Chapter 3 MY NEW FRIEND

Tessy pov

I turned around.

A girl stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her eyes locked on the group with quiet fire. She was tall, brown-skinned, with long braids and a sharp confidence that filled the air

“She with you, Zara?” Cynthia asked, but her voice wasn’t so bold now.

“She is now,” Zara replied coolly.

A tense silence followed.

Then Cynthia scoffed. “Whatever. Let’s go.”, They turned and walked off, whispering under their breath. But I didn’t care. They were gone.

I stood there,

“You okay?” Zara asked, her voice softer now as she walked closer.

I nodded, barely. “Thanks”

“No need,” she shrugged. “Girls like that feed on fear. You just caught their attention. Don’t let it get to you.”

I nodded again, trying to find the right words.

She studied me for a moment, then smiled faintly. “I’m Zara. You?”

“Tessy.”

“Come on,” she said. “Let’s get out of here. You look like you could use a friend.”

And maybe… just maybe, she was right.

By the time I made it to my final lecture of the day, my legs felt like jelly, It had been a long day emotionally and physically and all I wanted was to get through this last class

As I stepped into the lecture hall, my eyes scanned for a free seat and then I saw him.

Brian.

Seated two rows behind me, relaxed like he didn’t carry a single worry. A few girls were gathered around him, laughing.. And there was Mabel, one of the girls who had cornered me earlier.

I rolled my eyes they disgust me

Our eyes met. He looked right at me. I looked away.

The lecturer strode in briskly, slamming a thick notebook onto the desk, and the room instantly settled into order.

I sank into my chair, doing everything I could to focus on the lecture, but my mind wandered. Not even my pen could stay still in my hand. Why did I keep crossing paths with this guy? And why did it make something stir inside me that I didn’t quite understand?

After class, I didn’t wait around. I asked for the location of the library. It was quiet, cool, and filled with that comforting smell of old books and paper. I headed to the far end, where there was a single window seat tucked away.

I pulled out my journal, fingers aching to spill thoughts I couldn't say aloud.

It’s only day one and I already feel like I’m swimming in a storm.

Why do I carry so much pain? Why does it still follow me like a shadow?

I paused, pressing the pen against the page.

I stopped writing, letting my hand rest.

As I packed my things and made my way toward the exit, I slowed at the sound of rustling books and soft murmurs.

There, at the end of one of the aisles, Brian was crouched down, helping an elderly cleaner gather a stack of spilled textbooks. She looked frazzled, but he was calm, smiling even as he gently arranged the books in her cart.

I stopped.

Why did I keep bumping into him?

Why did life keep throwing him into my path?

Feeling unsettled, I turned and walked out of the hall, letting the soft thud of the door echo behind me.

I didn’t look back.

But somehow, I knew this wasn’t going to be the last time.

By the time I got home, my body felt like it had been hit by a truck. I was beyond exhausted, I collapsed on my bed. I didn't even bother changing out of my clothes, barely managing to kick off my shoes before everything faded into a short, heavy nap.

When I woke up, the room was dark and quiet. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch. I forced myself up and fixed something light. But even as I ate, my mind wandered.

So much had happened today. Too much for just one day.

Once I was done, I grabbed my journal again, curling up by the window. I opened a new page and just let my pen go.

Brian.

That boy had taken up way more space in my thoughts than I wanted to admit. Those mean girls? I hated how small they made me feel. But I knew, somehow, I’d have to face them, sooner or later.

Then Zara,I didn’t realize how much I needed someone like that. I already liked her.

I closed my journal and sighed. Something tells me this school year won’t be smooth.And deep down, I feel it deeply.

The days went by slowly, like time was dragging its feet. I stayed on my own, doing the same things over and over,class, library, then back to my room. I didn’t eat at the cafeteria much anymore. I didn’t talk to anyone. I didn’t even look people in the eye.

It wasn’t because I hated them. I was just scared.

Scared of being seen too clearly. Scared of what I might say or do if someone got too close to me

I was afraid that the panic attacks would come again. And I didn’t want anyone to see me fall apart.

During break time on my way to the library, I was rushing down the staircase. I didn't notice the slight puddle of water, my feet landed on it and I slipped suddenly I felt a hand on my body.

“It was a male teacher,” I gasped.