Mary walked through the bustling streets of Aetherwind, her mind swirling with thoughts of her recent adventures. As she passed a lamppost, a colorful flyer caught her eye, depicting a vibrant carnival filled with promises of thrills and wonders beyond imagination. Intrigued, she stopped in her tracks to examine it closely. Today was the day of the fair!

Excitement bubbled within her as she read that the carnival would be in town for one day only. Her heart raced at the thought of all the rides, games, and the enchanting atmosphere that awaited her.

Later, as Mary and her best friend Zoe settled into their seats in the classroom, the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting warm rays on their faces. Zoe couldn't help but nudge Mary with a mischievous grin.

"Look who's here," Zoe whispered, nodding towards the doorway where Ethan had just entered. "He's definitely checking you out."

Mary rolled her eyes playfully, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "Zoe, he's just a guy. It doesn't mean anything."

Zoe chuckled, knowing her friend well enough to understand Mary's indifference towards Ethan's looks. "I know, I know. But admit it, he's not bad to look at."

Mary couldn't suppress a smile at Zoe's antics. "Fine, he's good-looking. Can we talk about something else now?"

They continued chatting about their plans for the weekend and Mary's latest favorite book, a thrilling mystery that had kept her up late into the night. Zoe listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with enthusiastic comments about the plot twists and characters.

At lunchtime, Mary and Zoe grabbed their trays and found a quiet spot in the corner of the bustling cafeteria. As they settled into their seats, Zoe took a bite of her salad and glanced at Mary. "You've read many novels, including some romantic ones. But why don't you want a boyfriend?"

Mary shrugged, trying to hide her discomfort. "Rule number one: never fall in love. It only complicates things."

Zoe raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin on her lips. "Oh, come on! Just because you're focused on school doesn't mean you have to shut yourself off from the possibility of love."

Mary's cheeks flushed as she brushed off the comment. "I just prefer my novels to real-life drama, okay? Books don't break your heart."

"Fair enough," Zoe said, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But if you ever change your mind, I'll be the first to know!"

After the final school bell rang, Mary and Zoe wasted no time in making their way to the carnival. The anticipation bubbled within them as they walked, chatting excitedly about all the rides and games they couldn't wait to try.

As they approached the carnival grounds, their eyes widened at the sight before them. Bright lights illuminated the night sky, casting a magical glow over the bustling fairground. The air was filled with the sweet scent of popcorn and cotton candy, while the sounds of laughter and music echoed all around them.

"Wow, it's even more amazing than I imagined!" Mary exclaimed, her eyes darting from one colorful attraction to the next.

Zoe grinned in agreement, her heart pounding with excitement. "I can't believe we're really here, Mary! Let's go on the Ferris wheel first!"

With shared enthusiasm, they rushed to the towering Ferris wheel, their laughter mingling with the chatter of other carnival-goers. As they climbed into the brightly colored carriage and the wheel began to turn, they marveled at the breathtaking view of the city below, the lights twinkling like stars in the night sky.

After the Ferris wheel, they raced from ride to ride, their screams of delight echoing as they spun and twirled on the roller coaster, soared through the air on the swings, and tested their skills at carnival games. But as they ventured deeper into the carnival, a mysterious tent caught Mary's eye, its entrance draped in shimmering fabric.

"Let's check that out!" Mary suggested, her curiosity piqued.

Inside, the air was thick with anticipation, and the dim light revealed a fortune teller's booth. An enigmatic woman, adorned in colorful scarves and sparkling jewelry, beckoned them closer. "Welcome, my dears. I can glimpse your future if you dare to know."

Zoe looked excited, while Mary felt a flutter of unease in her stomach. "Maybe we should just—"

"Oh, come on! What's the harm?" Zoe urged, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

Mary reluctantly nodded, and they stepped forward. The fortune teller peered into her crystal ball, her brow furrowing as she spoke in a low voice. "Beware of those who speak sweetly; their intentions may not be as genuine as they appear."

Mary's heart raced at the ominous words. Who was the fortune teller warning her about?

"Your heart may lead you astray if you're not careful," the fortune teller continued, her voice echoing in the dimly lit tent. "In love, you must tread lightly."

Mary exchanged a worried glance with Zoe, but before she could respond, the fortune teller shifted her gaze to Zoe. "You, too, have a choice to make. Do not let fleeting moments dictate your path."

