Midnight Ocean 》P. Lahote

c. 2

|| Forks, Last week of September ~ Senior Year 

Building two was for the science and math departments Sumati had learned upon entering the building, her eyes moving between the decoration- awards from previous years' math competitions, a Periodic Table hung on the other side of the wall, and in front of it, tables lined up with science projects tagged with 'Excellent!' and 'Well Done!' ribbons. Sumati entered the fourth classroom on the left, room '006.'

The classroom was a bit smaller than her previous high school's, but was decorated with tables, posters with formulas, and Albert Einstein's portrait hung above the chalkboard.

Sumati couldn't wait to tell her father of her new favorite classroom.

Students passed her, giving her curious looks as Sumati walked up to the teacher, whose dark complexion reminding Sumati of her Nana's Ji cha. Ms. Wright's warm brown eyes looked up at Sumati, who smiled.

'Hello. My name is Sumati Beauchêne and I'm a new student here.' Ms. Wright stood, just a few inches taller than the 5'6" girl.

'Welcome to Forks, Sumati.' Sumati's heart fluttered at her teacher's pronunciation. 'And welcome to Advanced Physics. My name is Dr. Wright. I'm Dr. Wright.' Sumati blushed for assuming 'Ms.,' shaking her hand quickly before receiving a textbook and syllabus. Dr. Wright assured Sumati that she wasn't behind- a few days left of September, Dr. Wright only just began teaching. Everything before was review of General Physics I and II.

After signing her slip, Sumati was sent two rows back, a seat next to a brown-haired girl, who gave her a gentle smile as Sumati sat down.

'Welcome to Forks.' Sumati smiled, thanking the girl who followed by reaching her hand out. 'Angela Weber.' Sumati bit her lip, before smiling and shaking Angela's hand.

'Sumati Beauchêne.' Pulling away, Sumati angled her backpack next to her chair.

'You have a beautiful name. Where are you from?'

'Massachusetts.' Angela nodded, Sumati continuing. 'My father's French, mom Indian.' Angela's eyes widen as she blushed

'Wow.' Sumati smiled, nodding her head. 'What brings you to Forks?'

'My mom was offered a good job at the hospital and-' Sumati paused, looking at the girl in front of her. Should Sumati tell her new classmate of her Nana Ji? How his absence left a huge hole in Sumati's heart? That this move was more than just a job opportunity for her mother- that it was a fresh start for Sumati? Angela smiled encouragingly. Before Sumati could continue, Dr. Wright took the opportunity to speak, turning their attention to the front of the class.

Half the truth it is.

Advanced Physics with Dr. Wright was by far Sumati's favorite class. Her Advanced English, Statistics for Researchers, and Economics classes were straight forward- only her Advanced English teacher introducing her to the class. Sumati had blushed when a straight, brown haired girl with blue eyes the same shade as her father's asked her after to join her and her friends for lunch. Sumati had agreed, saving her the trouble of finding a seat at lunch.

Sumati entered the cafeteria, her eyes following the flags that hung around the room. She smiled when she saw two very familiar flags, warmth slowly surrounding her heart.

'Sumati, over here!' Her eyes trailed over to Jessica Stanley, the brown haired girl who stood waving at her direction. Sumati smiled as she walked over to the table, sitting down next to Jessica, an Asian boy to Angela's right, a blonde haired boy to Sumati's left. Sumati grinned at the familiar figure who sat in front of her.