LAW OF ATTRACTION

CHAPTER 8 : CHEMISTRY

                     'Don't judge a book by its cover'

As we start this new school year...

Some of us are here for the first time, trying to find their marks.

While some of us are already used to this place, trying to survive the High school years.

And some of us are starting their last year, making decisions that will shape their future.

In the end, all of us are just trying to discover who we are and what we want.

And since the start of a new year is synonymous with new beginnings, learning new things, and seeing things under new perspectives, we can maybe find out more about us by being more open-minded.

Let's see beyond the appearances, dig deeper under the covers of looks, gossips, labels... and take time to really know who and what is inside and around us.

Maybe you will be surprised...

The 'coolest' guy could turn out to be a science genius.

The crazy old lady next door may have been a glamorous actress in her young days.

The 'golden boy' could be more shallow and selfish than you think.

The shy quiet girl may surprise you with unexpected talents.

An 'uncool' activity could become your favorite hobby, or even your whole career.

A path you take every day will maybe amaze you by passing by a lovely flower, a dazzling smile, or a cute puppy.

An old enemy could turn into your new best friend – I'm not sure about this one, but you will never know if you never try!

Actually, you would probably not believe who I am behind my pen...

...

"Ah! The silent voice! It's good shit!"

I jump when a voice over my shoulder pulls me out of my reading. My eyes as wide as a deer caught in the headlights, I turn around to be met by Alex's smile. In front of my lost gaze, he nods to the newspaper in my hands: the school newspaper. I haven't had the time to read it since Monday, so when I've seen it, laying near the doorway, I've grabbed one to pass time until the teacher comes.

"You read it?" I ask surprised, talking about the school paper, but especially the 'Silent Voice' section.

"Yeah, of course! Everyone reads it! It's the only reason the school paper still works!" He shrugs.

I smile, glancing back at the words I've been lost in a few seconds ago and trying to picture him reading them.

"He or she – I don't know who this mysterious writer is – but he or she is really talented and talks about deep topics, but in an interesting way," he adds.

I nod as the teacher announces, "Okay, class, take your seats! We have a long practical work today, so let's not waste more time!"

I look at the board already covered with words and diagrams, which appear more like an impossible riddle than instructions for a lab work, and the fact than my attention is drawn toward Alex sitting at the lab bench just behind mine with one of his friends isn't helping.

The teacher starts to explain what we will do, and I quickly understand. Yet it doesn't stop the knot forming in my stomach... I don't like practicals, and practicals don't really like me either, since I'm really clumsy! Out of all the days, Lisa has had to be sick this Wednesday in particular?! She is usually my lab partner, and she does most of the practical stuff, while I do the calculations and reasonings. But, today I will have to do it all alone. Let's focus and hope I don't cause another disaster.