My First Love

Ever thought about a world where everyone is accepted as who they are? Ever wondered how utopian it would be?

Not everyone's lives end with a happy ending, and neither will mine... or will it?

Moving out of my home country was difficult and uneasy. But it was equally exciting. Arriving in the New York City, the city that never sleeps, was a dream come true. Little did I know that there was more in store for me.

"Are you ready for your school?" My mom, Shreya asked.

"Yes mama, just having a last minute check through my bag. "

"Come along son, time to go," said my father, Deepak joyously. "Oh how smart you look today. Make sure to make quality friends and listen carefully to what is taught. Make us proud of yourself." My dad patted my back vigorously. Oh how I hate it when he does that! It hurts badly over my skinny exterior.

I scurried out with dad to the car using which he drove me off to the school.

"Thanks," I said stepping out of the car.

"Anytime son. Make sure to have a great day."

"I will papa."

Stepping into the High School was equally exciting and terrifying. My heart beating miles an hour, I walked through the mob of students, many staring curiously at the new foreigner. It was probably the worst moment in my life, or so i thought it would be.

Suddenly, my foot hit on a rock, taking me off balance and before I knew it, I lay on the ground, face down. How I wished I was dead!

Two strong veiny arms caught me by my shoulders and pulled me up gracefully. My back hit the chest of my saviour, his heart thumping hard against the back of my body.

Turning around I saw a handsome, blonde, green eyed athletic guy, probably of my age but an inch or two taller than me. He wore a red tank top with the words 'SUNSHINE' printed on it, a pair of blue jeans covered him waist down, making him appear hotter than a... stove? Whatever!

"Hey, you okay?" he asked in his deep resonating voice.

"Y-yeah, yeah, I'm good. Thank you..."

"Ace," he replied to my inconvenience.

"Thank you Ace."

"What's your first period? " Ace asked.

"Mathematics."

"I see," he wondered. "Come along, lemme guide you to your classroom."

Although the previous day one of the Student's Council Member had guided me through the school familiarising me with the classrooms, I did not mind Ace leading me himself.

Walking together, Ace's left arm kept brushing past my right, making me twinge with every touch. Was it intentional or was it accidental? I did not want to fantasize.

"Thanks," I thanked him as we stood outside the filling classroom.

"Hope to see you around err..."

"Nayan."

"Nayan." Giving a slight nod, Ace walked into the mob of students, vanishing from my sight.

The first four periods flew by as I made my way to the Cafeteria with a couple of friends from Biology, although I had made a few more from the other classes.

We took our seats in the Cafeteria as Sandra exclaimed looking into her phone, "Oh gosh, this can't be happening!"

"What is it?" I asked.

With an apologetic expression, Sandra turned the screen towards me as I watched the morning's incident unraveling in front of my eyes. I was bewildered at how quickly things escalated at High School, even on one's first day.

"The comments are worse," Sandra mentioned.

"Show me," I demanded as Sandra let me read through the comments.

'He's an easy Bait.'

'New boy on the ground, I wonder what more drama he holds.'

'How romantic! Ace helping the new boy, hot and sweet!!'

'I can predict the beginning of a BL.'

Henry took the device from my hand saying, "Don't ruin your first day with this shit.'

"This is insane!" I spoke, astonished. "What's so juicy about me tripping down and being helped up by Ace to them?"

"Nayan, that's the way things work here," Sandra shrugged. "But don't you worry, no one's gonna bully you openly, this is probably the worst anyone can do. "

"VOTE FOR SASHA, VOTE FOR SASHA." A number of students came marching into the Cafeteria with posters bearing the name of Sasha with quotes, words of admiration and promises. A sassy girl, dressed in all red, marched confidently leading the group.

"Hello to Future High School, this is me, your to be President Sasha," Sasha addressed the students in the Cafeteria. "The election is a week away, and I believe that none of you are gonna disappoint me. And what do you get in return? I'll ensure relaxation from homeworks, feasible dress code, better meals during lunch and much more! So who will vote for me?"

Many responded in 'ME' but the majority abstained. Unconcerned, Sasha marched out with her allies, into the school ground.

"What's up with such a minor support?" I asked.

"Last year she was elected as the President. All she did was use the school's resources for her own and her followers' benefit," Henry replied. "All have realized that she is unfit for the position."

"So who is running against her?"

"Hey Nayan," Ace said, approaching. My heart skipped a beat as I saw his athletic figure approach towards me.

"H-hey," I stuttered, "how're you doing?"

"I'm doing well. Tell about yourself, how're you dealing with this new atmosphere?"

"It's cool, as you can notice I've made a few friends as well."

"Henry and Sandra, it's nice meeting the two of you," Ace acknowledged the two.

"It is for us too Ace," Sandra said beamingly. "Hope you did not miss out on Sasha's commedy."

"Of course I didn't. It's clear anyway that she's on the losing side. How did your classes go Nayan?"

"Must say, I enjoyed them to the core. Especially Biology which has been my all time favourite. Never wondered that the second last year of the High School would feel so exciting."

"Ooo, a charming nerd, huh?" Sandra teased me. "I've rarely seen a guy who is equally charming and sweet but a nerd. Wanna date me?"

"Nah, not interested," I replied sarcastically while the three burst out in laughter. Once the meal was devoured, we parted ways for our next period, Ace accompanying me for Chemistry.

"So, why did you not choose Biology?"

"For starters, I'm not interested in that subject," Ace replied honestly. "Theoretical work has never suited me. Applications and practical work is more of my type."

"That makes us opposites," I giggled as Ace smiled back. I swooned on that seductive smile of his. Oh why was I developing feelings for him?

The rest of the day zoomed past, with me making more new friends and meeting the 'old' ones. I could hang out with Ace only during Chemistry and English as those subjects aligned in our time table.

As the day ended, I exited the High School with a bunch of friends, laughing and chatting with glee. Making new friends has always been my best ability, it never gets too old to be a fervent extrovert.

As I walked out, I noticed dad waiting for me in the car looking pleased at the bunch of friends I'd made. Of course I had not made friends to make him feel proud!

Waving them goodbye, I approached the car as as he spoke through the window, "Had a nice day my boy?"

"Yes papa, it was amazing! I've made a whole lot of friends and-"

"NAYAN!" Someone yelled my name from a distance as our heads turned to see a sweaty Ace running towards me with a couple of equally sweaty mates, coming from the playground.

"Hey Nayan," Ace said as he breathed heavily. He exchanged a hand shake with my dad, impressing him with his manners.

"Sorry to interrupt you but I'd wanted to invite you at my sister's birthday," he said, now breathing steadily.

"That's great," dad said. "You should go Nayan."

"It's tomorrow, at seven in the evening. Hope you can come there. I'll let you know the address tomorrow at school."

"I will try Ace, thank you for the invitation." I replied cheerfully.