Discovering Nina

NINA

It's the second day of scool and it was a little less nerve-wracking than the first, thanks to Gracie's infectious energy. As I walked down the crowded hallway, Gracie appeared by my side, holding two iced coffees and grinning like she's won the lottery.

"Morning bestie!" Gracie handed me one of the drinks.

"Thanks," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. I wasn't used to people going out of their way for me, but with Gracie, it felt... nice.

"so, I've been thinking," Gracie began, looping her arm through mine as we walked. "We're in six classes together, which is basically the universe telling us we're meant to be." I hope you're good at science, because i'm not."

"I'm good at it, I guess," I said laughing softly.

"Perfect! You can tutor me, and I'll help you survive History. Mr. Daniels is brutal, but I know how to charm him into giving partial credit for the dumbest answers," Gracie said with a wink.

As we got to my locker, Gracie leaned agains't the wall, studying me. "So how are you feeling about everything? New school, new people... new me?"

I hesitated, my fingers fiddling with the strap of my backpack. "It's... better than I thought it'd be." Gracie beamed at me. "Good. Stick with me, and I promise we'll make senior year amazing."

I smiled back, the weight on my chest feeling just a little lighter.

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It's was lunch period and the cafeteria was buzzing with noise, but i was sitting at a corner table with Gracie, I tried convincing her that I was okay sitting by myself for lunch. But she insisted on staying here with me. "You really didn't have to stay here you know, Malik could be worried you're not sitting with him," I really don't want to inconvinience your boyfriend, and your friends. "I said picking at my salad,"

"Nah, He'd be fine." Besides, he can stay a day without "me" by his side. Gracie says flipping her hair with a smug look on her face.

"Also, we are bestfriends now. I really want us to get to know eachother better. So he'd understand and get use to seeing you around.

Gracie is the complete opposite of me, her loud laughs and energy, makes me feel like we've been friends forever and I'm happy I met her.

"I swear, Mrs. Grant is the coolest teacher ever," Gracie says between bites of her sandwich. "Did you see how she totally roasted Alex for being late? Classic."

"She does seem pretty strict, though. I don't think I've ever seen a teacher lay down the rules that fast." I said chuckling. 

"So, seen any boy you find cute?" Gracie asked biting into her sandwich.

I nearly choked on my orange juice from her question. "No...not really," I said poking at my salad with my fork.

"Liar." Gracie grins, leaning closer. "Come on, I can tell when someone's holding back. Spill."

I tried blocking the image of Zane from my mind, I shouldn't be thinking about him. "So i settled for the boy I met yesterday at the Library," He was good looking.

"Okay, umm there's this guy i met yesterday... Luke, I think he's also a senior." Gracie eyes widen. "Oh my god, damn girl! You got good eyes, he is fineee." He and Zane are sworn enermies, they have hated eachother for the longest time. 

I shivered from just hearing Zane's name, how can he affect me by just the mention of his name. "I dread being in his presence, I've been doing what ever it takes to not cross his path today, even though I still had to meet him for the project after school.

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It's the sixth period and I it's free, Gracie was in an empty classroom with her boyfriend and friends. she insisted I came but I didn't want be in the same room with Zane. "I'd be anywhere but there," So I found myself in the Library, the quiet sanctuary where I had met luke. I was scanning the shelves for a book on mythology when a familiar voice called out.

"Angel?"

I turned to see Luke, his brown hair slighty messy and a stack of books balanced in his arms. His smile was warm, easy, and instantly it made me feel at ease.

"Hi Luke, and my name is Nina, "I already told you. I said with a shy but genuine smile. "Yes you did but I prefer, "Angel" cause you look like one. I was hoping i'd run into you again," he said smiling, setting the books down on a nearby table. How's the new school treating you?"

"It's... okay," I'm still getting used to everything." I said.

"Well, if you ever need help- or someone to sit with at lunch- you can count on me," he offered.

"Thanks," I said smiling, surprised by how confortable he made me feel.

Luke leaned against the edge of the table, his gaze thoughtful. "You know, I was kind of the new kid once. It's not easy, but it gets better. You just need a couple of people who make it feel like home."

I nod, thinking of Gracie. "Yeah, I think I'm starting to find that." Luke's smile widened. "Good. So, what are you working on today?"

"Just looking for a book for my English project," I said. 

"Let me guess-Mr. Callahan? He loves those big essay assignments."

"Yeah, thats the one." I laughed softly.

"Well, let me help you. I've spent way too much time in this library not to know where everything is." As we searched the shelves together, I found myself relaxing more with every passing moment, Luke was funny, kind, and easy to talk to- a rare combination.

When we finally found the book I needed, Luke handed it to me with a grin. "There you go. My good deed for the day." Thanks, Luke, I said clutching the book to my chest. 

"Anytime Angel," he replied, his tone warm and sincere.

As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that Luke's kindness wasn't just casual friendliness. There was something more behind his easy smile, something that made my heart skip just a little.