In room 313 of Blackwood High, the low murmur of teenage chatter filled the air as students filed into the classroom, their laughter echoing off the walls. The atmosphere buzzed with the energy of a new school year, filled with both excitement and apprehension.
Aria entered quietly, scanning the room until her eyes landed on her cousins, Bianca and Serena, seated at the front with their friends. They glanced at her briefly, whispering to each other, but Aria ignored them.
"Can you believe them? They look at you like you've done something wrong just by existing," Ava whispered, rolling her eyes. "Let's just sit at the back and stay away from the drama."
Aria smiled faintly. "Good idea. I'd rather not start the day with their nonsense."
As they settled into their seats, the door opened, and Mrs. Smith, their homeroom teacher, walked in. She was followed by a tall, confident young man who immediately caught everyone's attention.
His name was Jackson Martin, and as he introduced himself, his steady, clear voice carried across the room, commanding attention. His brown eyes sparkled with a quiet confidence, and his charming smile made it impossible not to be drawn to him.
Aria froze when their eyes met. His expression softened, and he smiled slightly, as though recognizing her. Ava nudged her excitedly.
"He's looking at you!" Ava whispered.
"Don't be so obvious!" Aria hissed, her cheeks turning red as she focused on her notebook.
Bianca, noticing Jackson's presence, perked up immediately. Realizing this was likely the transferee she and Serena had discussed the night before, she whispered something to Serena before scooting over to offer Jackson the seat beside her.
"Jackson, right?" Bianca said with a sweet smile. "Sit here! I promise I don't bite."
Jackson politely took the seat, but his attention flickered briefly to the back of the room, where Aria sat quietly taking notes.
—
After class, Aria and Ava decided to grab lunch at their favorite fast-food spot, Quickbite Haven. On their way, they bumped into Bianca, who was clinging to Jackson's arm, chatting animatedly about school.
Jackson's gaze landed on Aria, and he smiled warmly, but before he could say anything, Bianca interrupted.
"Oh, don't mind her," Bianca said, her tone casual but slightly dismissive. "That's just Aria, my cousin. She's…quiet."
Aria, refusing to let the comment bother her, nodded politely to Jackson and continued walking with Ava. She could feel his eyes on her, and something about the way he looked at her felt familiar, though she couldn't place why.
—
As they ate, Ava leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Okay, spill it. How do you know Jackson? He couldn't stop looking at you!"
Aria sighed, pushing a fry around on her plate. "I don't know. His face feels familiar, but I can't remember where I've seen him before."
Ava smirked. "Well, if you don't remember, maybe it's destiny. You should talk to him!"
Aria laughed, shaking her head. "You sound like one of those cheesy romance movies."
"Hey, I'm just saying—he's cute, you're beautiful. Why not?"
"You're biased because you're my best friend," Aria teased. "Besides, aren't you supposed to be focused on Lucas?"
"Speaking of Lucas, where is he?"
"Oh, he's fine, he said he just took care of some family matters," Ava said with a wave of her hand. "But we're talking about you now, don't change the subject, missy."
The conversation lightened Aria's mood, but she couldn't shake the strange feeling that Jackson's appearance wasn't just a coincidence.
—
That evening, Aria returned home to find her aunt in the living room, flipping through a magazine.
"You're late," Vivian remarked, barely looking up. "Chores are waiting. Don't just stand there."
"Yes, Ma'am," Aria replied, heading to her room to change. She wasn't in the mood to argue, knowing it would only make things worse.
After finishing the household chores and cooking dinner, Aria took out her textbooks and started reviewing for a potential quiz Mrs. Smith might give. Despite her struggles in academics, she was determined to stay ahead. She was not the brightest girl when it comes to academics, but she tries to do her best. On the other hand, she is most passionate about music. It is her comfort, her escape and it brings her to the world where all is well.
Later, she decided to unwind by playing her guitar. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she strummed the familiar chords of Castle on the Hill, her favorite song, letting the music wash over her.
Her voice, soft but rich with emotion, filled the space as she sang. The words of the song seemed to echo her longing for a place she didn't even remember -- a place where she belonged, where she was loved.
"I'm on my way
Drivin' at ninety down those country lanes…"
Her mind wandered as her fingers strummed the melody. For a moment, she imagined her parents' faces, blurry but smiling at her from some distant memory. She did not often let herself dwell on thoughts of them because it was too painful, too full of questions she couldn't answer.
Before she could finish the verse, Bianca appeared in her doorway, her arms crossed.
"Aria," Bianca said with a sigh. "Why do you always have to play so loud? I can hear you from my room."
Aria stopped playing and looked up. "Sorry. I didn't realize it was bothering you. I'll stop."
Bianca hesitated, her annoyance softening. "Just…don't stay up too late, okay? You'll be tired for school tomorrow."
Aria nodded, watching as Bianca left. Picking up her guitar again, she strummed softly, thinking about how even small moments like these could reveal a different side to someone.
"Maybe there's more to her than I thought," Aria murmured to herself, her fingers lightly brushing the strings.
Her gaze drifted to the moonlight streaming through her small window. It was a soothing presence, reminding her that even in darkness, there was beauty. She wondered about Jackson. Why did his presence stir something inside her? Was it just his striking features or the nagging familiarity in his eyes?