Better Beginnings 💞

1 - Meet Sadie Lily Williams

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently nudging me awake from my peaceful slumber. Despite being a morning bird, I couldn't muster the will to leave my cozy bed. With a sigh, I pretended to be asleep as my father's voice echoed through the house, calling me downstairs. Another day, another struggle to face the one place I despised the most – Lake View High School.

As I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed, I couldn't help but think back to my first day at this dreadful school. It was awful then, and it's still just as annoying now. The only saving grace has been Elena, my best friend, who has been my pillar of support through it all.

Lake View High School was divided into three groups: the cheerleaders, the popular boys, and the nerds. None of them felt like where I belonged. Most of the cheerleaders and popular boys were involved with each other, except for Noah – the enigmatic boy who seemed indifferent to everyone and everything.

I often wished there was a fourth group, somewhere I could finally fit in. But alas, it seemed like I was destined to be on the outside looking in.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Sadie Lily Williams, a junior at Lake View High School. There's not much I like to share about myself, but one thing I'm passionate about is writing. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been captivated by the art of storytelling, and I've been working on my first book.

In my life, only two things matter to me: my family – my dad, my mother, Ivy, and Elena – and my passion for writing.

As I made my way to my first class, history, I couldn't help but dread the day ahead. I hated everything about this school, except for Elena and the library. Elena always insisted that I should have a boyfriend or at least a male friend, but I found solace in my independence.

Passing by the hallway, I noticed Liam, Carter, and Victor chatting by the lockers, but my mind was elsewhere – on Noah. Elena's teasing brought me back to reality, but I couldn't shake the thoughts of Noah from my mind

Elena's voice snapped me back to reality.

"Sadie," she called out, catching up to me. "Hey," I replied, trying to brush off my distraction.

"Now you're interested in boys, and that too Liam, Carter, and Victor, who are already in a relationship?" Elena teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Shut up, E. I wasn't looking at them," I retorted, knowing full well that I had been staring in their direction, albeit not at them directly.

"Stop lying, S. I know you were looking there. Just accept it. So, who are you interested in?" Elena persisted, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"E, please. I'm not interested in any of them. Never. I was just... thinking about Noah," I blurted out before I could stop myself, immediately regretting my slip of the tongue.

"I mean, not like that. I was just wondering why he doesn't come to school daily. Like, what about his attendance?" I hastily added, trying to cover up my admission.

"Well, well, well, Sadie Lily Williams is thinking about boys, and that too Noah Smith," Elena teased relentlessly, her grin widening.

"It's not like that, E. Please, just drop it," I pleaded, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"Okay, fine. But you seriously need to talk to guys, Sadie. Make a boyfriend, go out, and enjoy your life," Elena advised for what felt like the millionth time.

"What's up with everyone? Boys, boys, and more boys. There's more to life than boys, E," I replied, feeling exasperated.

"Come on, S. Yes, the world doesn't end if you don't have a boyfriend, but life will be more fun with one. Look at me and Ethan. We're both happier than we were before. You just gotta find the right guy, and trust me, your right is not Noah Smith. So please, stop thinking about him. Any other single boy will work, but not him. He is the definition of trouble," Elena said, trying to convince me once again.

"Okay, E. I won't think about him. Now go, Ethan must be waiting for you, and I have an English class to attend," I said, eager to change the subject as we parted ways.

But even as I walked away, I couldn't shake the thoughts of Noah from my mind. It seemed that despite my best efforts, he was all I could think about. Life truly felt strange sometimes.