**Chapter 1: Arrival at Welton Academy**

The crisp Vermont air slapped Mia's face as she stepped off the bus and onto the sprawling grounds of Welton Academy. The imposing stone buildings and manicured lawns seemed a far cry from the warm, sun-kissed streets of Buenos Aires, where she had grown up. As a student at St. Mary's School, an all-girls school in Argentina, Mia had always felt a sense of comfort and familiarity among her peers. But now, at the age of 16, she was embarking on a new journey, one that would take her to the prestigious Welton Academy, an all-boys school in Vermont. Mia's parents had always encouraged her to pursue her passion for engineering, and Welton Academy was renowned for its rigorous academic programs, making it the perfect place for her to continue her studies and eventually pursue her mechanical engineering degree. The thought of studying alongside some of the brightest minds in the country was both exhilarating and intimidating. As she gazed around, Mia felt a flutter of nervousness. She had never been to an all-boys school before, let alone one as prestigious as Welton. Her parents had reassured her that it would be a great opportunity, but she couldn't help feeling a little apprehensive. Mia's eyes scanned the crowd of students milling about, their faces a blur of unfamiliarity. She spotted a group of students gathered near the entrance, their eyes fixed on her. Mia's cheeks flushed as she felt a sudden sense of self-consciousness. One of them, a tall, dark-haired boy with piercing blue eyes, caught her gaze and smiled. Mia's heart skipped a beat as she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. The sound of a booming voice interrupted the awkward moment. "Welcome, new student! I'm John Keating, the English teacher here at Welton." Mr. Keating, a charismatic man with a warm smile, strode towards her, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "And you are...?" "Mia Moran," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Mr. Keating's eyes lit up. "Ah, Mia! Welcome to Welton. I'm sure you'll fit right in here." He glanced at her suitcase. "Let me help you with that. I'll show you to your dorm." As Mia followed Mr. Keating, she couldn't help but feel the weight of curious gazes upon her. She sensed that she was about to become the talk of the town at Welton Academy. As they walked, Mr. Keating pointed out various buildings and introduced her to some of the students. Mia's eyes met those of a group of boys, including Neil Perry, the star actor, Todd Anderson, a shy and introspective poet, and Knox Overstreet, a romantic with a dreamy gaze. Charlie Dalton, a sarcastic bad boy, raised an eyebrow as she passed by, while Steven Meeks, a determined genius, nodded in greeting. Gerard Pitts, a lanky dreamer, stared at her with a mixture of curiosity and admiration, and Richard Cameron, the 'perfect student', looked her up and down before nodding in approval. Mia's thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Keating's words. "And this is your dorm, Mia. I think you'll find the boys here to be a lively bunch." As she entered the dorm, Mia felt a sense of trepidation. She was about to embark on a journey that would challenge her academically, emotionally, and personally. But she was ready to take on the challenge, and to make her mark at Welton Academy. The boys in the dorm looked up as she entered, their eyes fixed on her. Mia felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she met their gazes, her heart racing with anticipation. What lay ahead for her at Welton Academy? Only time would tell.