Taming The Player

5

NATHANIEL CREST POV

Stepping into the school hallways was the most daunting task for me. Having arrived earlier than necessary to avoid the crowds, I hadn't yet found Jared or Scoot. I sought refuge in the library, hiding until the bell rang, before reluctantly heading to class with a sigh. I have always found history to be a tedious subject, and it seemed especially burdensome on our first day back.

Upon entering the classroom, I was relieved to find an empty seat, quickly taking it with my head bowed. Just as the teacher arrived, the door opened again, and a girl walked in, visibly nervous and fidgeting.

"You must be the new student," Mr. Black observed.

"Y-yes," she stuttered, prompting the class to erupt into laughter – though I couldn't bring myself to join in, empathizing with her discomfort.

"Silence!" Mr. Black commanded, restoring order. "What's your name?"

The girl cleared her throat before responding, "Erica, Erica Fredrick."

He nodded, directing her to take a seat. As she scanned the room nervously, her eyes landed on the empty chair beside me, and she hesitated before sitting down.

Throughout the history class, we didn't exchange a word. I was surprised to find Erica in my English class as well, though I missed having Jared and Scoot by my side.

Summoning the courage to speak, I introduced myself: "I'm Nathan."

Erica looked at me with surprise and blinked, her nervousness palpable. I offered her a warm smile, After Erica returned my smile, we both focused on the lesson, but I couldn't help sneaking glances at her. She seemed more at ease now, and I was glad I had made an effort to talk to her.

At lunch, I made my way to the cafeteria, purchased food, and found an empty seat, savoring the brief moment of solitude. Soon, Jared and Scoot joined me, and the atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie.

"Yo, guys!" Scoot exclaimed with a grin, his enthusiasm infectious.

Jared and I responded in unison, "Hey," our voices relaxed and friendly.

I glanced around the cafeteria, taking in the vibrant scene, and spotted Erica walking in, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. Our eyes met, and I gestured for her to join us, hoping to alleviate some of her apparent nervousness. She seemed uncertain but nodded and made her way over, her steps hesitant.

"Who's that chick?" Scoot asked, curiosity etched on his face, his tone laced with a hint of playfulness.

"Someone I met in history class; she's new," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Jared added, "And you spoke?" his tone teasing, yet interested.

I shook my head, "Not quite, I only broke the ice with my name."

Erica arrived at the table, her eyes cast downward, her body stiff, betraying her unease.

Scoot teased, "We don't bite," his words light and reassuring.

She lifted her head, offering a nervous smile, and sat beside me, her movements cautious.

As we conversed, I noticed Erica's demeanor transforming, her voice gaining confidence and her laughter becoming more spontaneous.

She pulled out an apple from her bag, and I frowned, "Is that your lunch?"

She nodded, "Yes."

Jared chimed in, "Get some real food."