NEVER GONE SEASON 1

CHAPTER 9

BRITTANY'S POV

It’s been a month since I arrived in Dashville High School, and I’ve got to admit, things are going much better than I expected. The people here are friendly, and even Dawn has become more approachable, though she still has her moments. Dwayne has been a constant source of support, which I really appreciate.

Today felt like any other day until Dwayne came over to sit next to me on my desk She always had this way of making things seem more interesting.

"Hey, Britt," she said, plopping down beside me.

"Hey, Dwayne," I replied with a smile. "What’s up?"

She stretched her arms above her head and grinned. "Nothing much, just thought I’d come hang out with you. You looked pretty zoned out over here."

"Oh, you caught me," I said with a laugh, closing the book I’d been pretending to read. "I was just thinking about how quiet today feels. Like, weirdly quiet."

Dwayne nodded. "Yeah, it does feel a little off. Usually, there’s some kind of drama going on around here. But hey, I’m not complaining. I like days like this."

I leaned back against the tree trunk and glanced at her. "So, how’s everything with you and James?"

Her face lit up, and she gave a small, shy smile. "We’re good. He’s been really sweet lately" Dwayne said

"Well, at least he’s making the effort. That’s a good sign." I replied.

Dwayne nodded. "Yeah, he’s a good guy. I know people around here like to talk about him, but honestly, I don’t care what they think. He’s always been good to me."

"That’s all that matters," I said with a reassuring smile.

"What about you?" Dwayne asked, breaking the silence. "How are you settling in? Are you finally starting to like Dashville High School?"

"I think I am," I admitted. "It’s not so bad. At least there's no issue for now. And having friends like you helps a lot."

Dwayne grinned. "Of course it does. I mean, where would you be without me?"

"Lost, obviously," I said with a dramatic sigh, and we both burst out laughing.

She nudged my shoulder. "Seriously though, I’m glad you’re here. It’s been fun having you around. You’re like the little sister I never had."

"Little sister?" I repeated, pretending to be offended. "You’re only, what, three months older than me?"

"Exactly. Which makes me older and wiser," she teased.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," I said with a smirk.

As the afternoon wore on, we continued talking and joking, the quietness of the day no longer feeling strange. For the first time in a while, I felt like I truly belonged.