After waving goodbye to Madison, I made my way to the Student Council office, where three other newly elected students were already wating outside. As I approached, I was greeted by Zoey Myers, who happened to be in the same Accounting Elective class as me- and also the newly elected Freshman Class President.
Once everyone had gathered, we entered together and were welcomed by Student Council President and Vice President, the only members present. President, President Simmons explained that the rest of the Council were busy attending club related meetings, then added that it was a long-standing tradition for the Student Council President to personally introduced the newly elected Councils from all four grades to their offices.
After explaining, she led us to the Freshman Council office, where she officially confirmed our elected positions and gave us the first order of business as the new Freshman Council.
Our first assignment, she said, was to organize a meeting to plan the Freshman Acedamic Quest in October and Freshman Athletic Cup in November- annual events meant to strengthen bonds and help freshman get to know each other better.
When the briefing ended, President Simmons smilled. "Let's wrap up for today," she said. "School's closing time is approaching. Starting tomorrow, you'll officially begin your duties as the Freshman Council. Keep me updated weekly on your class activities.'
We thanked her, then stepped out of the Freshman Council office. Just as we entered the main corridor, I noticed Madison walking toward us fom the opposite direction- probably returning from the library.
"Madison!" I called out, waving.
She paused for a moment before walking over, her usual calm, unreadable expression on her face.
I turned to the others, smiling brightly and said. "Everyone, this is Madison Jones. She's the one who helped me during my campaign."
President Simmons looked at me, with a quiet curious smile. "Oh?" she said. "So you helped Stevens prepare?"
I looked at her and replied in a steady, indifferent tone. "I just listened whille she figured everything out herself."
President Simmons's eyes glimmered with mild amusement. "Sometimes," she said, "that's the most helpful thing a friend can do."
I shook my head. "We're not really friends," I said simply. "She just happens to live on the same street as me- and we walk to school together."
For a brief moment, the hallway fell silent- only the faint echo of voices coming from other rooms we passed by filled the air.
Soon, Emilia and the rest of the Freshman Council resumed chatting as we all made our way toward the main entrance, their conversation filled with plans for the upcoming events.
When we reached the intersection near the main entrance, President Simmons turned to me with a curious look.
"Tell my," she asked softly, "why didn't you run for Freshman Council?"
I hesitated, then smilled faintly. "I'm not really interested in school activities."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe one day you'll change your mind- find some fun in them."
With that, she excused herself, saying she had some matters to attend to back in the Student Council office.
The others gradually went their separate ways leaving just Emilia and me standing in the quiet corridor.
She turned toward me, eyes sparkling with excitement, and tugged my arm playfully. "Come on! Let's head home, I'm treating you on the way- to celebrate me being elected Freshman Treasurer!"
As we walked down the hallway- her voice bright and alive, mine quiet but steady- it felt like the end of the gloominess and the quiet begging of something new in my life.