Chapter 1
"No, you got the incorrect answer because you forgot to convert the speed from km/h to m/s. Do you get that?" I ask being unsure of his blank expression. Sameer slowly nods his head and immediately starts scribbling in his book and in less than a few seconds he jumps with joy, "I finally got it, Thank you, Julie!" He gently, but firmly pats my shoulders as he thanks me and walks off to his seat. The bell goes off and Stella ma'am enters the class with her stern but kind look that sets her apart from the rest of the crowd. Her loosely braided hair, hanging to her side, reaches her waist, bouncing along with her brisk walk. Her large eyes scan the room carefully making a silent note of those in improper uniform as she begins to take the attendance of the class.
Meanwhile, I flip through the pages in our textbook checking out 'Human Health and Diseases' which is the lesson to be started. As I finish reading the life cycle of the malaria-causing protozoan Plasmodium Stella ma'am calls for everybody's attention. Her modulated voice, loud and crystal clear, reached every corner of the class, "Today we have a new student joining us. Come in Seth, come introduce yourself." At once, every student looks at the door waiting for this Seth guy, including myself. A rather tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, tanned, and did I mention tall, boy or rather man walked in with the utmost confidence and a bright, warm smile on his handsome face. How is he a student? He looks like he's at least twenty years old and was born in the gym. He is a foreigner. Wow! The school uniform is an insult to his body; he should be a model for Jockey or some sophisticated swimsuit company.
He stands in front of us and with one heck of a husky (and sexy) voice says "Good morning to all, my name is Seth Clearwater and I'm from America. My family and I have moved in recently and I'm looking forward to making great friends and equally great memories. Thank you and have a nice day." All the girls are already willing to give him some unforgettable memories; the girls sitting in the front row have already drooled buckets and moving to the middle, the girls are already bickering over who will mess with him first. And I'm sitting here at the back and an excellent view of the drama taking place in the class while he hasn't even introduced himself properly. Confused whether I should be sad I'm sitting alone at the back or be grateful I don't have to go through that drama. Seth and ma'am exchange a few papers and he begins to head towards the students looking for a seat to sit. There's a strange feeling within me that makes me hope that he sits close to me, a feeling so strong he actually does. He sits right in front of me. I think it's because he's my only hope in making friends, I remember how all the girls boycotted me because apparently, I was stealing their guys and their importance in school. Well, ever since I joined St. Theressa High School, I didn't ask to be forced to participate in all the competitions, host each programme sponsored by the school, become the head of the AEP club, etc etc. I quit sulking and focus on what Stella ma'am is teaching and not even halfway through, all the girls are taking (not so secret) glimpses of Seth and occasionally shooting a glare at me.
I sigh heavily and intently take down every word ma'am utters; paying attention to class is soothing in some ways, you can ignore the glares without any effort. With half an hour left of the first hour, the principal's attendee enters the class with a memo and hands it to ma'am. She reads it aloud "The following students must report to the principal's room at the end of the first hour - Julie Grey and Seth Clearwater" I resist the urge to roll my eyes as every girl in the class is already glaring at me and surprisingly none of the guys catcalled. Are they intimidated by Seth? Oddly, I find that funny. As instructed, ma'am permits the both of us to leave for the Principal's office five minutes prior to the end of class, "I think, Seth, you and Julie must leave now." I throw the books on my desk into my bag and leave the class and wait for Seth outside. He walks out of the class and straight into me, "Ouch, ouch, ouch. Shut the classroom door, quickly! " I yell in pain, anger and hurry. "I'm honestly so sorry... Julie," He apologises while I choose to stare at my feet that were just stamped by a humongous man. "That's alright, shall we leave?" I turn to leave without waiting for an answer; why am I feeling nervous to look up to him as I speak or to introduce myself or to just talk to him? He's right next to me and all I need to do is introduce myself, but then I'm gifted with a surprise from Seth "Hi Julie, I am Seth Clearwater, nice to meet you," he offers his hands and I am no fool to turn it down, I shake his hand and look up to speak but get lost in his deep brown warm eyes and I am deeply comforted by this connection that has just been built. Strangely, Seth senses it too and smiles at me with such purity, I could take a bullet for him right now. Literally.
While we are lost in our newly constructed world, the bell goes off pulling us back to reality and all the blood in my body rushed to my face making me go red as a cherry. I smile at him maintaining the eye contact and my voice comes out as a mere whisper when I speak "We need to hurry up, the principal doesn't have all day you know..." I look away and lead the way. Before entering, I comb all the stray hair strands away from my face with my fingers. "Good morning ma'am." I greet her with a wide smile on my face (like I always do) and take a seat without being asked to (like I always do). "Please have a seat dear." She offers to Seth and once he is seated beside me she looks at both of us and starts off "The school staff is more than happy to have such talented students joining our school; talent not recognised is wasted talent. Of course, it's only been a year since Julie has joined our school but looking at her work so far, it makes me immensely proud. Seth, we expect you to take inspiration from Julie and bring glory to our school, as the secretary of the school's talent and staging committee, Julie will help you as much as she can. Our expectations are high Seth, and we know you won't let us down." She finishes with flair. I turn to look at Seth who, I believe, already knows what to answer, "It is my pleasure ma'am. I will definitely make you proud and prove that I'm worth your trust." "Excellent. Seth, while I have a small word with Julie here, would you mind waiting for her outside dear?" He nods and leaves with a smile.
"Julie, it's your responsibility to make sure he isn't spoilt by the brats of this school and he seems to have a lot of potential that the school could use." She speaks in a hurry walking around her office picking up files from the various desks around her. "Sure ma'am, may I leave now?" I ask her with the same smile I entered with. She nods and I shut the door behind me as I step out. A new beginning awaits me as I make my first friend at St. Theressa High School and who knows what destiny has in mind for the two of us?