The Journey of a Novice

dents poured out of classrooms, their laughter bouncing off the walls. Emily lingered by her locker, slowly gathering her b

w, the stillness in Adrian's gaze had seen through her guarded shell, if only for a moment.

ep here, are you?" Rachel's teas

heepishly. "Ju

?" Rachel ask

betrayed her with a warm flush. "No, j

ll get used to it. Oakview might not look like muc

d a brow. "

w-the ones who think they run the school. Gossip, p

stood there, backpack slung over one shoulder, staring off into the distance. He looked completely at ease, untouched by t

Emily. "You're officially on his rad

a small laugh. "You're r

wn, she was

Her new room was modest-plain walls, a single shelf of books, and a corkboard she hadn't yet filled. She pu

voice, the way he hadn't hesitated to help her without making her feel small. He w

sed quickly, not wanting to be late. At school, she was greeted by a few polite smiles-faces star

y," Rachel said as

e the lost newbie again,"

made a good impression, tho

slightly. "Wha

esn't usually acknowledge people twice in

main building. Students gathered around, phones out, whisperin

ter, clearly upset. Her voice was raised, accusing another student of spreading

ens of the drama crowd. And that's Tyler-residen

off the tension. She turned to leave, only to find Adrian standing on the edge of the c

Emily got the strange feeling he was reading the scene, and

h lesson, but Emily struggled to focus. Her thoughts were restless, torn be

ally finding Rachel waving from a corner table. As she joined her, Adrian walked in, tray in hand. He d

k to him," Rach

"What? Why wo

u're curious. And you don't

Was she really

know what to sa

to say much," Rachel sai

tray. She didn't move. Not yet. But a small part of her-th