Feeling a chill creep up her spine, Mary hurriedly pulled Zoe out of the tent. "That was weird, right?"

Zoe shrugged, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her eyes. "Maybe it's just entertainment? But still, those words were a little unsettling."

As they continued to enjoy the carnival, Mary couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The laughter and lights that had once filled her with joy now felt tinged with an unsettling foreboding. The fortune teller's words echoed in her mind, spinning a web of doubt around her thoughts. What if the warnings were more than mere entertainment?

Mary and Zoe spent the afternoon at the library, surrounded by the comforting scent of old books and the quiet hum of studious students. Mary was engrossed in a novel she had picked out, while Zoe browsed through magazines and comics, occasionally stealing glances at Mary to see if she was ready to leave.

After a while, Zoe decided to take a quick break and headed towards the washroom. Mary continued reading, immersed in the world of her book, when she noticed someone approaching out of the corner of her eye. Looking up, she saw Ethan, a classmate she knew fairly well and had often shared friendly conversations with.

"Hey, Mary," Ethan greeted with a warm smile. "Mind if I join you for a moment?"

Mary smiled back, closing her book. "Hey, Ethan! Sure, go ahead."

Ethan sat down, looking a bit nervous but eager to talk. "So, how was your day? I saw you and Zoe at the carnival yesterday. Looked like you were having a great time."

Mary blinked in surprise. "Oh, really? How did you know we were at the carnival?"

Ethan chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I... um, saw your Instagram post. Zoe tagged you both, and I happened to see it."

Mary nodded, understanding now. "Ah, got it. Yeah, we had a blast. It was so much fun."

Ethan nodded, his smile widening. "That's great to hear. You two seem like you're really close."

Mary nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Zoe's my best friend. We do everything together."

Ethan's expression turned thoughtful. "That's cool. Hey, I've been meaning to ask... Would you want to hang out sometime? Maybe grab coffee or go for a walk in the park?"

Mary felt a slight flutter of surprise and amusement. She knew Zoe often teased her about Ethan's interest, but hearing it directly from him was unexpected. "Sure, Ethan. I think that would be nice. I usually hang out with Zoe, though. Maybe we could all do something together."

Just then, Mary spotted Zoe returning from the washroom. She waved and smiled, grateful for the interruption.

Ethan glanced over and noticed Zoe approaching. "Oh, hey, there's Zoe. I'll catch you later, Mary." With a friendly nod, he got up and left, giving Mary a quick wave as he disappeared into the aisles of books.

Zoe reached the table and sat down, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, well, well... Look who was keeping you company, Mary."

Mary rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, stop it, Zoe. Ethan's just being friendly."

Zoe grinned knowingly. "Uh-huh, sure he is. Did he ask you out yet?"

Mary laughed, shaking her head. "No, Zoe. It was just a friendly chat."

Zoe nudged her shoulder teasingly. "Sure, Mary. Just remember, I'm onto you two."

Mary couldn't help but smile at Zoe's antics. Despite her teasing, Mary knew she could always count on Zoe to support her, whether it was navigating friendships or sharing in their adventures together.

As they gathered their things and headed out of the library, The following day at school, Mary found herself thinking about Ethan's invitation to hang out. As she walked to her locker with Zoe by her side, she couldn't help but replay their conversation from the library in her mind.

"So, Mary," Zoe teased, nudging her playfully as they stopped at Mary's locker, "are you and Ethan going to be the next power couple?"

Mary laughed, rolling her eyes at Zoe's playful teasing. "Oh, stop it, Zoe. We're just friends."

Zoe grinned mischievously. "Uh-huh, sure. Just friends who hang out at the library and get invited for coffee walks."

Mary sighed, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "Okay, maybe he's interested. But it's all still very new."

Zoe nudged her shoulder gently. "Well, that's exciting, Mary! Ethan seems nice. And who knows? Maybe this could be the start of something great."

Mary nodded thoughtfully, adjusting the books in her locker. "Yeah, maybe. It's just... different, you know?"

Zoe nodded in understanding. "I get it. Change can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it can also be really exciting. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you."

As they closed their lockers and headed to their next class, Mary felt a mix of emotions—excitement for the possibility of a new friendship with Ethan, gratitude for Zoe's unwavering support, and a touch of nervousness about what the future might hold.

