Nadine reluctantly walked up to the gates of her school.
Ugh, Monday. The start of yet another boring week, she grumbled internally. Sighing, she adjusted her bag strap, mentally preparing for the long day ahead.
I wonder if the new guy is here yet. If he is, he'll probably be swarmed by people who wanna make friends with him. Whatever. Not my problem.
She had completely forgotten about what she'd seen on Friday, although she did have a feeling she was missing something somewhat important. But it wasn't urgent enough to try and recall, so she shifted her full attention to the miserable buildings surrounding her.
Nadine's boots scuffed against the pavement as she made her way through the pessimistic, quiet air of the front courtyard. She usually arrived early, about an hour before classes began, when the sun was always shining gently.
I dunno what Lucas is always complaining about. It's really not that hard to not be late. Kaylie's the exact opposite, though. She is the master of getting here at absolutely ridiculous times.
Genuinely, how is it possible for a normal person to go to bed at eight and wake up at five every single day? I swear, she's like a superhuman. Speaking of, where is she?
Dan's probably not here yet, so she should be hanging around the front courtyard. Nadine glanced around, searching for her friend. But Kaylie was nowhere to be seen. Just a bunch of resigned and tired looking students.
Maybe she's inside already.
As Nadine neared the entrance, she caught the sound of Kaylie's voice. Animated and unmistakable. Who the hell's she talking to? Some kid she found in the hall? Heh, rambling to, more like. That's Kaylie, no doubt about it. Nadine slowed down, interest piqued.
'Oh, I see. This school seemed so big. I get why now,' an unfamiliar voice responded. 'I like it here already, haha.'
Nadine stopped. She ducked behind the door frame, ears pricked. That person didn't sound like anyone she knew. The two moved up the stairs near the doorway, their footsteps steady and at ease.
Huh?? Was that the new kid? She suddenly realised. What's she doing with him?! I said we shouldn't get involved with him!
Argh, she's too nice for her own good. I bet she volunteered to show him around. I swear to god, if she tries to introduce him to us…
She could already picture it, Kaylie grinning proudly as she presented the poor guy to them, like a puppy she'd just adopted. 'Look, guys,' she would say. 'This is my new friend, and from now on, he's your friend too!'
Still, Nadine couldn't help but replay his voice in her head. He sounded kind. Friendly. Not what she'd expected at all.
Hmph, I suppose I could give him a chance, if it comes to that. It's not like he begged his parents to be here. Probably.
Feeling just a little apprehensive, she turned away from the doorway, wandering off to find a bench.
Pulling out a thick, battered notebook, she began to sketch the trees and buildings around her. Drawing helped pass the time- it made the endless waiting tolerable, calming even.
Eventually the first bell rang. Indicating the beginning of school, its tone was short and sharp. The sudden sound caused Nadine to drop her pencil in shock.
Fucking hell! That is going to give me a heart attack one day. She cursed as she picked it up with shaking fingers.
She had Math with Kaylie first, so she assumed the new guy would be there too. Sure enough, he was. Nadine spotted him the moment she walked in- sitting at the desk at the back that had been empty since the start of the year. The one right next to Kaylie's.
Their Math teacher had given them a last name based seating plan in their very first class, meaning that Nadine, with 'Ayna,' was stuck in the front row, while Kaylie's 'Zakova' allowed her the privilege of sitting in the last row.
That separation always felt worse than being in a class with no friends at all. It was like you were an observer behind a glass wall. You could see, but you were unable to signal your thoughts and feelings to anyone.
It was especially bad in Math, when there wasn't even a chance to do group work. I swear, that prick of a teacher wants us to hate him. Even those goddamn preschool boy-girl-boy-girl seating plans were better than last name based ones.
Frowning, Nadine flicked her gaze to the new kid as she headed to her seat. Brown hair, hazel eyes. Tan skin, freckles scattered lightly across his face. Pretty ordinary looking. Not really any features that set him apart.
He was scanning the classroom with a calm little smile on his face, like he was genuinely glad to be there. Then, they locked eyes, briefly.
SHIT! Look away, look away!
Nadine whipped around and practically dove into her seat.
God, that's so embarrassing!
Class started with their teacher jumping straight into a complicated equation. Nadine tried to focus, but her mind refused to cooperate. The numbers felt like a foreign language, and by the end of the hour, her brain felt like it had been put through the blender. She was so thoroughly exhausted, that encounter with the new kid had been completely wiped from her memories.
After Math, she staggered towards Literature like a zombie. When the teacher announced a self-study period, she nearly wept. Finally, a moment of peace.
Recess soon followed. As if somebody had flipped a switch, Nadine's energy can back in a rush. She practically bounced all the way to the eastern courtyard. The sun had risen higher, and it cast a golden glow against everything. It felt like freedom. Until she saw him.
