**Chapter 1: A New World**

I stepped off the bus and onto the picturesque grounds of Welton Academy, my eyes scanning the sprawling campus. The crisp Vermont air filled my lungs as I gazed up at the majestic stone buildings, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. I had traveled over 4,000 miles from my home in Argentina, leaving behind the familiarity of St. Mary's School, an all-girls institution where I had spent the last few years. My parents had decided that I should finish my high school education in the United States, and Welton Academy, with its renowned engineering program, seemed like the perfect opportunity to pursue my dreams. As I made my way to the dormitories, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the students passing by. I felt a flutter in my chest, realizing that I was not only the new kid in school but also the only girl in a sea of boys. My dark hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and I wore a crisp white blouse and a plaid skirt, trying my best to blend in. As I entered the dorm, I was greeted by a tall, lanky boy with a messy mop of hair. "Hey, I'm Todd Anderson," he said with a friendly smile. "Welcome to Welton. I'm your roommate." I smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease. "Hi Todd, I'm Mia Moran. Nice to meet you." Todd showed me around the dorm, introducing me to the other boys in our room. There was Neil Perry, the star athlete with a charming smile, and Charlie Dalton, the confident and outgoing one who seemed to be regaling the others with a story. As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the admiring glances from the other boys. Gerard Pitts, a tall, athletic boy with a rugged good looks, caught my eye and raised an eyebrow, while Richard Cameron, a blond-haired boy with a chiseled jawline, smiled at me from across the room. Steven Meeks and Knox Overstreet, two boys with mischievous grins, whispered to each other, their eyes flicking towards me. Todd noticed my gaze and chuckled. "Don't worry, Mia, they're just curious. We're not used to having girls around here." I laughed, feeling a bit more at ease. But as I looked around the room, I couldn't help but wonder which of these charming boys would catch my attention. Just then, our English teacher, Mr. John Keating, walked into the room. "Welcome, Mia, to Welton Academy," he said with a warm smile. "I'm glad to have you join our community. I trust you're finding your way around?" I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Yes, thank you, Mr. Keating. It's all a bit overwhelming, but I'm excited to be here." Mr. Keating's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I think you'll find that Welton has a lot to offer. And I hope you'll join us in our effort to 'seize the day' and make the most of your time here." As he handed out the syllabus, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. I had a feeling that this was going to be an interesting year. Now it's your turn to decide what happens next. Do you want Mia to: A) Get to know one of the boys better B) Attend the first day of classes C) Explore the campus with Todd D) Have a conversation with Mr. Keating What's your choice?