Throughout the day, Mary found herself stealing glances at Ethan in class, noticing how he would smile and wave whenever their eyes met. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to navigate this newfound attention, but Mary appreciated Ethan's gentle approach.

At lunchtime, Mary and Zoe sat together at their usual table in the cafeteria. Zoe couldn't resist bringing up the topic again.

"So, have you talked to Ethan today?" Zoe asked with a playful grin.

Mary blushed slightly, stirring her salad thoughtfully. "Yeah, he said hi in English class."

Zoe nudged her again, teasingly. "Ooh, progress! What did you say?"

Mary chuckled, shaking her head at Zoe's persistence. "Just hi back, Zoe. Nothing exciting."

Zoe leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You know, Mary, you should totally ask him to join us at the park this weekend. It could be fun!"

Mary considered Zoe's suggestion, feeling a mix of nerves and intrigue. "Maybe. I'll think about it."

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Mary and Zoe gathered their things and headed to their afternoon classes, the conversation about Ethan lingering in Mary's thoughts.

After school, as Mary walked out of the building, she spotted Ethan waiting by the entrance. He smiled warmly when he saw her, and Mary felt her heart skip a beat.

"Hey, Mary!" Ethan called out, waving at her.

Mary returned his smile, feeling a rush of happiness. "Hey, Ethan! What's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee after school," Ethan said casually, adjusting his backpack. "Just to chat some more, if you're free."

Mary hesitated for a moment, feeling her nerves start to surface. She glanced at Zoe, who was standing right beside her, giving her an encouraging nod. Turning back to Ethan, Mary tried to smile, though her voice wavered slightly. "I'm really sorry, Ethan, but I can't today. Maybe another time?"

Ethan's smile softened, and he nodded understandingly. "No worries, Mary. Just let me know when you're free."

Mary smiled gratefully. "Thanks for understanding, Ethan. I'll see you around."

As Mary and Zoe walked out of the building side by side, Zoe turned to Mary with a curious look. "So, what happened back there? Why'd you say no?"

Mary sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I was just nervous, Zoe. He asked me out of nowhere, and I didn't know what to say. I kind of panicked."

Zoe nudged her gently with a reassuring smile. "Well, Ethan seems like a decent guy. Maybe you could give it another shot?"

Mary considered Zoe's suggestion, feeling grateful for her friend's supportive presence. "Maybe I will. I just need to sort out how I feel."

Zoe grinned mischievously. "Alright, but we're not done discussing this, Mary."

Mary rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, fine. We'll talk more later."

They continued walking side by side, their conversation shifting to more lighthearted topics, the bond of their friendship carrying them through the rest of the way home.

***

Rosemary and her friends were engrossed in lively conversation in the cozy living room, enjoying their tea and discussing their children's futures. Laughter and occasional nods of agreement punctuated the air as they shared stories and offered advice.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and Mary entered the room, her school bag slung over one shoulder. She greeted everyone warmly as she hung up her coat.

"Hi, Mom. Hi, everyone," Mary said cheerfully, joining the group in the living room.

Rosemary smiled warmly at her daughter. "Hello, Mary dear. How was your day?"

Mary shrugged off her backpack and settled into an armchair. "It was good. We had a guest speaker in history class today, and then I went to the library to study."

Mrs. Thompson, one of Rosemary's friends, leaned forward with interest. "A guest speaker? That sounds fascinating, Mary. What did they talk about?"

Mary corrected herself with a chuckle. "Oops, sorry! I meant computer science class. The speaker talked about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning."

Rosemary nodded, intrigued. "That sounds very interesting, Mary. What did you think of it?"

As Mary recounted the speaker's discussion on computer science topics, Rosemary listened with pride, glad to have her daughter home and eager to hear about her day.

As they chatted about Mary's day and her interests, Mrs. Jenkins, one of Rosemary's friends, asked with genuine curiosity, "So, Mary, have you thought about what you might want to study in college?"

Mary paused thoughtfully, considering her response before her eyes lit up with determination. "I've actually been thinking about studying computer science."

Rosemary and her friends exchanged surprised glances, followed by smiles of encouragement.

Mrs. Thompson nodded enthusiastically. "That's a fantastic choice, Mary. It's such a rapidly growing field."

Mrs. Jenkins added, "Yes, and there are so many opportunities in technology nowadays."

Mary nodded, feeling emboldened by their support. "I love problem-solving and coding. I think computer science will let me explore those interests."

