GREETINGS AND BEATINGS
Cole Maddox had never been the loudest in the room, but he always managed to stand out without trying. That morning, as he finished the last of his pancakes, his mom gently nudged his hand.
"You nervous?" she asked, a soft smile touching her lips.
He swallowed and looked at her, his brown eyes thoughtful behind smudged lenses. "Kind of. It's just high school though, right?"
She gave him a look. "High school can be a jungle, Cole. But you'll be okay."
"Just take it easy at work, alright?" he said, turning serious. "We finally settled. Don't overdo it."
She paused before smiling warmly. "This move is permanent. A stable job, better hours. We've come full circle. Some people spend their whole lives running, but somehow, we found our way back home."
Cole sighed. He knew she only decided to come back because of him, and because of what he did back at their old place. He shuddered.
'I need to find my new self, and make her proud'
Slowly, he leaned towards her and enveloped her into a quiet hug.
"Whoa, Cole!" She glanced at him for a second with a small smile, breathing in the scent of pancakes and something more fragile-hope.
______________________________________
At first glance, Cole Maddox didn't look like the kind of guy who'd make people turn their heads. But today, he did. There was something magnetic about him-lean but well-built, with a kind of quiet confidence that made students whisper.
"That the new kid?"
"He looks like he walked out of a teen drama."
"Glasses and cheekbones? Dangerous combo."
Cole adjusted the strap of his backpack as Zeke Grant, towering and broad-shouldered, met him at the entrance. Zeke had that kind of presence-confident, athletic, every inch the school's star.
"Dude," Zeke greeted with a grin, slapping his back. "You look taller than kindergarten Cole."
Cole laughed. "Puberty did its job."
They made their way down the hall, catching up in low murmurs, passing groups of students who stopped and stared.
"So... How are you doing?" Cole shrugged.
The awkwardness was real. Ever since Cole had left without a word, they had lost contact with each other. Of course, they had tried to keep their friendship alive but there are some things that distance is allowed to kill.
Behind them, they heard giggles. Cole did not even have to turn. He nudged Zeke playfully, asking,
"And when did YOU become so popular?" Zeke laughed, real and genuine.
"Well, the ladies are always interested in athleticism..." He was interrupted by girls waving Cole as they walked by. "And I guess they're also into hot nerds,"
"Hey!"
"The ladies don't lie,"
As they turned the corner, a ripple passed through the hallway. Like a spell. Cole noticed the sudden change in atmosphere, and so did Zeke.
Everyone parted.
Two girls walked side by side. One laughed-a high, melodic sound. Blonde, glowing, dressed like she walked off a runway. Savannah Reid.
The other didn't laugh. Didn't smile. Just walked, chin up, eyes forward. Raelle Carter. Chestnut-skinned, tall enough, statuesque. Beautiful in a way that hurt to look at. Luxurious curls. She carried herself like she didn't need anyone. Because she didn't.
Zeke leaned in. "That's Savannah. And then our Raelle. She's... complicated."
Cole glanced over. She didn't even spare him a glance. But the second her eyes met Zeke's, her lips quirked. Just a little. A soft, rare smile.
"She only smiles with him," Someone whispered nearby.
"Why?" Cole asked. Zeke turned to face him. "Huh-" "She smiled at you, why?" Zeke scratched his head slightly and smiled. But it didn't reach his eyes.
"Hey, if you don't want to talk about it-"
"We're childhood friends. But, to clarify, Raelle wasn't always like this. Middle school... was hell for her. Smartest girl in the room. Accused of stealing the wrong boy. The popular girl's boyfriend. It got ugly."
"How ugly?"
"Physical. And when I tried to report it, their parents buried it. Rich kids. She handled it herself. No one knows how, but by the end of that year, she ran this place. Now they call her 'the angel with the devil's heart.'"
Cole could see the pain in Zeke's eyes as he asked if he was ready.
They walked into the principal's office for Cole's schedule. Locker assignment. Routine stuff. As they left the office, Cole and Zeke parted ways. A few minutes later, as Cole approached his locker, he texted Zeke.
Cole: I'm glad we reconnected online before this.
Zeke: Thank God, man. Would've been hell doing this without you.
As he finished packing his locker, a voice rang out.
"Yo! New boy!"
Cole turned.
A group of seniors, three of them, stood down the hall, smirking. He stepped back, bumping into a figure.
"Always the newbies in my personal space." Cole span around, eyes connecting with brown familiar ones. He was about to apologize but was quickly mesmerized into silence.
She narrowed her eyes at him. He was staring. With a yawn, she span around and shut her locker. Which was right beside his.
Then she nodded towards the approaching seniors.
"Good luck with them." She started to walk away. Just then, he was pulled back. As they grabbed him, Cole broke out of his shocked stupor, fear suddenly gripping him.
'Is she just gonna leave me with them?'
"Help me! HEY!!" Cole screamed his lungs out. She turned again, and yet it was not in his direction... Just down the hall.
