Chapter 1
Ch A Fresh Start
Emma woke up to the usual buzz of her phone, the group chat already alive with messages.
Sophie: “OMG! Third year! Can’t believe it. Let’s make this the best one yet!”
Olivia: “You know it! My outfit is fire.”
Zoe: “Just make sure it’s still school-appropriate, Olivia.”
Jake: “Ready for football season! Let’s do this.”
Lily: “Same, but can we survive the first day without passing out?”
Nathan: “Jokes on jokes. I’m ready for this year.”
Emma smiled as she read through the messages, feeling a rush of excitement for the new school year. Ava, of course, wasn’t in the chat. She never was. Ava didn’t have a phone, and even if she did, she wouldn’t be included. It was something Emma had learned to accept, but that didn’t stop the guilt from lingering when she thought about it.
She quickly typed: “Can’t wait to see everyone today! It’s going to be a great year!”
Another buzz. Olivia: “Of course. The dream team is back in action. Let’s make this year unforgettable.”
Emma smiled, feeling the familiar excitement as she tossed her phone on the bed and grabbed her bag.
Her dad was already waiting by the door with his car keys.
“Ready for year three?” he asked, his voice warm and comforting.
“Yeah, ready,” Emma said, trying to sound confident despite the nerves gnawing at her.
The drive to school was quiet, the hum of the car engine and soft radio music filling the space between them. As they approached Jefferson High, Emma felt the familiar flutter of excitement mixed with the weight of expectations.
Jefferson High was as grand as ever—ivy-covered buildings, manicured lawns, and students everywhere, each walking with an air of confidence that made the school feel both imposing and familiar.
Her dad pulled into the parking lot. “See you later, kiddo. Have a great first day.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Emma kissed him on the cheek before stepping out.
She walked toward the entrance, scanning the crowd. Sophie was already standing with Olivia, talking animatedly, while Jake and Nathan joked around nearby. Emma waved to them, smiling as she walked over.
As she passed the gate, her eyes briefly caught sight of someone standing alone in the distance—Ava. Her worn backpack hung loosely over her shoulder as she stood at the edge of the crowd, blending into the background, just like she always did. Emma quickly turned her gaze away, not wanting to dwell on it.
“Hey, you made it!” Sophie called out, waving her arms.
“Of course! Senior year, here we go,” Emma grinned, pushing the thought of Ava aside as she joined her friends.
The doors to Jefferson High opened, and Emma stepped inside, ready for whatever the year would bring.
