Nova's hands squeezed the soft comfy mattress beneath her before her lids lifted up quickly in fear. She quickly regretted it as the white light stung her eyes badly, earning a rough groan from her. When she managed to get a clear view and finally adjust her eyes to her surrounding, she noticed a glass curved over her. She was laying in a chamber.
Nova's eye still managed to hurt, squinting them tightly once more to ease the pain.
"When I said I wanted to be a Disney Princess, I did not mean Snow White," she mumbled as she pushed at the glass.
"Careful there. I'll get you out in a second."
Nova couldn't point out the voice. She couldn't, she never heard it before. A few buttons were heard before the glass cover flipped open.
She slowly managed to sit up, her fingers wrapping themselves around the chamber sides.
"You're Nova Adams, am I right?"
Her eyes still squinted shut and the throbbing feeling aching throughout her body, she still managed to dodge answering normally.
"If you haven't heard of my name, nor seen my face, you must be living under a rock."
When she heard the person chuckle, specifically a male, it sent a chill down her spine.
"You're not the first to tell me that, but I assure you I do know that you're the mayor's daughter."
"Good. Now can I have some pill? My head feels like a war is brewing up in it."
"I actually have something for that, but I suggest you open your eyes before taking it."
She slowly lifted her eyelids, the light stinging her eyes painfully. She didn't understand why it did, her eyes never experienced light sensitivity, which is why she was worried at the moment that her eyesight probably a problem.
When she finally managed to open them, she stared at the young man in front of her with awe. Fair skin, structured jaw, messy wavy hair, and those honey-brown eyes.
"You're hot."
Nova definitely knew it caught him off guard, the ability to blurt whatever came into her mind always did. He slowly handed her the small cup that contained a transparent liquid with a purple liquid.
She grabbed it from his hold and gulped it down like a shot. Not tasting anything. It's bland flavor making her tongue uncomfortable.
"And you're too young."
She handed the cup back with a frown on her face. "Young? You look like you just entered college!"
He walked away from her view, causing her to jump out of the chamber and untangle her hair with her nails to at-least look decent. She looked down at the white bodysuit she wore, shrugging.
Her mind tried to understand how come she had never met him. She knew everyone in town. Literally, everyone! Even the nerds, losers, and weirdos.
Her eyes roamed the white room, as her bare feet touched the cold marble floor. It looked like a lab. Next to her chamber, three lookalikes stood beside it, closed. It was pushed at the right corner of, what happens to be, the exit door.
In the center of the room stood four grey and white counters with an opening in the center and between the two that stood behind the other. At least two white stools were set in each one. It reminded her of the chemistry lab in her school, but with fewer counters.
At the very center of the opposite wall had a very large screen with a long curved counter underneath it filled with buttons Nova never saw, and a large digital keyboard. Right in between the counters and the "button station", a large circular step that looked like a mini stage.
Before she could ask where she was, he had replied to her after typing something on the keyboard.
"I finished college."
He handed her a pair of sweatpants, her face scrunching up in disgust before slipping them on. "So, twenty-five?"
"Eighteen."
"Wow, you must be really smart to graduate from college that young."
"Thank you, you're the first to actually know that without giving the "are you joking" expression."
He walked towards the door, opened it, and gestured for Nova to walk out. She slowly did, watching him close the door behind him and walk to the left of the crowded hall with people wearing the same lab coat as him.
She rushed by his side, stared at him up and down before asking her next question.
"Taking from the scientist look, you must work here?"
"Yes, I'm a chemist here at Everford chemistry lab. I will be taking care of you and your friends for the time being."
Professor Rivera! Meeting in five."
"Thanks, I'll be there."
Nova turned to see who called out from behind her with her brows knitted before turning at the man next to her while a surprised look.
"Oh my gosh! You're a Rivera! No wonder I've never seen you! You never attended one of my father's yearly balls. I've met your parents though and they're-"
"I don't like parties."
Nova realized that the subject seemed to bother him and decided to shut her mouth.
They both entered the elevator as she watched him press the button that led to the fifth floor.
Since they were on the 16th floor, she knew it would take some time to reach down.
"So, are you single?"
He looked at her surprised. "This is not appropriate."
"Why not? I'm 16. It's legal in this state."
"I'm not doing this."
This angered her a bit. Nova wasn't used to men turning her down at all.
"Do you not find me attractive at all?"
He stared at her. "You're cute, but not my type." He walked out of the elevator as she stared at him dumbfounded.
What?
"I'm everyone's type!"
Everyone looked at her surprised, causing Nova's cheeks to turn a light shade of pink as she rushed out of the elevator.
She joined the professor's side, noticing the little smirk he had on.
"I've realized you haven't asked questions like the rest of your friends."
She knew what he was doing. He was trying to change the mood.
"Friends? What friends? Did Natasha come? I barely doubt she came. The girl literally wouldn't visit me at the hospital even if it would save her. She thinks it's "uncool"," Nova chuckled lightly before continuing lightly, "For some reason, she's my only real friend, really cares for me."
"If she did I'm pretty sure she'd visit you- never mind. I have yet to meet Natasha, but I have met your other friends who seem to be way cooler."
Cooler than Natasha? Nova scoffed with a small smile. I doubt it.
They both entered the cafeteria, her eyes immediately searching the room. Her smile turned into a frown as she saw the three familiar faces chowing down on their food, Lucas giving her a big wave with the stretch of his arm.
"Those are not my friends."
"They seem cool to hang out with though."
"No! Noah is that kid in school with the L tag. Don't get me wrong, I live for gay people, but him? That's completely ridiculous! Don't get me started on Ms. "I am president"! That girl holds too much pride, believe me, it'll be her downfall. I don't mind Lucas, but his older brother is much more good looking."
"Wow... Okay?"
She looked at him with raised brows and her hands on her hips. "I'm not sitting with them."
He sighed before resting his hand on her shoulder, "I suggest you go and give your stomach some food. Allow them to fill you in since your memory hasn't hit yet. I'll have to attend the meeting, but I'll be back in a bit."
"Y-yeah...sure."
Nova was totally not paying attention to what he just said. Her mind was focused on his hand that rested itself on her shoulder. It made her feel tingles as she realized that's the only attention of liking he'd given her.
He gave her a million worth smile before turning and making his way out.
"I do not have a crush on him."