Chapter Two: A Friend At My New School
The morning sun spilled across the campus of Rosefield High, warming Lena's shoulders as she walked through the gates. Her steps felt cautious—everything was new, the sprawling lawns, the shiny glass buildings, and the clusters of students chatting animatedly. She clutched her bag tightly, nerves buzzing with excitement and anxiety.
As she made her way to her classroom, she noticed a familiar figure standing near the fountain—**Williams**, the boy she had bumped into yesterday on her way to buy some things. He was carrying a stack of books, looking slightly out of place among the busy students.
"Hey! You're back!" he called with a friendly grin. "I'm here for a short study program, so I'll be around for a few weeks. Didn't expect to see you here."
Lena felt a smile tug at her lips. "Hi, Williams! I wasn't expecting to see you either. It's nice… to see a familiar face."
"Come on," he said, gesturing toward the main building. "I can show you a few shortcuts to your classrooms and the library. It's my first time in this school too, sort of, but I know my way around enough."
As they walked together, Lena noticed how easy it was to talk to him. Williams pointed out the library, the cafeteria, and the quiet study spots. "If you get lost or overwhelmed, just text me," he said. "Here—let me save your contact."
Lena handed him her phone, and he quickly typed in his number before returning it with a bright smile. "Now you've got someone to help you survive your first week."
They passed other students, and Williams greeted a few politely, his friendly demeanor making Lena feel more at ease. For the first time since moving to Rosefield, she felt like she might belong somewhere, and that maybe she had made her first real friend.
"Thanks for helping me today," Lena said as they reached her classroom.
"No problem at all," Williams replied. "Glad we ran into each other again. You'll do great here, Lena."
As she stepped into the classroom, Lena glanced back at him one last time. The warmth of his presence stayed with her, and she realized that even in a city full of strangers, some connections could feel familiar in an instant.