Chapter 1 Her beneath the silence . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ .
‘What time is it?’ Samantha thought sleepily. Soft sunlight poured through her room. The sunlight landed on her messy wavy black hair, making the tangles more obvious. ‘Its already six-thirty am.?’ Samantha thought; the time jolting her awake better than caffeine ever could. She hurriedly got up from her bed, rushing to her closet to grab a hoodie and a pair of baggy jeans. ‘I told you to wear that kurti Sam!’ Her mother remarked. ‘Its rare to see you in anything other than hoodies Sam.’ Her dad added. ‘Its comfy,it’s practical; then what’s the problem?’ Samantha questioned. ‘The problem is that you are basically living inside it.’ Her dad said sarcastically. ‘Hey, even though it’s stereotypical, you are supposed to be on my side!’ Samantha said. ‘Sorry, but your mother is right, young lady.’ Her dad said while casually sipping tea. ‘Ew, anything but that.’ Samantha said. Her mother laughed softly while cooking. Someone knocked on the door. Samantha opened it. ‘Oh, come in, Miss Hye.’ Samantha said casually. ‘Thanks for opening the door bestie!’ Minji said enthusiastically. ‘Or should i say… young lady.’ She said. Samantha’s dad started laughing. ‘That was nice Minji.’ He said breathlessly. ‘I know!’ Minji said with a chuckle. Samantha just looked up, as if she was communicating with God. ‘Okay, partners in crime, calm down. Minji, lets go before Mrs. Fernsby kills us for getting late.’ Samantha said. ‘As you say madame.’ Minji said. They both bid farewell to Samantha’s parents and headed towards the Octavia College of fine arts.
They reached the college. Minji wouldn’t stop scolding Samantha because they arrived “too early”. Samantha managed to get Minji’s good side back. As soon as they entered, Samantha felt eyes on her, but they weren’t meant for her, they were all for Minji. At this point, Samantha was used to it, she felt rather okay with being invisible. Samantha slipped into her seat when they reached class, her usual back seat near the window. Soft spring sunlight captured the table. She looked out, looking at the blooming flowers outside. She glanced towards Minji. People gathered around her naturally. She observed the sunlight catching Minji’s chestnut brown hair. Her smile was filled with warmth. She laughed with the girls, slipping into the conversation with ease. ‘Is it hard just for me?’ Samantha thought. Her gaze naturally shifted towards the sky. ‘Hey, Sam! Great news. First to fourth periods are cancelled.’ Minji told excitedly. ‘Why?’ Samantha asked. ‘Today’s the basketball match. You should start eating more almonds.’ Minji replied. ‘And, why is that so?’ She asked. ‘Almonds improve memory. You certainly need those.’ Minji said sarcastically. Samantha reacted with an annoyed expression. ‘Oh, lets go.’ Minji said as she checked the time. ‘Uh, i have an assi-‘ ‘blah, blah, blah. Sam, you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone. You’ll get the hang of it.’ Minji said optimistically. Minji held her hand and made her follow.
On their way, Samantha was trying to come up with ideas on how to avoid the match. Minji had held her hand rather tightly. ‘Sa-‘ before Minji could speak, she caught Samantha’s glimpse wandering near the stairway to the fourth floor. ‘This girl is definitely going to try to escape.’ Minji thought. ‘What’s it, Minji?’ Samantha asked. ‘Nothing, wait are you kidding me?’ Minji said. Her grip loosened around Samantha’s hand. A crowd of girls had formed. They had blocked the whole hallway. Samantha stood on her toes to see what the commotion was all about. Then, she saw him. It was Edward Hughes. Captain of the basketball team. Straight-A student. And Octavia’s quiet heartthrob. Atleast, that was the picture in eveyone’s eyes. But, Samantha had seen something different.
