Chapter 1 The New student
"Auntie Amy, I'm heading to school now, goodbye!"
"Don't forget your lunchbox!"
"I've got it!" I raised the lunchbox to signal to Aunt Amy, who was cleaning in the kitchen, then I put on my headphones and rode my bike to school. My name is Patricia, I'm 16 years old, and I'm a student at George High School. As far back as I can remember, I've always lived with my aunt. I've never seen my parents, only know their names, and there aren't even any photos of them in my house. I've asked my aunt for information about my parents before, but she always avoided my questions, so I gradually gave up. I enjoy listening to the morning news while cycling, feeling the warmth of the sun and the breeze. It's the most comfortable time of my day.
As I reached the classroom, it was already 7:30, and I had a physics exam at 8 o'clock. I took out my notes to review them once more when I heard a commotion at the classroom door.
"Did you see him?"
"I did, in Mrs. Laura's office."
"He's so handsome. I bet Sherry will dump her soccer team captain boyfriend when she sees him."
"He's going to make those guys jealous."
The girls' conversation caught my attention as they chatted and messaged on their phones. Perhaps a new student or teacher had arrived at school, I thought, but it had nothing to do with me.
Soon, it was 8 o'clock, and I put my review materials back into my backpack and waited for Mrs. Laura to enter the classroom. Despite the start of the class, the girls continued to talk quietly.
"Attention, class," Mrs. Laura entered the room, wearing a pearl necklace as if attending an important event. "Today's physics exam has been postponed to next week. You have more time to prepare." As soon as she finished her sentence, the whole class erupted into cheers. "Quiet, everyone, quiet!" Mrs. Laura cleared her throat. "Today, I want to introduce a new student to you. He's transferred from another high school. Let's welcome him!" With that, Mrs. Laura waved to the person standing at the door.
He walked in, and as he appeared before everyone, the whole classroom fell silent. He was wearing light blue jeans and a linen-colored jacket. His brown hair was thick and slightly curly, with a beautiful nose like a sculpture in an Italian cathedral. His eyes, especially, left a lasting impression. They were like emeralds, deep and captivating, resembling a spring of water, fascinating to behold.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Alex and I am 17 years old. I'm glad to be your classmate," he said, flashing a faint smile.
"Alex, you can find an empty seat to sit," Mrs. Laura said.
Alex scanned the classroom and then made eye contact with me. "Alright, thank you, Mrs. Lura," he said, walking towards my direction and taking the empty seat beside me. I kept my gaze on Mrs. Laura in front of me. Although I didn't want to admit it, I felt Alex looking at me. It was rather unsettling, I thought.
The physics class ended quickly, but it was obvious that everyone was distracted. No one paid attention to what Mrs. Laura was saying because all eyes were focused on Alex. After class, Jennifer and Michelle approached Alex. They were both beautiful and witty, among the most popular girls in school.
"Hi, I'm Jennifer, nice to meet you," Jennifer reached out her hand to Alex, who glanced at her and shook her hand. "Hello, I'm Michelle," Michelle also greeted Alex. "Did you bring your lunch? Maybe we can have lunch together today, and I can show you around the school," Jennifer said. "I'll also tell you some secrets about the teachers; you'll be surprised," she whispered. "Sure, I'd love to, thank you," Alex replied. Jennifer and Michelle happily left.
I turned my head to glance at Alex, but he was already looking at me. Unfortunately, we made eye contact once again. I immediately turned away, avoiding Alex's gaze. I heard his muffled laughter. He's a strange person, I thought.
In the school dining hall, I met Alex again, along with Jennifer and Michelle. They sat in front of me, eating their lunch while laughing. I opened my lunchbox, inside was a smoked chicken sandwich, washed blueberries, and some cookies, which are my favorite. I was chewing my sandwich when I looked up, I made eye contact with Alex again. His green eyes fixed on me, I had to admit they were charming. Jennifer noticed me, she turned back and gave a glance at me. She gave me a cold laugh. Well, it seems like I've been treated like an enemy.
The arrival of the new classmate didn't bring any changes to my daily life, at least not today. At three o'clock in the afternoon, I left school on my bike, still wearing my headphones and listening to the radio program. "Hey, Patricia!" I heard someone whistle behind me. It was Jason, my neighbor. We've known each other since we were kids, but I don't like him; he always bullies me. "Hey, Patricia, why are you ignoring me? Oh, come on, do you still hate me? I've changed now, look, I'm not the same boy I used to be." I ignored Jason; talking to him would only get me into trouble. "Hey, you're very rude." Jason ran in front of me and blocked my way. "Are you free tonight? My parents aren't home. We can drink the red wine my father collects, you'll like it." Jason said. I wanted to continue riding my bike, but Jason grabbed the handlebars, "Let go, Jason, you're harassing me!" I said angrily. "I don't think I'm harassing you, I just want to invite you." "Jason, please leave." When the atmosphere between me and Jason became increasingly tense, a voice appeared. "Hey, bro, this isn't the way to invite a girl, I think you should leave." Alex appeared behind me. Jason glanced at him, shrugged, and left. "Thank you," I said, speaking to Alex for the first time. "No worries, let me take you home," Alex suggested. I hesitated for a moment, seeing Jason still looking back at me not far away, "Okay," I said. While we were walking home, Alex suddenly said, "Today is the new moon day, right?" "Maybe? Why do you ask?" I inquired. "Nothing, never mind." He replied.