When Stars Collide (INCOMPLETE)

Chapter 1: The Collision

Chapter 1:

The bell rang, its sharp sound echoing through the bustling corridors of Westwood High and signaling the start of the next period. Amid the sea of students rushing to their classes, Maloi Ricalde sprinted down the hall, her heart racing with her hurried footsteps. Her long black hair, pulled into a messy ponytail, bounced with each step as she clutched her books tightly against her chest.

“Come on, come on!” she muttered under her breath, weaving through the crowd of students who seemed to move in slow motion compared to her urgency. Her habitual tardiness had become a problem this week, and she knew Ms. Thompson’s patience was wearing thin.

Just as Maloi rounded a corner, her eyes fixed on the classroom door ahead, she didn’t notice the figure coming from the opposite direction. In an instant, their paths collided with a jarring impact that sent both crashing to the floor.

“Oof!” Maloi grunted as she landed hard, her books scattering around her. She blinked at the ceiling, momentarily dazed, before pushing herself up on her elbows.

“Sorry, sorry!” a voice exclaimed from above her. Maloi’s gaze met the girl’s—a pair of hazel eyes wide with surprise. She quickly scrambled to her feet and extended a hand to help Maloi up. “I didn’t see you there.”

Maloi accepted her hand, allowing her to pull her to her feet. “It’s okay. I was kind of in a hurry too.”

As they both bent down to retrieve the scattered books, Maloi noticed that the girl was wearing a standard school uniform, her dark hair slightly tousled from the collision. There was nothing extraordinary about her appearance, but Maloi couldn’t ignore the genuine warmth in her hazel eyes.

“I’m Colet Vergara,” she said, breaking the silence as she handed Maloi a textbook.

“Maloi Ricalde,” Maloi replied with a shy smile. “Nice to meet you, Colet.”

Colet returned the smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You’re in my English class, right? I think I’ve seen you there before.”

Maloi’s eyes widened in surprise. “Yeah, I am. I didn’t realize we were in the same class.”

“Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other then,” Colet said with a chuckle. “Let’s get to class before we’re even later.”

The two of them walked side by side down the hall, their initial awkwardness giving way to easy conversation. Maloi learned that Colet was a junior like her, and though she wasn’t a standout student or athlete, she was known for her kindness and helpfulness. Maloi was intrigued by her down-to-earth demeanor.

As they entered the classroom, Maloi and Colet took their seats near the back. The teacher, Ms. Thompson, was busy writing on the board, and the rest of the class was already settling in. Maloi slid into her chair, feeling more at ease now that she had someone to chat with.

Colet took the seat next to her, leaning over slightly. “So, are you always running late, or is today just an exception?”

Maloi laughed softly. “I wish it were just today. I’ve been struggling to keep up with everything lately. How about you? How’s your week going?”

Colet shrugged with a playful grin. “Just the usual—schoolwork, hanging out with friends, and trying not to fall behind. Nothing too exciting, but it keeps me busy.”

“Sounds pretty familiar,” Maloi said, nodding in understanding.

Before they could continue their conversation, Ms. Thompson called the class to attention and began the lesson. Maloi and Colet focused on their notebooks, the earlier collision fading into the background. Maloi found herself glancing at Colet occasionally, feeling a spark of curiosity and connection.

During a brief break in the lesson, Maloi’s friends—Sheena Catacutan, Stacey Sevilleja, and Mikha Lim—gathered around her desk. Sheena, with her vibrant personality and knack for humor, greeted Colet with a friendly smile. Stacey, always focused and studious, nodded in acknowledgment, while Mikha, known for her no-nonsense attitude, gave a casual wave.

“Hey Maloi, you’re late again?” Sheena teased.

“Yeah, but I ran into Colet here, so I guess it worked out,” Maloi said, gesturing to Colet.

“Nice to meet you, Colet,” Sheena said warmly. “I’m Sheena. These are Stacey and Mikha.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Colet replied with a smile. “Thanks for the warm welcome.”

As the class resumed, Maloi felt a sense of relief and camaraderie. The conversation between her and Colet continued, with the occasional input from Maloi’s friends. The rest of the class passed in a blur of notes and discussions, but Maloi couldn’t shake the feeling that this chance encounter was something special.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Maloi packed her things and turned to Colet, who was already gathering her belongings.

“See you in the next class?” Maloi asked, hopeful.

“Definitely,” Colet replied with a bright smile. “I’ll be sure to watch out for you this time.”

They both laughed, and Maloi felt a flutter of excitement. As they parted ways for their next classes, Maloi found herself looking forward to the rest of the day with newfound anticipation.

Little did Maloi know that this chance encounter with Colet was only the beginning of a series of events that would challenge her views on friendship, self-discovery, and the surprises life has in store. For now, she was content with the simple pleasure of a new connection and the promise of what the future might bring.

End Of Chapter 1.