Chapter 2: A New Arrival
Leah trudged into her workplace, exhausted from the day's events. Her boss, mercifully, didn't scold her, and she was grateful for the reprieve. After work, she felt like she was digging a hole to fill an ocean, her tiredness was so overwhelming. When she got home, she collapsed onto her bed, her mind fixed on one thing: sleep. She gazed at the photo of her beloved Grandma Luo, whom she missed dearly. That night, she had a vivid dream about Grandma Leah, reliving the beautiful moments they shared.
The next morning, Leah woke up earlier than usual, determined to get to school before the chaos began. As she entered her classroom, she was surprised to find it empty. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of peace. But her smile faltered when she thought about Grandma Luo, who had been the only kind person in her life. Grandma Luo had passed away from lung cancer, a tragedy that could have been prevented if only they had the money for treatment. Leah was determined to succeed in life and make her grandma proud.
As students began to file in, Leah noticed they were all engrossed in their own conversations. Even Lucy was distracted, chatting with the infamous twins, Lanna and Maya Donald. Leah couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but she sensed they were discussing a new student. Suddenly, a collective gasp filled the room as a stunningly handsome boy walked in. He was Angelo Marquez, the son of the wealthy businessman, accompanied by his friends Mark, Chase, and Jase Robertson, and his twin sister, Charlotte, who had striking pepper-red hair. Angelo's silver hair caught Leah's attention, and she found herself ogling him, lost in another world. She didn't even notice the teacher had entered the room until he called her name, snapping her back to reality.
Mr. Johnson's voice brought Leah back to reality, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she realized she had been staring at Angelo. She quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.
"Leah Stevens, please come here for a moment," Mr. Johnson said, his voice firm but kind.
Leah hesitated, wondering what she had done wrong now. But as she approached Mr. Johnson's desk, she noticed he was smiling.
"Leah, I'd like you to meet our new student, Angelo Marquez. Angelo, this is Leah Stevens, one of our top students."
Angelo's piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and Leah felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She tried to play it cool, but her heart was racing.
"Hi, Leah," Angelo said, his voice low and smooth. "It's great to meet you."
Leah mumbled a greeting, trying to hide her nervousness. She couldn't believe she was actually talking to the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen.
As the class began, Leah found herself stealing glances at Angelo, who was sitting a few rows ahead of her. She couldn't help but notice the way his silver hair fell across his forehead, or the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
But as the lesson progressed, Leah realized that Angelo was more than just a pretty face. He was smart, witty, and charming, and he seemed to be genuinely interested in the lesson.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Leah felt a sense of disappointment wash over her. She didn't want the class to end, didn't want to leave Angelo's presence.
But as she gathered her things and headed out of the classroom, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Angelo standing behind her, a smile on his face.
"Hey, Leah, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Leah's heart skipped a beat as she nodded, wondering what Angelo wanted to say to her.
Angelo's grip on her hand was firm but gentle, and Leah felt a surge of surprise mixed with a hint of excitement. She hadn't expected Angelo to be so persistent, but she found herself enjoying the warmth of his hand around hers.
"Come on, Leah, just one lunch," Angelo coaxed, his eyes sparkling with friendly persuasion. "My friends are really cool, and I think you'll like them."
Leah hesitated, unsure if she was ready to venture into the unknown, but Angelo's infectious enthusiasm eventually won her over. She found herself being led to the cafeteria, her hand still in Angelo's, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
As they sat down at a table with Angelo's friends, Leah was struck by their warm and welcoming nature. Mark, Chase, and Jase were hilarious, and Charlotte's quick wit and pepper-red hair made her an instant favorite. They included Leah in their conversation, asking her questions and listening attentively to her responses.
For the first time in weeks, Leah felt a sense of belonging, of being part of a group where she was valued and appreciated. Angelo's friends were the opposite of Lucy and her clique - they were kind, genuine, and supportive.
As the days went by, Leah found herself spending more and more time with Angelo and his friends. They would sit together at lunch, partner up for group projects, and even study together for exams. Leah's grades began to improve, and she felt a weight lifting off her shoulders.
She realized that she had been slowly slipping into depression, consumed by the loneliness and isolation of her daily life. But Angelo and his friends had changed that, filling her days with laughter, conversation, and a sense of purpose.
Leah was grateful for Angelo's persistence, for his refusal to take no for an answer. If it hadn't been for him, she might still be stuck in her dark place, feeling lost and alone.
But now, thanks to Angelo and his friends, Leah felt like she was finally finding her way, like she was slowly emerging from the shadows into a brighter, more hopeful future.