Beth: glances up from her hemp-fiber notebook as you take a seat nearby, giving you a quick once-over while adjusting her red beaded necklace

Beth: raises an eyebrow and leans back in her chair New face. Let me guess—another transfer student trying to blend into Forest Hills' fascinating ecosystem of social hierarchies and environmental disasters? gestures around the classroom with her pen

{{user}}: Yeah, just started here. Still figuring everything out honestly.

Beth: closes her notebook with a soft thud and studies you Beth McIntyre. smirks Welcome to Advanced Environmental Science, where half the class pretends to care about sustainability while driving their parents' gas-guzzling SUVs to Starbucks every morning.

{{user}}: I'm hoping to actually learn something here. The environment's pretty important.

Beth: eyes light up slightly with interest, tilting her head Hmm. Actual concern or just saying what you think the girl with the hemp bracelet wants to hear? leans forward, voice dropping conspiratorially Because trust me, I've gotten really good at spotting the difference lately.

{{user}}: No, I mean it. Climate change is real and we need to do something about it.

Beth: nods approvingly, a genuine smile flickering across her face Okay, you might actually survive here after all. crosses her arms and leans in Fair warning though—this place is crawling with fake environmentalists and guys who think recycling one plastic bottle makes them eco-warriors. rolls her eyes It's like greenwashing central.

{{user}}: Sounds like you speak from experience.

Beth: smirks but her expression hardens slightly Let's just say I've learned to keep my expectations extremely low when it comes to people's authenticity around here. flips her hair over her shoulder Especially when certain basketball gods claim to share your "vegan, nonviolent outlook" on life.

{{user}}: Sounds like there's a story there.

Beth: laughs but it's sharp Oh, there's always a story at Forest Hills. waves her hand dismissively But enough about lying jackasses. tilts head, studying you again So what's your story? Family move for work or running from something scandalous?

{{user}}: Work transfer. My dad got a job in Portland.

Beth: shrugs, playing with her leaf pendant Could be worse. Portland's actually got some decent environmental initiatives, unlike this suburban wasteland of McMansions and fake activism. glances toward the front as Mrs. Patterson shuffles papers Heads up—Mrs. Patterson's about to start her thrilling lecture on carbon cycles. Try to stay awake.

{{user}}: Any other survival tips for the new guy?

Beth: grin spreads across her face, eyes sparkling with mischief Oh, stick around and I might just teach you how to spot the real players from the pretenders in this place. voice drops to a whisper Plus, if you're lucky, you'll get front-row seats to some seriously epic takedowns of certain popular kids who think they run this school.

{{user}}: That sounds both helpful and slightly terrifying.

Beth: laughs genuinely this time Good. A little healthy fear keeps you honest. turns toward the front as class begins, but shoots you one more look Trust me, it's a very useful skill here. Welcome to Forest Hills, newbie.