THE TRANSFER STUDENT

CHAPTER 3

By Wednesday morning, Lily Anderson was no longer just "the new girl."

She had become the topic of nearly every conversation in the hallways of Maple Ridge High.

Some students admired how quickly she adapted to classes. Others were curious about why she had transferred in the middle of the school year. A few simply wanted to know more about the quiet girl who always seemed to wear a gentle smile but never revealed much about herself.

Lily, however, paid little attention to the whispers.

She walked through the hallway with her books held neatly against her chest, greeting teachers politely and offering small smiles whenever someone greeted her first.

Ethan noticed the way people looked at her.

"They're staring again," he said as they headed toward science class.

Lily shrugged.

"I'm getting used to it."

"Doesn't it bother you?"

"A little. But people are naturally curious."

Before Ethan could reply, Noah caught up with them.

"Good morning, you two!"

"Morning," Ethan answered.

Noah looked at Lily with a grin.

"So... have you survived your first few days?"

"I think so."

"No one's scared you away yet?"

She laughed softly.

"Not yet."

The three walked into class together.

Several students glanced their way.

One whispered loudly enough to be heard.

"They're already hanging out."

Another added, "Maybe Ethan likes the transfer student."

Ethan pretended not to hear, but his ears turned slightly red.

Lily calmly took her seat without reacting.

Mrs. Carter entered moments later.

"Today we'll begin working in groups for our science project."

After assigning groups, she smiled.

"It seems Ethan, Noah, and Lily will be working together."

Noah raised both hands dramatically.

"This is going to be fun."

Their project focused on renewable energy.

While Noah enthusiastically searched for colorful diagrams online, Ethan organized research notes.

Lily quietly suggested ideas that impressed both of them.

"You've really thought this through," Ethan admitted.

"I like planning before starting."

"That explains why everything you do looks organized."

She smiled.

"My old teachers always said preparation saves time."

After school, the three stopped by a nearby café for milkshakes while discussing the project.

For the first time since transferring, Lily found herself laughing freely at Noah's endless jokes.

Watching her smile, Ethan realized something.

She looked happier than she had on her first day.

And somehow, seeing that made him smile too.