CROSSED PATHS

he walls like a never-ending echo. Sophie Miller stood by the entrance, clutching her schedule and backpack as if t

herself. "You've done this bef

ving halfway through junior year had been the cherry on top of an already difficult year. Sophie inhaled deeply

umbers as she passed, trying to look like she knew where she was goi

she accidentally bumped into a gu

responding, just gave her a quick glare before disappearing into the crow

a balding man with thick glasses, was scribbling formulas on the whiteboard. Sophie scanned the room,

a boy who looked like he belonged on a magazine cover. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, but in a way that seemed

sked, leaning sl

how to respond. "Uh, y

around before," he said casu

ied, her voice bar

to attention. Sophie was relieved for the distraction. She wasn't used

-

ene felt like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. She carried her tray of food-an unap

d chatting. Sophie felt a pang of envy. Everyone seemed to know wh

er, careful not to bump into anyone this time. Just as she wa

ly curled hair and a smug smile sai

led an apology and backed away, clutching her tray. She spotted a

a voice said from

hair and a nose ring grinning at her. She wore

ay that," So

her hand. "Resident art nerd and unoffici

she shook Jenna's hand. "Sophie.

ir, crossing her arms. "Let

?" Sophie as

rounded by a pack of minions, thinks the world revolves

irl who had claimed the chai

t worry about her. She's all bark, no bit

felt a tiny spark of hope. Maybe thi

-

ng, Sophie was ready to collapse. She stuffed her books into her

he parking lot, she hea

hie!

ging toward her, a soccer

e said, s

asked, falling in

. Lon

ays are the worst. Don'

m a small smil

moment before Ryan spoke agai

lied. "Well, upstate N

rings you to

her life story on him, especially on the f

ell, if you ever need help finding your way around or just someo

eeling a strange mix of

d, Sophie watched him go, wondering why someon

-

ay in her mind. It hadn't been perfect, but it hadn't been a total disaster either. She had

new school wouldn't be