Roman's Spark

Chapter 1: Fireworks & Farewell

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement of Earlythorne Secondary Academy. The end of the school year was always bittersweet, a blend of anticipation and melancholy. Students buzzed with excitement as to what the next year would be, the laughter and chatter ringing down the corridors like a chorus of freedom. For Roman Price and his group of friends, this day marked the beginning of summer and a welcome escape from the grind of school.

Roman stood at the edge of the schoolyard, his tall frame leaning casually against the shabby green fence. His dark reddish hair glinted in the sunlight as he scanned the bustling crowd, a slight frown creasing his brow, he exuded a calm confidence that drew people to him, it was a casual demeanour that spawned from the responsibility he Found all too familiar as the captain of the school swimming team.

He always enjoyed swimming; it was his way of bonding with his dad. But the sport also came with relentless expectations. His father made him train every day without fail, pushing him to be better, but no matter how hard he tried, he was never good enough in his eyes. So when his dad walked out of their family home two years ago, leaving his mum and little brother to fend for themselves, Roman didn't feel much of a loss at the time
"Are we just stand here all day?" Ben Carter called out, breaking Roman's reverie. The cheeky boy with messy brown hair and bright green eyes was already plotting the next prank that the group always pulled at the start of each summer break, his infectious energy stirring the rest of the group. "We only have a couple of minutes before English starts and all we've done is stare at this gate"

"Jesus relax, Ben," Sophie Hayes chimed in, her timid voice barely rising above the shouting of students playing football around them. With her brown hair framing her freckled face and her big, angled glasses bordering her brown eyes, she looked every bit the nerd she was "Why worry about English now? You didn't study all term."

"You don't need to study when you look this good Soph" a grin spreading across his face as he triumphantly flexed his slim arms.
Leaning against the wall on the other side of Roman was Lily Morgan, her dirty blonde hair gliding in the wind, she had a presence that was both captivating and playful, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. She looked between both Ben and Sophie as Sophie gave a short scoff in Ben's direction a smirk grew on Lily's lips. "Roman? We should really start heading off".

The sun finally fell out of sight and behind the tree lining and the group of footballers that were playing behind the group erupted into cheers, Jack, the striker for the school football team, slotted one past the opposite team's keeper and had run off as if he had just scored the winner in a cup final.

"Yeah, alright let's get going" Roman commanded as voices filled the air of the field like confetti. Students began to pour into classrooms, some rushing to the doors while others lingered to say their goodbyes. Roman watched the scene unfold, a mix of nostalgia and unease settling in. This year had been different-tougher, more uncertain. His dad had left at the start of the year, and though he tried to be the steady anchor for his family and friends, the thought of growing up loomed over him like a dark cloud.

"Soph!" Ben's voice dragged him back to reality. "Was there any homework due today?

"No! It's the last week of term, there's never any homework on the last week" Sophie stated in an impatient manner.

Roman, Lily, Ben, and Sophie all joined the back of the line for English, the thought of the end-of-the-year prank had not left Roman's mind for months now and he could sense that the rest of the group had begun to get impatient for a plan of action and he did have a plan. He always did.

As they all sat down in their chairs, the laughter and shouting started to die down, they sat together with only Sophie sitting a couple of chairs away from them.