Lost Lombardi

Chapter 20

Luka pulled the car to a stop near the entrance of St. Aldric Boys School. As Dino looked out the window, his stomach twisted with excitement and nervousness, like a swarm of butterflies had taken flight inside him. He was a bit nervous. He saw boys around his age coming to school from expensive-looking cars and getting out of them. Some even had their rides. Dino noticed a separate parking lot inside the school grounds just for students.

"They have their cars," Dino said, looking at the boys who came with expensive-looking cars.

"You can have your own, too, after you get a license," Luka said.

"Wow, will I be allowed to drive my car to school once I get my license?" Dino asked with excitement.

"Yes, if your father lets you do that," Luka said.

"Does he have a reason not to allow me to do that?" Dino said with disappointment.

"I don't think so. But your dad is worried about your safety," Luka said.

Dino was still staring outside without getting out of the car. It was a private school. All the boys might be from wealthy families. They might be spoiled brats. Dino wondered if he would fit in with them. He didn't fit in with his cousins. So he felt nervous about fitting in at his new school.

"Boss, you can go inside the school now," Luka said, staring at Dino from the middle mirror.

"Oh, I forgot," Dino said, quickly opening the door.

"I'll be right here when school ends," Luka said.

As Dino stepped through the grand iron gates for the first time, the early morning sun bathed the school grounds in a golden light, making everything seem almost magical. The path before him, lined with tall trees whose branches formed a green roof, gently led him deeper into the school. The leaves whispered in the wind, but the boys' voices caught his attention.

Laughter and talking filled the air, mixing with the occasional shout of a name or the sharp thud of a kicked ball. He could hear the shuffling of feet on the stone path, the rustling of uniforms, and the excited voices of boys catching up after the weekend.

He could hardly believe his eyes as the school came into view. The large red-brick buildings, with their tall, curved windows and ivy-covered walls, seemed like something out of an old storybook. Sunlight came through the trees, making playful shadows on the neat hedges and flower beds that lined the path. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers, making the whole place feel alive and welcoming.

Dino looked around for Helio but couldn't find him. He didn't even have his number. They weren't that close.

Now, Dino had to find the principal's office. He looked around, feeling lost. How could Dino find the office? It looked like he would have to ask someone.

"Hey," suddenly someone came from behind and hit his shoulder. Dino turned around to see who it was. It was Helio.

"Hey, did you go to the principal's office?" Dino asked.

"No. I came to go with you. I saw you come in," Helio said.

"Really? I thought you didn't like me," Dino said.

"I don't. But Papa told me to be nice to you and some bla bla bla," Helio said, rolling his eyes.

"Are we in the same class? I hope not," Dino said, giving Helio the same energy. Helio was surprised by that.