THE SUMMER WE MET

Chapter One — The First Day Amara stood outside the gates of the summer academy with one hand wrapped around the strap of her backpack. The campus was already alive. Students crossed the courtyard carrying laptops, notebooks and water bottles. Some were laughing with friends they had apparently known for years. Others stood in nervous little groups, looking at their schedules and trying to figure out where they were supposed to go. Amara checked her own schedule for the third time. Innovation Hall — 9:00 a.m. She looked at her phone. 8:47. "Perfect." She took a deep breath. This summer wasn't supposed to be about making friends. It wasn't supposed to be about parties, gossip or wasting time. She had one goal: learn as much as possible. By the end of the programme, she wanted to have something impressive enough to put in her portfolio. She walked through the gates. A few minutes later, she entered Innovation Hall. The room was larger than she expected. Computers lined the walls, large screens displayed colourful graphics, and several tables had already been occupied. Amara scanned the room. One empty chair. She walked toward it. "Excuse me." No response. She placed her backpack down. Then a voice came from behind her. "That's my seat." Amara turned. A boy stood there holding a laptop. He looked about her age. His backpack hung loosely from one shoulder, and there was an expression on his face that Amara immediately disliked. "What?" "My seat." She looked at the chair. "There isn't a name on it." "There doesn't have to be." Amara raised an eyebrow. "Then how was I supposed to know?" He shrugged. "Most people ask before taking someone's seat." "Most people don't leave their seats empty." He stared at her. She stared back. For several seconds, neither moved. Then the instructor walked into the room. "Good morning, everyone!" The boy sighed. "Fine." He pulled another chair toward the table. Amara sat down. She opened her notebook. On the first page, she wrote: Summer Academy — Day One. Then underneath it: Do not get distracted. She glanced sideways. The boy was already looking at her. "What?" she asked. "Nothing." "Then stop staring." He smiled. "I'm Daniel." "I didn't ask." His smile grew. "Interesting." Amara returned her attention to her notebook. She already knew one thing about this summer. Daniel was going to be annoying.