To Follow You

CHAPTER 2: NEW STUDENTS

A while later, Sir John – our Politics teacher – entered the classroom carrying his usual stack of books and a folder.

"Good morning, class!" he greeted us with his signature warm smile. "Before we begin today's lesson on political structures, I have some exciting news – we have two new students joining us here at Westfield High School in Metro Manila, Philippines."

The class immediately buzzed with chatter. Dave Martinez turned around and gave me a knowing look – I told you so! – before turning his attention back to the front.

Sir John stepped aside to let two people enter the room, and I felt my pen freeze mid-word as I looked up.

Standing in the doorway were two of the most striking people I'd ever seen – a boy and a girl who looked almost identical, with wavy chestnut hair that caught the morning light and bright green eyes that seemed to sparkle even in our somewhat dim classroom.

"Everyone, please welcome Erick Liam Smith and his twin sister Elara Rose Smith," Sir John introduced them. "They've just moved here from London, England to join us at Westfield High School."

My heart suddenly began to race so fast I thought it might jump out of my chest. Erick... The name echoed in my head – the same name from my dream. There was something about him that felt impossibly familiar, even though I knew we'd never met before. He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders and a confident stance. A small, gentle smile played on his lips as he looked around the room.

His sister Elara had the same green eyes but carried herself with more energy and enthusiasm. She waved excitedly at everyone, her hair bouncing as she moved. "Hi everyone! So happy to be here – I already love Westfield High School and being in Metro Manila!"

"Why don't you two take the empty seats?" Sir John suggested. "Erick, you can sit next to Daphne by the window. Elara, there's a spot open next to Chloe and Mia in the second row."

Erick's gaze immediately found mine across the room, and for a moment, everything around us seemed to slow down. Those green eyes held a depth that made me feel like he was looking right into my soul – like he knew every single thing about me. He nodded slightly before walking toward the seat beside me, while Elara skipped cheerfully to her spot and immediately started chatting with her new seatmates.

As Erick sat down, a faint, familiar scent filled the air around me – like rain on pine trees and fresh roasted coffee. I clutched my pen tighter, trying to focus, but my hands were shaking slightly.

"Hi," he whispered quietly, so only I could hear. "You must be Daphne."

I looked up at him, my mouth suddenly dry. "Y-yes... Daphne May Dawson. Everyone calls me May."

A small smile touched his lips. "May... I like that name. I'm Erick Liam Smith."

Across the room, Dave Martinez was practically bouncing in his seat – he'd heard about the new students and was clearly bursting with excitement.

"Hey May," he called over, "did you hear? They're from England and they're twins – how cool is that?"

"Hush, I'm trying to focus," I said, but I couldn't help glancing back at Erick as he settled into his seat.

Just then, my phone buzzed – a message from my mom: "Good luck with class today, sweetheart! I left your favorite snack in your bag – extra rice and adobo for lunch. Love you!" I tucked my phone away, feeling grateful that she was always looking out for me.

As Sir John started the lesson, I found myself stealing glances at Erick every few minutes. He was listening intently, taking notes with one hand while tapping his pen against the desk with the other – a habit I realized I did exactly the same way. When our eyes met again, he gave me a small, knowing smile that made my heart flip.

Meanwhile, Elara had already made herself at home in the class, raising her hand every few minutes to ask questions or share interesting facts about life in England. She seemed to bring a burst of energy to the whole room, while Erick had a calm, steady presence that made me feel both comforted and nervous at the same time.

Dave kept turning around to look at us, mouthing words like "They like you!" and "New friend alert!" I rolled my eyes at him each time, but I couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to what he was saying.

By the end of class, I'd managed to finish my notes – and surprisingly, I actually understood everything we'd discussed. As everyone was packing up their things to head to their next class, Erick turned to me.

"Hey May – are you joining any clubs or sports this semester?" he asked.

"I... I haven't decided yet. I usually just stick to the art club," I admitted.

"Really? I'm joining the basketball team and the robotics club. Maybe we'll see you around?"

Before I could answer, Dave appeared at my side, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "Hey May – did you hear about the school festival coming up? Westfield High is hosting it this year right here in Metro Manila!"

I nodded, feeling a warmth in my chest that I hadn't felt in a long time. As we walked out of the classroom together, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine.