Heartbreak High: New Hope

4

Standing outside the school, my eyes traced over the unfamiliar building, and my thoughts became scrambled with the possibilities of this new life. The air was charged with angst until a sudden slap on my neck brought me back to reality, making me wince and turn to glare at my brother. Liam, however, only grinned teasingly.
     "Come on, dipshit, we'll be late."

     His playful annoyance was contagious, and I let out a resigned sigh before following him toward the school's main entrance. I'd barely caught up with his brisk pace when we were ambushed by a guy who'd just stepped out of the building his gaze fixed intently on us.

   He was tall and lanky, with a casual yet stylish air. His tousled hair fell into his eyes, and he had a warm, engaging smile that conveyed an easy confidence. He wore a plain tee layered under a denim jacket, paired with distressed jeans and sneakers.
     "You guys must be Liam and Lucas Carter,"
     he said with a friendly smile.
     "Dean Mitchell asked me to show you both to your classes. I'm Ethan." He extended his hand, but my brother, who easily towered over him with his 6 ft figure, swiped his hand away dismissively.
     "I'll be fine,"
     Liam quipped, already striding towards the school doors.

     Ethan's attention then turned to me, and a playful glimmer lit up his eyes. "Well, he seems like a ray of sunshine."

    I chuckled, appreciating his easygoing nature. "Sorry about my brother. He's been a jerk since our dad made us move here," I admitted, my lips curving into a small smile as I took Ethan's extended hand.
     "Lucas—Lucas Carter."

     "Ethan Fields,"
     he replied with a firm shake, his grip warm and welcoming.

     Ethan's friendly voice chopped through the school's bustling energy. "Well Lucas, Welcome to Seacrest High, your prison for the next two years," he joked. I sighed, taking it in as he continued, "I'll show you to your locker before the first period begins." I nodded, grateful for his guidance.

    Together, we stepped into the school, the hallways were alive with students moving in every direction. The scene unfolded before me—lockers adorned with personal touches, students chatting in small groups, the hum of excitement permeating the air. The faint scent of new textbooks mixed with the distant echoes of laughter, creating a vibrant atmosphere of anticipation.

     "It's basically your average high school, you have the classic jocks, the social media manics, the cheerleaders, et cetera, et cetera," Ethan enthralled as I followed him looking around like a lost deer.