CHAPTER 2 - A SIT BESIDE YOU
596 Words
The classroom slowly became quiet as everyone settled into their seats.
Sofia carefully placed her worn backpack beside her chair. She could feel dozens of eyes staring at her.
"Why is she sitting beside Ethan?"
"She's just a scholar."
"She doesn't belong here."
She pretended not to hear them.
Instead, she opened her notebook and focused on the lesson.
Their adviser, Mrs. Dela Cruz, introduced herself before asking each student to stand and introduce themselves.
One by one, they shared their names, hobbies, and dreams.
When it was Ethan's turn, he stood confidently.
"I'm Ethan Alaric Monteverde. I like reading, basketball, and photography. My dream is to become an architect and build homes that people can truly call home."
The class applauded.
When Sofia's turn came, she slowly stood.
"My name is Sofia Isabelle Reyes. I enjoy reading books and writing stories. My dream is to become a doctor... so I can help people and give my parents a better life."
The room fell silent.
Some students smiled.
Others simply nodded.
Mrs. Dela Cruz smiled proudly.
"Dreams don't depend on how much money you have. They depend on how hard you're willing to work."
Sofia sat down, feeling a little more confident.
---
During recess, most students gathered with their new friends.
Sofia quietly remained in her seat, eating the simple sandwich her mother had prepared.
Meanwhile, Ethan noticed she was alone.
Without saying anything, he walked toward her desk.
"Mind if I sit here?"
Sofia looked surprised.
"Of course."
He sat across from her.
"My grandmother always says eating alone isn't good."
Sofia laughed softly.
"My mom says the same thing."
For the first time that day, she felt comfortable.
They talked about books, music, favorite subjects, and childhood memories.
To Ethan's surprise, talking to Sofia felt easy.
She wasn't pretending to impress anyone.
She was simply herself.
---
Across the cafeteria...
A girl watched them from a distance.
Her name was Ashley Villanueva.
Beautiful.
Confident.
Popular.
She had admired Ethan since junior high.
Seeing another girl laugh with him made her fists tighten.
"Who's that?"
One of her friends shrugged.
"Just the new scholar."
Ashley narrowed her eyes.
"No."
She stood.
"She's the girl sitting beside Ethan."
---
That afternoon, the teacher announced their first group activity.
"You may choose your own partners."
Before Sofia could even look around...
Ethan spoke.
"Would you like to be partners?"
She blinked.
"Me?"
He nodded.
"If that's okay with you."
Sofia smiled.
"I'd like that."
The class immediately burst into whispers.
Ashley looked away, clearly annoyed.
"This is just the first day..."
she whispered to herself.
"...and she's already getting close to him."
---
School finally ended.
Outside the gate, Ethan noticed Sofia waiting for a tricycle.
"Do you need a ride?" he asked politely.
Sofia smiled and shook her head.
"Thank you, but I'm okay."
"My parents taught me never to trouble other people."
Ethan admired her answer.
"Then... see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
As Sofia's tricycle drove away, Ethan found himself smiling without realizing it.
Inside the moving tricycle, Sofia looked back at the school.
She had expected her first day to be difficult.
She never expected to meet someone who treated everyone the same, regardless of wealth or status.
Neither of them realized...
A simple conversation had already begun changing their lives.
But somewhere behind the school gate...
Ashley silently watched Ethan walk toward his waiting car.
"If Sofia Reyes thinks she can steal Ethan from me..."
She smiled coldly.
"...then she has no idea who she's dealing with."
End of Chapter 2
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