"I'm proud of you, Mary. We'll make sure to explore schools that have strong computer science programs." Rosemary murmured with a wink, her pride for Mary evident in her eyes.

After their friends departed, Rosemary tidied up the living room and started preparing dinner. As she chopped vegetables, her thoughts returned to Mary's future. She couldn't shake the idea that transferring schools might offer Mary better opportunities for college.

Rosemary glanced over at Mary, who was reviewing her notes at the dining table. "Mary, have you ever thought about exploring other schools?"

Mary looked up, surprised. "Other schools? Like transferring?"

Rosemary nodded, focusing on her cooking. "Yes, maybe a different school could provide more resources for your interests, like computer science."

Mary considered this as she closed her notebook. "I haven't really thought about it. I like my school and friends here."

Rosemary turned to face her daughter, gently stirring the ingredients in the pot. "I know, sweetheart. But sometimes change can lead to new opportunities. It's something to think about."

Mary nodded slowly, her mind swirling with possibilities. "Okay, Mom. I'll think about it."

They continued preparing dinner together, the idea of transferring schools lingering in the air as they shared a meal and discussed Mary's aspirations for the future.

On Saturday morning, Mary sat down at the kitchen table where her mom, Rosemary, was preparing breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of pancakes, creating a cozy atmosphere.

"Hey, Mary," Rosemary began as she flipped a pancake, "I was thinking more about what we discussed yesterday. Have you given any more thought to exploring other schools?"

Mary took a sip of orange juice, considering her mom's question. "Yeah, Mom, I have. I think I'm ready to see what else is out there. It could be a good opportunity."

Rosemary's face lit up with excitement as she pulled out a stack of pamphlets and brochures from her bag. "Great! Look what I've got for you, Mary."

Mary glanced at the stack, then back at her mom with a playful smirk. "Seriously, Mom? Did you raid the entire school counselor's office?"

Rosemary laughed, spreading out the pamphlets and brochures like a fan on the kitchen table. "Hey, I'm just preparing you for a world of possibilities!"

Mary picked up one pamphlet that had a picture of Castle Hill High School on the cover. "Castle Hill High School? Mom, is this a medieval fortress or a school?"

Rosemary chuckled. "It's not quite a castle, but they have a strong academic program and great extracurriculars."

Mary couldn't help but laugh at her mom's playful response. "Okay, okay, let's see what else we've got here."

Mary nodded, flipping through the pamphlet for Riverview Academy. "And Riverview Academy? Is that where all the future CEOs and world leaders are bred?"

Rosemary smiled, nodding approvingly. "Exactly. I thought these two would give you a good range of options."

Mary set down the pamphlets with a grin. "Thanks, Mom. Let's see if I can survive the dragon-free school experience."

They both laughed, continuing to discuss the merits of each school over breakfast. Mary found herself genuinely interested in what each school had to offer, despite their humorous banter.

"So, what's next?" Mary asked, setting aside the pamphlets. "Visits to these grand establishments?"

Rosemary nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We'll schedule some visits next week. It'll be like our own little school tour."

Mary smirked. "Just promise me no more surprise medieval-themed school choices, okay?"

Rosemary chuckled. "Deal. No castles or dragons."

The next moment, as they sat down to finalize Mary's application for Castle Hill High School, Rosemary glanced at the calendar. "We'll schedule your interview for Monday. That way, we can visit the school and get everything set."

Mary nodded eagerly, filled with anticipation. "Sounds good, Mom. I can't wait to see the school."

Mary settled into her bed, her fingers tapping lightly on the phone's screen as she opened the messaging app to chat with Zoe. It had been a busy day, gathering documents and filling out forms for her application to Castle Hill High School. As she typed, she knew she needed to share the news with Zoe, her best friend who always had a knack for understanding her motivations.

She started typing, "Hey Zoe! How's your day been?"

Zoe's reply popped up almost instantly, "Hey Mary! It's been okay. Just got home. What about you?"

Mary paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting to the decision she had made earlier that day. She took a deep breath, then began typing again, "I've got something big to tell you. Can we chat about it?"

Zoe's response was immediate, "Of course! What's up?"

Mary hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. Finally, she typed thoughtfully, "I think I'm going to change schools."

Zoe's reply popped up almost instantly, "Oh wow! Why?"

