The heartbeat series

g campus felt intimidating, with students rushing in every direction like a sea of strangers. She glanc

to herself, scanning the p

map. After a few wrong turns and awkward moments standing in the middle of bustling hallways, she

warm smile. "You must be Antena. Welcome to East Ridge Acad

per. The receptionist gestured toward the hallway,

clutching her schedule, a vo

alre

, a mischievous grin on his face. He had tousled dark hai

s," Antena said, trying to sound

, glancing at her sched

"Uh, yeah.

that way. Come on." He m

ailing behind him as he navigat

id over his shoulder

" she sa

a. I'm Nate," he said, f

Nate pushed it open. "Here you go. Ho

ena said, ste

and all eyes turned toward her. She

said, smiling warmly. "Welcome! Why do

od at the front of the room. "U

ht of dozens of eyes on her. Suddenly, a voic

omeone forgot

elief. It was Nate-the same cute guy who had helped her find her way. He l

s cheeks burned hot. She felt a lump forming in

tention. "All right, settle down, everyone.

d to the desk. Sliding into the chair, she stared out th

She pressed her sleeve to her face, trying

. For a moment, he looked like he might say something, b

er into her seat. The first day at her new

d of cl

etching her hands out to red eyed Antena

ena to sit with her friends during lunch, the rest of the day goes smoothly she sees jenny in all her

for her but she quickly composed herself caught her bus and headed home as sh