CROSSED PATHS

The hallway was alive with noise-lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking on polished floors, and voices bouncing off the walls like a never-ending echo. Sophie Miller stood by the entrance, clutching her schedule and backpack as if they were life preservers. The shiny, unfamiliar corridors of Meadow Creek High stretched endlessly in front of her.

"Okay, Sophie," she muttered to herself. "You've done this before. It's just another school."

But this wasn't just another school. This was her new school, in a new town, thanks to her parents' divorce. Moving halfway through junior year had been the cherry on top of an already difficult year. Sophie inhaled deeply, trying to steady the butterflies rioting in her stomach, and began weaving her way through the crowded hallway.

Her first class was Chemistry in Room 204. She glanced at the room numbers as she passed, trying to look like she knew where she was going. The last thing she wanted was to stick out on her very first day.

"Hey, watch it!" someone barked as she accidentally bumped into a guy carrying an armful of notebooks.

"Sorry!" Sophie said quickly, her cheeks flushing. The boy didn't bother responding, just gave her a quick glare before disappearing into the crowd. Great. Barely five minutes in and she was already causing traffic jams.

She finally found Room 204 and slid into the nearest empty seat, keeping her head down. The teacher, a balding man with thick glasses, was scribbling formulas on the whiteboard. Sophie scanned the room, hoping no one would notice her. Most of the students were already chatting in pairs or small groups.

As she unpacked her notebook, someone dropped into the seat next to her. She glanced up, startled, and locked eyes with a boy who looked like he belonged on a magazine cover. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, but in a way that seemed intentional. His warm hazel eyes sparkled with a mix of confidence and mischief, and his crooked smile revealed a dimple.

"New here?" he asked, leaning slightly toward her.

Sophie nodded, unsure how to respond. "Uh, yeah. Just moved here."

"Thought so. Haven't seen you around before," he said casually. "I'm Ryan, by the way."

"Sophie," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before the conversation could go further, the teacher called the class to attention. Sophie was relieved for the distraction. She wasn't used to talking to guys like Ryan-confident, friendly, and completely at ease.

---

By lunchtime, Sophie was feeling overwhelmed. The classes weren't bad, but navigating the social scene felt like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. She carried her tray of food-an unappetizing slice of pizza and a carton of chocolate milk-into the cafeteria, scanning for an open seat.

The room was packed with students clustered at tables, laughing and chatting. Sophie felt a pang of envy. Everyone seemed to know where they belonged. She, on the other hand, had no idea where to sit.

Spotting an empty chair near the back, Sophie made her way over, careful not to bump into anyone this time. Just as she was about to sit, someone's hand shot out and grabbed the chair.

"Sorry, taken," a girl with perfectly curled hair and a smug smile said, not bothering to look at Sophie.

Sophie's face burned as a few nearby students snickered. She mumbled an apology and backed away, clutching her tray. She spotted another open seat and quickly sat down before anyone could claim it.

"Rough first day?" a voice said from across the table.

Sophie looked up and saw a girl with dyed purple hair and a nose ring grinning at her. She wore a baggy sweater with paint smudges on the sleeves.

"You could say that," Sophie admitted.

"I'm Jenna," the girl said, sticking out her hand. "Resident art nerd and unofficial guide to surviving Meadow Creek High."

Sophie couldn't help but smile as she shook Jenna's hand. "Sophie. And thanks. I could use the help."

Jenna leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Let me guess-you ran into Amber."

"Who's Amber?" Sophie asked, confused.