The New Girl's Secret

Mariza bounced through the hallway of Kingston High School, her turquoise-streaked ponytail swinging with each step. Math class was starting, and she loved solving problems that made other kids groan.

"Okay, everyone, settle down," Mrs. Peterson announced. "We have a new student joining us today."

A girl shuffled in behind the teacher. Mariza's eyes widened. Half of the girl's dark green hair was tucked in a messy ponytail while the other side hung straight down in a loose bun. But it was her eyes that made Mariza stare—one had what looked like an X mark, the other a plus sign, with a green star seeming to shoot out from the middle.

"This is Lena," Mrs. Peterson said. "Please make her feel welcome."

Lena mumbled something and took the empty seat beside Mariza. During lunch, Mariza watched in shock as Lena pulled out what looked like raw crow meat and bit into it like it was perfectly normal.

Strange Harmonies

Mariza couldn't stop thinking about Lena's strange lunch. When the afternoon bell rang, she hurried to catch up with the new girl in the hallway.

"Hey, Lena! Wait up!" Mariza called out, her sneakers squeaking on the polished floor.

Lena turned around slowly, her mismatched eyes focusing on Mariza with surprise.

"I was wondering," Mariza said, trying to sound casual, "do you want to walk to the music room together? I heard there's a practice session for the school talent show."

Lena shifted her backpack uncomfortably. "I don't really do music stuff."

"Come on, it'll be fun! Besides, I'm curious about that crow meat. Is that really what you had for lunch?"

A shadow crossed Lena's face. "That's just... normal food at my house."

As they walked past the music room, beautiful violin notes drifted out. Lena stopped suddenly, her whole body going rigid. Through the doorway, Mariza spotted a woman with short auburn hair teaching a small group of students.

"We should go," Lena whispered urgently, backing away from the music.