The new guy.
Sitting with her friends.
Her heart skipped a beat, and the memories of Math came crashing back. Damn it! I knew it might happen, but I hoped it wouldn't… Of course Kaylie had to drag him here.
There were way more students than normal gathered around. A quiet crowd had formed around the three people. All of their eyes were focused on him, probably looking for their opportunity to introduce themselves. But he was already with Kaylie and Dan, and none of them were brave or shameless enough to interrupt.
Dan spotted her immediately and waved. Great, no escape.
Welp, here goes nothing. Either everything's gonna be fine, or I'm leaving this school in handcuffs. Nadine took a deep breath.
'Yo, guys. I have… arrived. Now introduce me to this guy,' she said stiffly, dropping down next to Dan and gesturing at the boy opposite them.
'Pfft! If you were trying to make a cool impression, you failed,' Kaylie giggled.
'What?! Fuck off! Was not! Man, you ruined it…'
'Nope! Anyway, this is Anthony, and he's pretty nice. Anthony- this is Nadine. You might've seen her up the front in Math, and she's trouble personified. Be nice to him, okay, Nadine?'
'Uh… sure. Hello, Anthony. I formally welcome you into our group. As long as you're a good person.'
'Hiya, Nadine. Thank you! I swear I'm not a bad guy. But why would I be?' Anthony replied with an easygoing smile.
I'm making this awkward on purpose, and he's so chill about it? Nadine narrowed her eyes slightly, watching him more closely. She was trying to gauge his personality, but he'd passed the hidden test she threw at him. He was wildly different from the bratty, dangerous person she'd envisioned.
Alright, let's see what you think of this!
'Well, you're like the first person ever to transfer to a different school, so you must have some government ties, eh? And the government isn't really good, y'know? Always controlling everyone's lives and making them miserable.' Nadine leaned back a little, trying to look casual. But inside, her heart began to race.
Hopefully this doesn't land me a one-way ticket to hell. I better pray this guy isn't actually a government dog. If he is… I'm already dead.
'Yeah, that makes sense. I guess I have ties… I actually came here from Rimont Province. My mom had a government job managing some things there, since it's rural. A few weeks ago, the palace sent her a letter ordering her to work there. So my family had to pack up and move closer to the palace. You know, I don't like them either. The laws are way too harsh, and when they tell you to do something, you have to do it, no matter how absurd it is! The government is definitely bad,' Anthony said, suddenly passionate.
'Oh? Great, you're on the same page as me! Hah, guys, we found another person to add to this group. You've passed the interview, bro. I actually welcome you this time!' Nadine's expression changed from sceptical and suspicious to open and friendly, suddenly delighted after finding one more buddy to share her contempt of the authorities with.
Hey, he's actually a cool person. I never would've thought me and the kid of someone who works for a tyrant would have something in common. Maybe I was too quick to judge after all. Damn, my Friday self would've been shocked. But having a new member of the gang will be fun.
All of her previous reservations vanished, and she was now in a good mood, despite the crowd around them.
'Nice. The most judgemental one has agreed. You're our new bestie, Anthony. Be prepared for great times ahead. You'll feel like you've been here ages in no time,' Dan says, giving a thumbs up.
'This bitch! Bro, can you believe him?! I am the kindest, LEAST judgemental 18-year-old EVER. And he has the audacity to insult me? HUH??' Nadine exclaims, snatching her ruler from the depths of her bag.
'Yikes. Not the ruler. By the way, Anthony, you're about to witness what happens when you piss the boss off.' Dan leapt up from the ground, but Nadine was faster. She whacked him hard in the arm. He stumbled and tripped.
'Ugh… I knew this would be my fate, but falling and eating shit is so humiliating. In front of all these people, no less. We actually need to train you not to do that,' Dan groaned.
'Wow, Nadine. Remind me not to get on your bad side,' Anthony says as he helps Dan to his feet.
'Stop it! Down, girl. You're going to scare him away. Don't worry, Anthony. I'll protect you from her wrath. Unlike SOMEONE!' Kaylie teased.
'Way to kick a guy while he's down. That was literally ages ago-' Dan started indignantly.
'Okay, light punishment for a rude douche done. What do you all have next? I got Biology,' Nadine interjects.
'World History.'
'Politics.'
'I've got Biology too.'
'Well, well. Today's your lucky day, Anthony. We're doing a practical today, so I can show you the ropes in our class, haha.' The bell rang, informing them that recess was over. 'Time to go have fun, for once. Follow me, my friend!'
Nadine threw her bag over her shoulder and beckoned to him. He nodded- she was already dragging him along like they'd known each other forever.
Heh, welcome to the madness of our group, Nadine thought triumphantly. You'd better be ready!