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𝚆𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 1992, 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝚈𝚘𝚛𝚔
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
Junior year was supposed to be fun—at least, that's what I had anticipated. I'd had things figured out back home in a small Nebraska town, but everything flipped so fast. One moment, I was there; the next, my dad got sick, and suddenly, my mom, dad, little brother, and I were in Staten Island, where he could start a treatment trial. The move hit hard, but I decided to put on a brave face for my family, especially for my brother. Being the oldest meant staying strong, even when it felt overwhelming.
Quickly, things began to fall into a routine. I visited my dad every Monday, went to Notre Dame Academy (not exactly exciting), and tried to find my place. It wasn't easy in a school where everyone had known each other since middle school. Sure, I talked to people, but not closely enough to be invited over after school. I was practically wishing for a miracle.
As I walked down the packed halls, my gaze drifted over the bulletin board advertising clubs and activities. Rolling my eyes at the thought of joining anything, my attention caught on a flyer:
"𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚅𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛:
𝚂𝚎𝚎𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚜
𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜
𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝙼𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚆𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢 5 𝙿𝙼"
This was it. I grabbed one of the flyers, shoved it into my bag, and felt a glimmer of hope. I'd been part of my local theater back home, and maybe this would help me feel at home here, too. For once, I was excited about the change.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
The final bell rang, and I rushed out to my bike, taking the scenic route through the park. The crisp fall air swept past me, rustling the leaves as couples strolled and kids played. Pulling up to my house, I felt lighter for the first time since the move.
"Hey, bug. How was school?" my mom called from the kitchen.
"It was alright. Look at this!" I pulled the flyer from my bag, handing it over.
She read it over and smiled. "This looks perfect for you. You going?"
"Of course. I just need to get ready; I don't want to look like a mess on my first day," I said, heading to my room.
I picked out a brown sweater and jeans, brushed my hair, and checked the time. "4:30." Just enough time to find the place. I quickly said goodbye and took off on my bike.
Arriving at the Little Victory Theater, a cozy brown building with tall windows, I took a deep breath before heading inside. Kids my age were scattered around, some in groups chatting excitedly, others exploring the stage. I pushed away my nerves and approached a small table where a few older people were seated with papers. The woman with curly red hair glanced up, smiling.
"Hey! Welcome to the Little Victory Theater. Looking to join?" she asked, tapping a pen.
"Yeah! I hope it's not too late. I'd love to join." I gave a hopeful smile.
"Of course not! Perfect timing, actually. We're just starting on the fall shows. What's your name?"
"Y/N Lovewell."
She jotted down my name, handed me a few booklets, and introduced herself as Miss Martin. "Welcome to the theater! You can take a seat anywhere."
I smiled back, scanning the room. Most of the seats were occupied by groups of friends who seemed to know each other well. I spotted an empty row near a group of girls and a cluster of four boys a row behind. Figuring it was my best shot, I sat in the middle of the row.
Settling in, I skimmed over the pamphlets Miss Martin had given me, occasionally glancing around. I noticed the familiar vibe of high school cliques, but something felt different—like here, I might actually have a shot at fitting in.
Suddenly, I felt eyes on me. Stretching subtly, I glanced back, catching a group of four boys who quickly looked away. My pulse jumped. Were they actually staring, or was it just my nerves? Either way, it left me feeling both flustered and intrigued.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Class began with introductions and a few theater exercises, with everyone voting on the fall play. Romeo and Juliet won (of course), but surprisingly, I didn't mind. I'd met two friendly girls, Maria and Kenzie, and the class was fun.
As the session wrapped up, I packed my things and stood up, feeling eyes on me again. I turned, finding the same four boys watching me, not breaking eye contact this time. Their expressions weren't judgmental—more curious, almost like they were studying me. I looked back, assessing each one.
One had dark, unruly hair and big brown eyes that softened as he looked away quickly. Next to him was a boy with expressive eyebrows and a wide, goofy grin. The third wore an oversized hoodie, one eyebrow raised with an exaggerated look of interest. The last was clean-cut, his neatly combed hair giving him a thoughtful, guarded appearance.
I scrunched my eyebrows slightly, as if silently asking, "What's up with you guys?" Still caught in their gaze, I accidentally bumped into someone in front of me, my papers scattering everywhere.
"Shit, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you," I stammered, dropping to gather my papers. A hand reached out, offering one of them, and I looked up.
"No problem," said a boy with short brown hair and green eyes, flashing a quick smile before extending his hand. "I'm Dean. It's a little overwhelming at first, huh?"
I laughed nervously, taking his hand. "I'm Y/N. Is it that obvious I'm new?"
Dean chuckled, shrugging. "I would have noticed you before, that's all." His green eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, and I felt a warm blush creep onto my cheeks.
From across the room, someone called his name. He gave me a nod. "See you Friday, Y/N." Then he took off, leaving me standing there, a bit dazed. I glanced back to where the four boys had been sitting and to my disappointment, their seats were already empty.
I couldn't help smiling as I slung my bag over my shoulder and left the theater. I'd made a couple of friends and even met a cute guy, but the real mystery? Those four boys, with their curious stares and unreadable expressions. I couldn't wait for Friday.
╰┈➤ A/N Ahhhh first chapter done!!! I really hope you enjoyed it. This is my first time publishing any work. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