Mary noticed a slight shift in Zoe's tone, sensing her friend's underlying feelings despite her supportive words. She wanted to address it sensitively.

Mary typed back, "Hey, I know it's a big change, but you'll always be my best friend no matter what school I'm in. We'll still hang out all the time!"

Zoe's response was quick, but Mary could sense a hint of melancholy, "Yeah, of course! I'm happy for you, Mary. It's just... things will be different."

Mary understood Zoe's concern and wanted to reassure her. "I know it'll be different, but some things will stay the same. We'll still be us, Zoe. Promise."

Zoe's reply came after a brief pause, "Yeah, you're right. We'll figure it out. I'm here for you, always."

Mary continued the conversation with Zoe, feeling a mix of excitement and empathy for her friend's emotions.

Mary typed, "How about we meet up tomorrow? Let's hang out like we always do."

Zoe's response came swiftly, "Sure, that sounds great! Where do you want to meet?"

Mary thought for a moment, then replied, "Let's meet at the park in the afternoon. We can grab some ice cream and just relax."

Zoe agreed eagerly, "Perfect! I'll see you there tomorrow, Mary."

Mary smiled as she read Zoe's reply, feeling grateful for her friend's understanding and willingness to spend time together despite the changes ahead. She quickly responded, "Can't wait! It'll be fun 😊"

The next day, Mary arrived at the cafe, her excitement palpable as she secured a cozy corner table by the window. Zoe breezed in a few minutes later, looking slightly wind-blown but energized.

"Hey, Mary! Sorry I'm fashionably late. Traffic was an absolute nightmare!" Zoe exclaimed, plopping down in the seat across from Mary.

Mary grinned, sipping her latte. "Fashionably late, huh? I see you've upgraded from fashionably on time."

Zoe rolled her eyes playfully. "You know me, always arriving dramatically. So, spill the beans! How's the whole Castle Hill adventure shaping up?"

Mary leaned in, lowering her voice dramatically. "Well, the application is in, the interview is set for Monday, and my mom's already planning my entire academic future."

Zoe gasped dramatically, clutching her heart. "Oh no! The dreaded mom master plan strikes again! Do you think we should stage a cafeteria rebellion?"

Mary chuckled at Zoe's suggestion, leaning back in her chair. "A cafeteria rebellion? That might be the only way to stop the mom agenda!"

Zoe grinned mischievously. "Seriously, though, Mary. Why the sudden switch? You've been at your current school forever."

Mary sighed, stirring her latte thoughtfully. "Well, you know I've always loved computers, right? Castle Hill has this amazing program, and I figured it's time to level up."

Zoe nodded slowly, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "True, true. I can see you hacking into the school system already, Mary."

Mary raised an eyebrow. "Hey, no incriminating evidence here! But seriously, it's all about the opportunities. Plus, I might finally learn how to program a robot to do my chores."

Zoe laughed. "Now you're speaking my language! Maybe I should transfer too. We could rule Castle Hill with our robot minions."

Mary grinned, feeling lighter as they bantered back and forth. "Absolutely. You can be my VP of Robot Operations."

Zoe nodded thoughtfully. "That's awesome, Mary. I'm glad you're following your passion. And hey, I'll visit you at Castle Hill. We can still have our epic study sessions."

Mary smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Zoe. It means a lot to have your support. I'm gonna miss hanging out with you here though."

Zoe raised an eyebrow mischievously. "Who says we can't sneak into each other's schools for lunch?"

Mary laughed. "Now there's a rebellion worth starting!"

*****

Next Afternoon, The interview proceeded smoothly as Mary answered questions about her academic achievements, her passion for computer science, and her aspirations for the future. She felt more at ease as the conversation flowed, encouraged by Ms. Ramirez's positive responses.

After what felt like both an eternity and a blink of an eye, the interview concluded. Mary and Rosemary thanked Ms. Ramirez for her time and headed back home, reflecting on the experience.

"I think it went well," Mary said tentatively as they drove home.

Rosemary smiled warmly. "You did great, Mary. I'm proud of you."

Mary felt a sense of relief and excitement. Whether she would be accepted at Castle Hill High School remained to be seen, but she knew she had given it her best shot.

As they drove back home, Mary couldn't help but replay the interview in her mind. She felt a mix of relief and anticipation, hoping that her enthusiasm for computer science and her eagerness to explore new opportunities had made a positive impression.