Julian stands outside the school, fidgeting with his backpack straps. His heart races as he takes a deep breath.
JULIAN (internal dialogue):Just stay confident. You can do this.
This year, everything is going to be different, I should be prepared for that.
He hesitantly steps inside, the sound of laughter and chatter enveloping him. He enters the classroom, feeling all eyes on him.
A few curious students strike up a conversation with him. And he responds, trying to mask his nervousness.
Oliver: "Hey, you're new here, right? Did you transfer from another school?"
Julian (with a slight smile): "Yeah, I just transferred. My old school wasn't too far from here."
Ethan (leaning in slightly): "Which school was it? I think I know most of the ones around here."
Julian (hesitating for a moment): "It was Brikdale Christian School."
Oliver (nodding): "Oh, I've heard of it. Why'd you transfer?"
Julian (a bit guarded): "This school has better facilities and stuff"
Morgan (without missing a beat, leaning back in her chair): "Pfft, better facilities? You'll realize soon enough that's just marketing.The vending machines have a mind of their own."
Julian chuckles, but as he settles into the conversation, his mind wanders, trying to shake off the nerves of being new. Just across town, someone else is in a bit of a rush.
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Ale steps back from the little boy and looks one last time at the spot where the kitten lay moments ago.
She checks her watch and freezes.
"Ah, no-late!"
Ale hurries into the school, slipping through the busy hallways. She moves quickly, weaving between groups of students.As she enters the classroom and glances at her usual seat. She sees someone sitting there-Julian.
ALE (playfully): Hey, you new?
JULIAN (glancing up, nodding): Uh, yeah. I'm Julian.
ALE (with a warm, friendly grin): "Hey, new guy! Claiming seats already, huh? Bold move-I like it!
JULIAN (jocking) : figured I'd start off strong.
As Ale sits beside him, she suddenly remembers that she needed to recruit more students for the theatre club. She glances at Julian.
ALE (leaning in,casual yet persistent): Hey, if you're ever up for it, you should join the theater club. It's a lot of fun.
JULIAN (enthusiastically): Sure! I would love to. I always wanted to join a theatre club in my previous school.
ALE (smiling): Then why didn't you?
JULIAN (hesitant): Nothing much.
The bell rings, cutting off further conversation.
YOU ARE READING
MOMENTS
General FictionAle has an unique power to erase and thus manipulate other's memories. But everything comes with a price. Julian is a boy trying to start fresh at a new school. He strives to be better, more comfortable in his own skin.
