Chapter 1 :First Morning, New Beginnings
Morning Light....
Morning arrived softly, sunlight slipping through the thin curtains of a small bedroom. The town was waking up, carrying the familiar excitement of a new school year. Cars moved early, parents rushed, and students everywhere prepared themselves for fresh starts, new classes, and quiet hopes they didn't say out loud.
Ariana Blake lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling.
Today was her first day.
She slowly sat up, hugging her knees, breathing in and out as if trying to calm her heart. A new town. A new school. New faces. New expectations. Her old school felt far away now, along with the memories she was trying hard not to revisit.
She stood and walked to the mirror.
Her reflection stared back at her—soft eyes, neat hair, calm beauty she never asked for. She sighed lightly and turned away, reaching for her uniform.Down the hall, the house buzzed with life.
A New Year Begins....
In another part of town, Jason Miller was already awake, sitting at the kitchen table while scrolling through his phone. Messages flooded his screen teammates, friends, classmates.
"Big year ahead, bro."
"Captain this season for sure."
Jason smirked, tossing his phone aside.
His father walked in, dressed neatly, already looking like the principal he was.
"First day," Mr. Miller said firmly. "Don't be late."
Jason leaned back in his chair.
"I won't be. Everyone's waiting anyway."
His father raised an eyebrow.
"Focus on school. Football doesn't come first."
Jason grabbed his bag and stood.
"Relax, Dad. I've got this."
Across town, in a quiet modern house, Noah Blackwood tied the laces of his black sneakers. His room was silent, clean, simple. Books lined the shelves. Dark clothes folded neatly.
He glanced at the mirror but didn't linger.
Today was different.
His guardian knocked softly on the door.
"You ready?" the man asked.
Noah nodded.
"Public school," his guardian added. "Normal life."
Noah picked up a book and slid it into his bag.
"That's why I'm going."
The Walk to School....
Ariana stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. Students walked in groups, laughing loudly, talking about schedules and teachers.
She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and walked alone.
Her phone buzzed.
Mom: You'll do great today. Just be yourself.
Ariana typed back quickly.
Ariana: I'll try.
She slipped her phone away and kept walking, heart racing with every step closer to the school gates.
Jason arrived with noise and energy, friends greeting him from every direction.
"Jason!"
"Captain!"
"Did you train all break?"
He laughed, clapping hands, confident and relaxed.
"Miss me already?" he joked.
Noah entered quietly from the opposite side, unnoticed by most. He walked past groups, eyes forward, book tucked under his arm.
A few girls whispered.
"Who's that?"
"He's new?"
"He looks serious."
Noah didn't react.
First Sight.....
The school bell rang loudly, echoing across the yard.
Ariana stepped through the gates and froze for a second.
The school was bigger than she imagined.
Students filled the courtyard, voices overlapping, laughter bouncing off walls. She felt small, invisible, and very aware all at once.
Jason noticed her first.
He stopped mid-laugh, eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
"Who's that?" he asked.
Ryan followed his gaze.
"No idea. New girl, I guess."
Jason watched Ariana as she looked down at her schedule, confused but calm.
Noah noticed her differently.
He saw the way she stood apart, the way she held her books close, the way her eyes scanned the school like she was bracing herself.
Something about her felt familiar.
He looked away before she could notice.
Inside the Classroom....
Ariana found her classroom and slipped into a seat near the window. She opened her notebook carefully, smoothing the page.
Whispers floated behind her.
"She's pretty."
"She's definitely new."
"She thinks she's smart?"
She pretended not to hear.
The teacher walked in.
"Good morning, class. Welcome to Grade 11."
The room quieted.
"We have a few new students this year."
The teacher glanced at Ariana.
"Please make them feel welcome."
Ariana lowered her gaze.
Jason walked in late, confident as ever.
"Sorry, sir."
The teacher sighed.
"Sit down, Jason."
Jason slid into his seat, eyes drifting back to Ariana.
Noah entered last, silent and unreadable, taking a seat at the back.
Vanessa Knight watched him closely, lips pressing into a thin smile.
Tiffany Rose leaned toward her.
"Jason didn't even look at me this morning," Tiffany whispered.
Vanessa's eyes never left Noah.
"Something's changing."
A New Energy.....
As lessons began, Ariana answered a question softly but correctly.
The teacher smiled.
"Excellent answer."
A few students turned to look at her.
Jason leaned forward, impressed.
"She's smart," he muttered.
Noah glanced up from his book, eyes meeting Ariana's for a brief second.
She looked away first.
The bell rang again.
Students stood, energy rising, excitement buzzing.
Ariana packed her books slowly, unaware of the attention already forming around her.
Jason stood, stretching.
"This year just got interesting," he said casually.
Noah adjusted his bag and walked out without a word, but his thoughts lingered.
Two boys. One girl.
None of them knew it yet—but this morning was only the beginning.
End of Episode 1