Tabula Rasa [ON HOLD]

Chapter Four

Greeting Samuel in the morning was harder than I had originally imagined. Yes, I'm good at faking how I'm feeling, but I had zero energy left in me to pretend anymore, and if he had noticed something wrong with me, he didn't comment about it. The car ride was silent and the atmosphere was almost as awkward as my breakfast with my grandma had been this morning. Very awkward if you ask.

"So, how do you feel about your first day of school, Norah?" Samuel asked to try and diffuse the tension. As if it's just sinking in now, I started panicking.

Oh my god, it's my first day of school here. In my haze this morning, it hadn't even crossed my mind. What if I make a complete fool out of myself trying to befriend someone? Oh god that would be embarrassing. What if I can't find Lydia, the girl from yesterday? This school was huge, and I don't even know if she's a senior like me, or if she's younger. Oh, no. This is bad. I'm screwed. I'll end up being a loner and eating my lunch in a bathroom cubicle. I didn't want that. Oh, fuck.

"Hey, Norah. It'll be alright. You're a nice person, everyone will like you." Samuel comforted. It wasn't working if you asked me, but I decided to spare him my negativity and humour him with a smile. After all, it wasn't his fault I was a mess.

"Thank you, Samuel. I'm just a bit nervous about making a good first impression, is all." I paused then added, "I'm the new girl here and I know I'll be the talk of the school for quite a while. I'm worried they won't like me and I'll end up being a loner you know..." I drew out, blushing.

I don't even know why I said that, I hadn't meant for all of that to come out. I usually never open up about how I'm feeling, but there was something about Samuel that was oddly comforting. Like I knew I could count on him to be there if I needed, and he just had this wise glint in his eyes, I knew he would be able to give me some pretty good advice.

"Listen Norah, I understand where you're coming from. It is really tough being the topic of everyone's conversation and trust me we've all been there, but I'm telling you dear, you've absolutely nothing to worry about. You're a charming young lady and you're also really funny, and in no time, you'll be making loads of friends. Don't waste your time on those who don't deserve it, and stick with those who will appreciate you for you. Also, if anyone is being rude to you, ignore them and don't let them get to you. That way they'll feel inferior and eventually move on. If you need to talk with anyone at anytime, I'm all ears dear"

Woah. See what I said about him being wise, he's definitely exceeded my expectations. He's sitting there, smiling, in all his sagacious glory and I'm having a hard time myself keeping the grin off my face. Damn is he thoughtful and his advice really did help lift me up and make me feel better. At least the smile I'm currently adorning is actually real and not like my previously forced one. He's a miracle worker.

"Thank you so much, Samuel. You're of great help. Your advice has made me feel so much better." I gushed, grinning.

"Anytime dear." He replied, his grin matching my own.

Soon enough, Samuel pulled up in front of the school gates to drop me off. I got out smiling, and thanked him, then grabbed my bag and made my way up. I was extremely nervous to say the least, but I was also excited. I've never changed schools before, so this was a whole new experience for me. Checking my timetable, I realised I had maths for first period, and unlike most people, I wasn't dreading this. Maths wasn't my favourite subject of all time, but it wasn't my absolute worst either, and I did alright in it.

I made my way inside the building where maths classes were. People were staring at me as I walked, as if trying to figure me out, and it was irritating to say the least. God, have they never seen a human being before? Have some chill people. I vaguely remembered that Amelia, the girl who gave me the school tour yesterday, mentioned that maths classes were on the second floor, so I quickly made my way up the stairs in search for mine.