Multifandom Oneshots

13. Beyond Tradition - x female reader (Dead Poets Society)

How long till this is over?! This has to be one of the most boring events I've ever attended. Why can't Mr. Nolan drop all of the boring things at the start of the year? I don't care how many students have graduated from Welton. That shouldn't be the most important piece of information. It should be about what the school has to offer and the differences between last year and this year. It felt like I was going to fall asleep until he uttered my name.

"This year, Welton will have her first ever female student, Miss Y/N Keating." Nolan introduced me, drawing my attention away from the book in my lap and to the bald 60-year-old man. He looked at me and motioned for me to stand up. I managed to swallow my fear and stand up in front of the hundreds of piercing eyes from students, parents, and teachers.

My heart raced as Mr. Nolan continued to talk about me and my attendance. And I felt the weight of every gaze in the large room on me. I shifted uncomfortably; the sea of curious and judgmental looks seemed to suffocate me. I stole a quick glance at my surroundings before slowly lowering myself onto the uncomfortable wooden bench.

Desperate for a distraction, my gaze flitted to the stained-glass windows that lined the auditorium, casting colorful patterns on the floor. The vibrant hues provided a momentary escape from the stifling atmosphere, but the reality of her situation soon crept back.

Mr. Nolan, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort he had unleashed upon myself, continued to delve into the details of her enrollment. The pen in my hand became a fidgeting tool as I absentmindedly traced circles on the notebook in my lap.

The minutes dragged on, and Y/N's impatience grew. As Mr. Nolan finally reached the end of his seemingly endless monologue, I breathed a sigh of relief. The weight of expectation, though not entirely lifted, lessened as the assembly moved on to the next agenda item.

As Mr. Nolan wrapped up his speech, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief. But the weight of the scrutiny from my fellow students and their parents still lingered. I tried to discreetly glance around, catching glimpses of the reactions of those around me. Whispers and curious glances followed me like a shadow, and I couldn't shake the feeling that every step I took within the prestigious walls of Welton would be under intense scrutiny.

I found myself lost in my thoughts, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. Welton, known for its traditions and conservative values, wasn't exactly the most welcoming place for change. Being the first female student brought with a unique set of expectations and pressures.

But while I was lost in my own mind, I didn't catch that this was finally over. Well, that is, until one of the parents tapped my shoulder lightly, making my head snap up. It was a middle-aged woman with a generous smile. "Can you please move so me and my son can find his dorm room?" She asked, her voice as sweet as her features.

My gaze moved around before settling on her again. "Oh, of course. I am so sorry." I replied, my words quickly leaving my mouth. I stood up, searching for my father.

I located my father, John Keating, amidst the dispersing crowd. His eyes met mine, and he offered a reassuring smile. I made my way through the maze of people, the buzz of conversations fading into the background. As I approached him, he gestured for me to join him.

"Y/N, how are you holding up?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

I sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. "It's a lot to take in, Dad. I didn't expect to be the center of attention on my first day."

He chuckled, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You're strong, Y/N. Welton may resist change, but that doesn't mean you can't make your mark. Just be true to yourself, and don't let the expectations get to you."