Chapter 1
In the movies, when a new kid joins your grade it’s shown as this huge deal, where everyone is curious about you and that the teachers make you introduce yourself to each class you have. They make it seem like this big thing where everyone cares enough to spread rumours about you. However in reality, it isn’t. No one cares enough, they’re all too engrossed into their own lives, I doubt anyone really noticed I transferred here either.
It doesn’t bother me that me being the new kid wasn’t made into a big deal, to be frank I was grateful no one gave a shit. I blend in like everyone else, just another teenager lost in the crowd.
Or well no one cared beside the annoying guidance counsellor, Ms. Nadia Reeves.
“So Amara, I know you’ve only been here at Henrly High for three days but I noticed you haven’t really made any progress in socializing with your peers. I gave you a pamphlet for clubs and teams our school has, are you thinking of joining any?” Ms. Reeves asked.
I looked over at the clock, school ended 10 minutes ago I can’t believe I’m still here talking to this old hag.
“Um haven’t really thought about it” I replied, looking back at her. “Well...I strongly recommend you join at least one club or team. I know being a new kid can be stressful and teenagers can be harsh…”.
I zoned out as Ms. Reeves blabbered on about how life is tough and how I should step out of my box. I looked back at the clock.
If I don’t leave soon, I’m going to miss him.
I look back at Ms. Reeves who was looking off into the distance, blabbering still.
“Okay well, I’ll join one club or whatever. Can I go now?” I interrupted. Ms. Reeves looked at me surprised before smiling.
“Of course! I’m so happy that you’re joining something. Have you decided what you’re going to join?” she asked.
I got up and grabbed my bag. “Yep” I replied.
“Which one?”.
“Um”, I looked at her bulletin board in her office reading the first poster on it, “the cheer squad”, I replied.
“That’s absolutely wonderful! The girls on the squad are such sweethearts. The tryouts are this Friday, good luck!” Ms. Reeves said.
I forced a smile before quickly walking out her office.
I ran down the hall and out the school before it hit me.
I can’t believe I just said I’ll join cheer.
I ran faster towards the bicycle stand and grabbed my bike.
I need to hurry.
**
I got off my bike and locked it in the bike stand, before rushing towards the public library building.
I walked in, and my eyes went right away to the kids’ corner and sure enough there he was.
He sat on a chair in front of a group of young kids, who were sitting around him on the floor looking at him in awe. He read from the storybook with a soft smile on his face.
I didn’t know his name, nor have I ever had any interaction with but nonetheless, I for some reason always looked forward to seeing him.
I walked over to a table near where he sat with the kids, the table was close enough so I could hear him and spy on him but not close enough where he would notice me right away.
I casually took out my books from my bag and acted like I was doing work but really I was just watching him.
He worked as a part time here at this library, from the looks of it, he was most likely a year older, a college student probably.
He looked up from the book smiling and for a second, I thought he looked at me. I looked away quickly, and went back to acting like I was doing work.
I feel like a creep, maybe I should stop coming.
I first saw him the week I moved here, when I came in to borrow some books. He was sitting exactly where he is right now, reading to a group of kids. And me being a simp for pretty guys with curly black hair and soft smiles was immediately hooked. Even his voice was pretty.
I listened to him read and talk to the kids, and slowly my eyes started to droop and I fell asleep on top of my work.
**
“Um, Miss?”.
I stirred slightly, letting out a groan.
“Miss? Um, wake up”.
“Shut up” I grumbled.
Wait, why’s someone waking me up? I live alone.
The person chuckled and I felt them poke my forehead.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw myself staring into warm green eyes. I jumped up and looked around.
“Where am I?” I mumbled. I was still at the library, it seemed to be closing time or something, because there wasn’t anyone here besides the person who woke me up.
I looked back at the person who woke me up and my eyes widened. It was the cute guy who reads to kids. Library cutie.
“You must’ve fallen asleep doing your work,” he said, smiling at me.
“Sorry” I mumbled, looking away from him.
“No worries, sorry that I had to wake you. It’s time we close up, you’re the only one still here” he said smiling.
I looked back at him and smiled slightly before packing up my stuff. “Sorry” I said, embarrassed.
Why’s he still standing here?
“So do you always make a habit out of stalking people at libraries or am I just an exception?”.
My face burned up and I looked over at him embarrassed. “I was just nervous approaching you, I didn’t mean to be a creep” I said.
He laughed and smiled at me. “I found it endearing in a way I guess. You’re new to town right?” he asked.
I nodded, getting up from my seat and slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Yep, I’m Amara” I said, offering a shy smile.
“Zora” he replied.
“I should get going then, nice meeting you” I said, gesturing over to the door with my head.
“Uh wait”, Zora took his phone out his pocket and unlocked it, handing it over to me, “give me your number, we should hang out sometime”.
My eyes widened a bit as I took the phone. “A-alright cool” I said, typing in my number before giving it back to him.
“Awesome, I’ll see you around then” Zora smiled, patting my head.
I smiled back at him.
He’s so cute.
“See you” I said, before walking towards the door.
“Bye Amara” he said.
I left the library smiling.
I should’ve fallen asleep at the library earlier.
