standing by the kitchen counter with a mug of coffee in hand, gave Luz a warm smile. "Good luck at Hexside today. I know it's your first day back, but you'll do great."

Luz flashed a nervous smile and nodded. "Thanks, Eda. I'll try to make the best of it." With that, she stepped outside into the crisp morning air, her excitement mixed with a tinge of apprehension.

The path to Hexside was familiar, yet it felt different. The buildings loomed larger, and the streets seemed busier than she remembered. She skated along, her thoughts racing about what the day would bring. As she approached the school, she stopped, picked up her skateboard, and walked the rest of the way Inside

Luz approached the administrative office, her heart pounding slightly with the mix of excitement and nerves. The hallway seemed unusually quiet as she entered, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly. She walked up to the front desk, where a kindly older woman with a warm smile looked up from her paperwork.

"Hello," Luz said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I'm Luz Noceda. I'm here to check in for my first day back."

The receptionist's eyes widened with recognition. "Luz! It's wonderful to see you again! I remember you from before. Principal Bump will be thrilled to see you."

With that, she picked up the phone and dialed a number, relaying the news. Moments later, Principal Bump himself appeared in the doorway. His expression shifted from mild surprise to a broad, welcoming smile.

"Luz Noceda! What a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed, extending his hand. "It's been too long. Welcome back!"

Luz shook his hand, feeling a wave of warmth from his enthusiasm. "Thank you, Principal Bump. It's good to be back."

"Let me show you to your first class," Principal Bump said, leading her down the hall. "I'm sure you'll settle back in just fine. It's great to have you here again."

After a brief tour of the main areas, Principal Bump directed Luz to her classroom and wished her luck. As she walked down the hall towards her room, she spotted Willow and Gus engaged in a lively conversation.

"Hey, Luz!" Gus called out, his face lighting up with joy. "We were just talking about you!"

Willow turned, a big smile spreading across her face. "Yeah, we were trying to guess what kind of crazy stories you'd bring back from the human realm!"

Luz laughed, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. "Oh, you know, the usual—just trying not to get lost and figuring out how to use human technology."

Willow rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you definitely missed some interesting things while you were gone."

Gus grinned mischievously. "Like what? We've been trying to get Willow to admit that she's secretly a huge fan of magic tricks. It's her guilty pleasure!"

Willow blushed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Oh, come on, Gus! That's not even true."

Luz's laughed "But hey, we should catch up more after class."

Just then, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the first period. Luz glanced at her schedule, then back at her friends.

"Looks like I've got to run," Luz said with a grin. "But I'll see you both around."

Gus and Willow waved as Luz headed toward her classroom, her heart light with the warmth of reconnecting with old friends. The familiar sights and sounds of Hexside surrounded her as she stepped into her first class,

When she finally reached her classroom, she took a seat near the back and tried to calm her racing thoughts. As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Luz couldn't help but glance around, hoping to see some familiar faces among her classmates.

The door swung open, and in walked Amity, her presence commanding immediate attention. Luz's heart fluttered at the sight, but she quickly looked away, focusing on her desk as Amity took her seat on the other side of the room.
as the teacher began discussing abominations—a topic that usually interested her. However, Luz's attention was divided as her eyes repeatedly darted to Amity, who was seated directly across the room.

The teacher spoke about the different types of abominations and their uses, but Luz's notebook remained mostly empty. Her focus was largely on Amity, who seemed absorbed in her own notes. Luz's gaze lingered longer than she intended, and soon Amity's eyes caught hers. Amity's face twisted into a look of mild disgust, her expression making it clear she wasn't pleased to see Luz's attention fixed on her.

Embarrassed, Luz quickly turned her head back to her desk, trying to refocus on the lecture, though the sting of Amity's reaction lingered.