Naoko tried to rub the sleepiness from her eyes as she focused on checking her luggage one more time. Other than the usual change of clothes, girlish necessities, and a handful of cook books, Naoko smiled as she saw the case containing her precious cooking tools tucked safely in the inner pocket of the luggage top. Satisfied, she zipped the bag closed and gave it a light pat.<br/><br/>All ready to go with time to spare, Naoko huffed out a sigh of relief and excitement swept over her. Her smile widened and she started to giggle. She was here, at Ambrosia Academy. She's been dreaming about coming here for years and here she was. About to meet new people with amazing skill and a thousand recipes at their fingertips. Sure there was the Expedition and the scary possibility of still being expelled but she was one step closer to her dream.<br/><br/>Naoko took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her mind before she checked herself in the mirror. Dressed in a simple pair of jeans, white button shirt, pink sweater and her black hair left free to flow down her back, Naoko felt ready to head to the parking lot and join the other first years. Slinging her purse on her shoulder and rolling her luggage behind her, she headed for the door.<br/><br/>Her hand reached for the handle of the door before a thought struck her to pause. Withdrawing her hand she nervously took out her cellphone and checked for any calls, any text messages. Naoko's shoulders sagged, none. Shaking her head and taking another moment to breathe, she placed her cellphone back into her purse. Her parents will understand someday. Someday they'll take the extra time to call to not just to check on her, but to encourage her and her dream. For now she will head downstairs and do her best in the Expedition.