On and Off the Court

III

First- Day Jitters?

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Imani

The morning of my first day at Evergreen Heights was not what I had expected. Well for one, I did not expect to draw in a large crowd. Jesus, that was the last thing I had wanted. All I wanted to do was find my locker in peace, and maybe find what room my first class was in. But it's kind of hard to do that when every single person that walks by just stares. They must not get that many new students, judging by the comments I've been hearing.

"Who is that?"

"Is she new?"

"Oh my God, she's so pretty,"

I couldn't deny that the last comment gave me a little boost of confidence. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all... All I needed to do was find my English lit class before the bell rang– which, of course, it did right on cue.

"Fuck, I'm gonna be late on the first day," I muttered, scrambling to locate my classroom on my phone.

English Literature Room 202

I hurried up the stairs and found the room, already half-filled with students. I nervously scanned the room, looking for a familiar face, knowing I wouldn't get one. Spotting a girl with long, curly black hair and glasses engrossed in a book, I felt a surge of courage wash over me. Taking a deep breath, I approached the seat next to her.

"Hi there," I greeted cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper. "Mind if I sit here?"

The girl looked up from her book, her big dark brown eyes widening in surprise before breaking into a warm smile. "Of course," she replied, her voice friendly and welcoming. I sighed in relief, taking a seat next to her.

Okay, so the people here are nice.

"I'm Aaliyah."

"Imani," I introduced myself. "Nice to meet you."

As I settled into the seat beside her, I couldn't help but notice the book she was reading– Twisted Games

"Oh my God, you're reading the Twisted series?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. Aaliyah's eyes lit up with recognition, a grin spreading across her face.

"Stop! Are you an Anna Huang fan as well?" She replied eagerly.

I don't think I have ever met anyone who shared the same joy of reading as I did. Her response sent a rush of happiness through me. "Yes, because twisted lies has my heart," I squealed with a laugh.

Before we could continue, the teacher arrived, bringing an end to our conversation. But not before Aaliyah slipped me a note with her phone number and Instagram.

No way, I just made my first friend!

"Alright class, quiet down now," the teacher announced. "For those who don't know me, my name is Mrs. Diaz, but you can all call me Mrs. D." She says while writing her name on the whiteboard in the classroom. Before she continued, the classroom door swung open, revealing what I assumed was another student.

He was tall, probably around 6'3, with jet-black hair styled in a tousled manner that gave him a rugged charm. His dark brown eyes held a hint of mystery, drawing me in despite myself.

I could stare at this man all day.

"Adonis," Mrs. Diaz warned, "I hope your tardiness won't become a habit." He made his way to the back of the classroom, his confident stride betraying no hint of apology. "Not at all, Mrs. D," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, taking a seat in the back.