Chapter 1 – The Last First Day
The alarm went off before the sun even rose, and for the first time in forever, I didn't complain. I jumped out of bed with that mix of excitement and laziness in my stomach. Today was the first day of my senior year. The last "first day" of my school life.
I went straight to the mirror and started my routine: skincare, hair, uniform perfectly in place, light makeup. Maybe I went a little overboard with the lip gloss, but… whatever. I wanted to start this year perfect, like I was writing the first lines of a new chapter in my life.
The kitchen was quiet, as always. My parents had left early for work — nothing new there. I grabbed some toast, took a quick sip of black coffee, and headed straight for the door.
Outside, Carolina's car was already waiting. She waved from the window, her dad at the wheel. Since middle school, we'd shared this daily ride to school.
— Wow, you look amazing — Carolina said the moment I got in, checking out my outfit and the extra effort I'd put into my hair. — You got all dressed up… is there someone special?
I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool:
— Oh, come on. Don't start. It's the first day. Just trying to make a good impression, that's all.
Carolina raised an eyebrow, smirking:
— "A good impression"... hmm. Let me guess… someone whose name starts with L? Someone you've been crushing on for, I don't know, six years?
I groaned, surrendering:
— Okay, okay. Maybe… part of it was because of Lucas. But you know, I really like him. After Jerry drifted off to college, Lucas ended up being the one who stayed close.
Carolina sighed dramatically:
— Then don't waste the chance. What if he freaks out and drifts away too, like his brother?
I shrugged, thoughtful:
— I don't blame Jerry… we're just in different phases of life. He has a girlfriend, almost fiancée… adult stuff. And me? I'm just a kid in my last year of high school.
— You know that's not an excuse, right? You guys were childhood best friends…
— I don't want to talk about it — I cut her off, firm. Then I took a deep breath and forced a smile. — You know what? I just want to care about silly stuff this year. Proms, school events, teen drama… I want to be completely superficial and happy. At least for a little while.
Carolina laughed.
— I like the way you think.
When we got to school, nothing seemed much different. Same hallways, same lockers, same familiar voices. Just a few new faces lost in the crowd.
And of course, it didn't take long for the dreaded vice principal, Ms. Janete — known to everyone as "Hallway Lady," since she spent more time patrolling than in her office — to appear in front of us.
— Welcome back, girls! — she said with a forced smile. — I hope to see you in extracurriculars too. Don't slow down just because it's your last year, okay?
I smiled politely:
— Don't worry. My parents have high expectations for me to get into a good college… so I'll do my best.
— And my mom is already choking me just thinking about me slacking for a second — Carolina added.
Ms. Janete nodded approvingly, then moved on to other students. I sighed theatrically:
— Looks like I'll have to meet expectations here too.
Carolina asked:
— So your parents are still on your case like that?
— They never stop — I replied bitterly. — Until I'm married to some rich old guy, living in a fancy apartment, with six kids… preferably boys, to take over my dad's business.
Carolina's eyes went wide, shocked.
— Ew, Hanna.
— Yep — I shrugged. — But maybe one day I'll prove I'm more than they think. I hope…
The bell rang loudly, cutting through the conversation. We checked our schedules and cheered when we saw we'd have almost all the same classes — except for math.
On the way to the first class, the entire school seemed to hold its breath when the new teacher walked in. Young, stylish, confident smile… he immediately caught everyone's attention. Chaos ensued.
Carolina and I exchanged a knowing look.
— Yep, the science classes are going to be packed.
— Totally — she whispered back, giggling.
I tried to focus. I really did. But even with all the new faces and the buzz in the room, one thing kept bothering me: Lucas wasn't there.
And suddenly, that empty space in the classroom felt bigger than it should.