Chapter 4 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

"So, who's your favorite among the Phoenix 4?" I asked, watching as she blushed.

"Huh? It's definitely Zane. Who else could it be?" she replied with a grin.

"But if you had to pick between Max and Zane, who would it be?" I pressed, and she looked momentarily caught off-guard.

"Well... that's a tough one. Max is really great too, kind of comparable to Zane. But I think I'd still pick Zane," she admitted, and I smiled at her enthusiasm.

"What about the 'lovergirls'? Are they in my grade?" I asked curiously, and Carissa scrunched her face in distaste.

"Who? Those spoiled, arrogant brats?" she asked, and I couldn't help but respond with surprise.

"Huh? Why do you say that about them? I think they're fantastic!" I defended, feeling protective of them.

"Trust me, you haven't met them yet. They're total vipers, especially their leader, Isabella. She's ruthless. Seriously, be careful around them."

I scoffed and shook my head. Was she serious? Isabella was my role model! How could she say to be cautious of her?

Carissa and I chatted for a while, and I found I really enjoyed her company. She was fun.

After lunch, she walked with me to class. Unfortunately, since we were in different grades, she had to leave after that.

Honestly, I didn't enjoy my first day at Starlake High as much as I'd hoped. I hadn't really met any of my idols, aside from Zane, who had completely ignored me.

Eventually, the school day came to an end, and everyone headed home.

When I got back, I was relieved to find Dad around. At least his wife and kids didn't have the chance to bully me.

Too bad he'd be leaving tomorrow.

We had dinner together, and I shared a bit about my first day at Starlake High. I didn't mention anything about Zane, though.

We spent a good amount of time talking, and after a while, I headed up to my room for a bath and some rest.

Like I said, these little privileges were only available when Dad was around.

The moment he leaves again tomorrow, my life is going to turn into absolute chaos.

I pulled out my diary and wrote about my encounter with Zane.

It was brief, but it meant the world to me. I couldn't help smiling the entire time.

I remembered his charming words:

"Do you realize this is a restricted area?"

Sweet? Did I just say sweet?

Well, it was scary at first, but now it just felt special.

Oh, Zane!

I could picture how adorable he looked when he turned to pick up his keys, those dazzling eyes of his, the perfect nose, those lovely pink lips, and that tousled hair.

I wished I could see that face again, even if just for a second.

"I really like you, Zane," I wrote in my diary.

"I wish I could take away all the sadness you feel. It's just too bad you seem to dislike girls now."

I closed the diary and lay back, rethinking everything.

I genuinely wished I could see Zane again.

Tomorrow was Tuesday, right? And we had Further Math.

Mr. Leonard was definitely going to drag him to class.

Oh, God! I could hardly wait.

I wanted to sit next to him.

I woke up the next morning feeling pretty excited.

After breakfast, I got ready for school, and Dad drove me there.

"See you later, Nora," he said as he stopped in front of the school, waiting for me to get out.

I was in the front seat with him.

"Dad," I called sadly.

"When are you leaving?"

"Oh, in less than two hours," he replied, and my heart sank.

"Uhm... how long will you be gone?" I asked.

"Probably a few weeks," he said.

My heart ached at the thought. I couldn't imagine living with that family of his alone.

"Don't worry, Nora. Everything will be fine, okay?" he reassured me, kissing my forehead. I smiled at him before stepping out of the car.

Hmm. Back at Starlake High. I hoped today wouldn't be as boring as yesterday.

As I walked into the building, I admired all the students I passed. Some of the guys were staring keenly at me.

I made my way to the classroom and took a seat at the back next to the window.

More students continued to troop in as I scanned the room for the Phoenix 4.

Oh, Further Math was the last class before the break.

Oh no. That means the Phoenix 4 might not show up until later.

After a little while, the first teacher came in and started our science lesson.

I barely paid attention, feeling restless since it wasn't what I was waiting for.

Then, after 45 minutes, the next teacher came in for social norms. Finally, we reached the moment I'd been eagerly anticipating, Further Math!

I could hardly contain my excitement!

The Further Math teacher came in and began teaching, and I felt a little perplexed when the Phoenix 4 still hadn't arrived.

What's going on?

I scratched my head, unable to focus on the lesson since I was so distracted.

Where are the Phoenix 4? Weren't they supposed to be here for Mr. Leonard's class?

I felt anxious and began to lose focus in class, disappointed that I hadn't spotted them yet.

"Can anyone help with the equation on the board?" Mr. Leonard's voice suddenly broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see the board.

The equation looked familiar.

"Anyone? Nora? The new student?" he called, and I was surprised to hear my name.

Students turned to look at me, and nerves set in.

"Nora, can you help us out?" he asked again, and I cleared my throat uncomfortably.

"Uhm... okay, sir," I replied, standing up and walking to the front of the class to take the marker from him.

I turned to face the board and started solving the equation.

True, it was a familiar setup from previous years, but since it was Further Maths, it required some longer calculations.

I was so focused on the board, immersed in the equation, when suddenly I heard gasps and whispers from the students.

Curious, I turned to see what was happening, and oh my God!

The Phoenix 4!!!

They made it!

They came!

Oh, my God!

Is this a dream?