UNTIL THE SEMESTER ENDS

I stared out of the car window, watching the streets pass by as my mom drove. People were already rushing around, students in uniforms walking in groups, and cars filling up the road. Everyone looked like they were heading somewhere important. I sighed. My mom glanced at me from the driver's seat. “You're awfully quiet this morning.” “I’m always quiet.” She smiled. “Not when you're with Bella and Rose.” I rolled my eyes. She wasn't wrong. Bella and Rose were probably the only two people who could get me to talk for hours without realizing how much I'd said. And that was exactly what I was going to miss. My mom had decided that this semester would be different. She said I needed to focus more on school, meet new people, and “come out of my shell.” As if being quiet was some kind of problem that needed fixing. I didn't hate people. I just preferred listening to them rather than talking all the time. I liked my small circle. I liked knowing exactly who I could trust. And now, I was starting at a new school. Great. “Mom,” I said, turning toward her. “Are you sure this is necessary?” She kept her eyes on the road. “We've already talked about this, Mia.” “I know.” “And you're going to be fine.” “You don't know that.” She laughed softly. “You're right. I don't. But I know you.” I looked back out the window. That was the thing about my mom. She always sounded so confident about everything. “You'll make friends,” she continued. “And you still have your old friends. You can call them.” “It's not the same.” She didn't answer immediately. Then she said, “Maybe not. But sometimes new things aren't as bad as we imagine.” I wasn't convinced. My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag. I had spent most of my life at my old school. I knew the classrooms, the teachers, the shortcuts between buildings, and, most importantly, I knew where to find Bella and Rose whenever I needed them. Bella was loud enough for all three of us. She could walk into a room and somehow become the center of attention without even trying. Rose was different. She was calmer, but she had a way of saying exactly what she was thinking. And then there was me. Quiet. Somehow, the three of us worked. My phone buzzed. I immediately checked it. Bella: First day!!! Don't forget us when you become famous at your new school. I smiled. Another message appeared. Rose: She's definitely going to forget us. I quickly typed back. Me: Never. Bella replied almost instantly. Bella: Good. Because I already miss you. I stared at the message for a moment. I missed them too. More than I wanted to admit. “Mia?” I looked up. “We're here.” My stomach dropped. I looked through the windshield. The school stood in front of us, bigger than I expected. Students were everywhere, moving through the entrance in groups. Some were laughing. Some were rushing. Some looked completely lost. I felt like I belonged in the last group. My mom parked near the entrance and turned toward me. “Ready?” “No.” She laughed. “At least you're honest.” I reached for the door handle, then stopped. My mom looked at me. “Hey,” she said gently. “You don't have to become a different person just because you're starting somewhere new.” I looked at her. “You can be Mia.” I smiled slightly. “Thanks, Mom.” I opened the door and stepped out. The moment my feet touched the ground, the noise hit me. Students talking. Lockers closing. Shoes against the pavement. Someone laughing loudly nearby. I adjusted my bag and took a deep breath. Okay. New school. New semester. New beginning. I could do this. Probably. My phone buzzed again. Bella: Call us after school!!! Then Rose sent: Rose: And don't let anyone annoy you. I smiled. “Good advice,” I whispered. I waved goodbye to my mom before walking toward the entrance. I had no idea where my classroom was. I had no idea who my teachers were. I didn't know anyone. And I definitely didn't know that before this semester ended, one person in particular was going to make my quiet little life a lot more complicated. His name was Noah Blake. But I didn't know that yet.