The hazy embrace of sleep begins to loosen its grip as my mother's voice filters into my dreams. "You can't be late on your first day of high school, wake up!" she says. Barely shaking off the remnants of sleep, I fumble for my phone on the bedside table and dial Julia's number hoping she's already up and about.
"Eva, ready for the first day of high school ?" she says.
Not at all.
"Yeah, mind picking me up? Can't afford to be late on the first day".
"Absolutely. I'll be there in no time. See you soon", she hangs up.
I swing my legs out of bed and get ready for school. I lock eyes with myself in the mirror, "Well, mirror-me, today's the grand premiere of the high school sitcom, starring yours truly! Will it be a blockbuster or a low-budget indie film? Do they give awards for 'Most Creative Excuse for Being Late'? Asking for a friend," I quip, raising an imaginary trophy. As I wrap up my mirror banter, the blaring sound of car horns disrupts the comedic monologue.
"Hurry up sleepyhead.We don't wanna be late!" Julia's here ! I head towards her car and we both leave for school.
"So, miss Evelyn , excited?", she asks.
"For high school drama? Super excited!".
"Alright then, high school , here we come!" she shrieks.
Arriving at school with Julia, we realize we've got a bit more time than expected. Undeterred, we take advantage of the extra minutes to explore the campus and locate our classrooms.
Navigating the maze of classrooms, we eventually find our designated spaces just in time for the day's first bell.
Following my classes, I carve out a period to visit the school library, which happens to be my comfort place. Browsing the romance section, my gaze fixates on my beloved book, "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. Standing there, as I begin leafing through the pages , I stumble upon a message - "Dear Stranger , welcome to the world of romance. Your choice of this book hints at a heart that loves love. So, a fan of love, huh ? This is my favourite of all times (just letting you know). Hope you'll have a good time in here, happy reading." - N.
Woah.That was quite a surprise. Hmmm. Interesting.
Intrigued by the unexpected note, I find myself smiling at the thoughtfulness of this mystery reader, this "N." The library, once just a place of solace, now feels like the backdrop for a potential literary friendship.
As the day unfolds, Julia and I reunite in the cafeteria, animatedly sharing our first-day adventures, but I decide to keep the story of N's note to myself . Before heading home, I grab a piece of paper, write a reply, and carefully tuck it back into the pages of the book,
"Dear N, thank you for your warm welcome, kinda made me smile. Funny thing, this book happens to be my favourite too! Looks like our hearts have their own secret fan club of adorable romance haha." -E.
With a smile, I return the book to the library shelf, leaving the echoes of our silent conversation behind as I step out into the evening.
YOU ARE READING
Within The Pages
RomanceOn Evelyn's first day of high school, a mysterious note from a stranger in the library sparks a curious connection that turns into a sweet love story. Meanwhile, trouble brews with her school enemy, Stephen, adding twists to this high school tale of...
