The light from the sun entered through the window of Ridgewood High and created streaks of gold on the floor. The noise of lockers slamming, laughter, and footsteps were the first thing I heard. Aria Bennett stepped into the chaos, her planner always tucked under her elbow and her arms full of books.

She was thinking about the day to come and a pop quiz in History, a debate in English, and her turn for the fundraiser in student council. Sophie, my best friend, slid next to me all of a sudden as I was approaching my locker.

"Aria, guess what!"sophie almost squealed, as she leaned beside the locker next to hers."

"What now?"Aria was busy unlocking the combination lock with her books.

"Ethan Carter's back," said Sophie, with a sort of dread.

Aria stopped as the door opened and the name drowned out the creaking of the locker. "Ethan Carter? Are you referring to Ethan Carter?".

Sophie nodded vigorously. Saw him at the office this morning. Same ominous glower, same leather jacket. You would expect him to look different at least after being gone for a year.

Aria moaned while she laid her forehead on the locker. Ethan Carter. Just hearing the name made me think of all those years we teased, played pranks, and fought. For as long as she could remember, he was the thorn in her otherwise perfect life.

Why has he returned now?" she muttered.

Sophie said, "Seems he somehow made the principal give him one last chance". It is said that he has something to prove

Aria rolled her eyes. "Great. Just what I need, a disaster walking back in my life.

Sophie poked her with a laugh. He is not too bad. Maybe he's changed.".

"I doubt it," Aria said, slamming her locker. People like Ethan Carter, well, don't change.

But, as they started to move to class, Aria's words were put to the test.

A known voice sounded from behind them. Still chatting about me, Bennett? I'm flattered.".

Ethan was standing a few feet away with a lazy smirk on his face when Aria turned. His unkempt black hair contrasted sharply with his bright blue eyes, which sparkled with mischief. He seemed more taller, leaner and somehow more infuriating than she recalled.

"Carter," she said with difficulty. I'm glad to see that you're still such a snob.

Ethan chuckled, stepping closer. "And you're still the same uptight know-it-all. It seems some things will never change.

Before Aria could retort, Sophie pulled her away. Let's go we're going to be late for class.

Aria let Sophie tug her along, but not before throwing one last glare before looking away. Ethan watched her walk away with a soft smirk.

---.

Later that day.

The students are busy making noise sitting at the tables in the cafeteria. Aria was with Sophie who was working on her notes for the debate.

"I don't believe they let him back in," Aria said, having flipped a page on her notebook. "He will create trouble as he usually does," he remarked.

"Or," Sophie rebutted, snatching a fry from Aria's tray, "he may surprise you. Perhaps he's here to make a fresh start.

Aria scoffed. "Highly unlikely.".

A loud noise by the door interrupted their conversation. Aria's gaze fell on Ethan. Ethan walked in through the cafeteria entrance with a couple of his friends. That room was changing as people noticed him, some whispering while others stared.

Ethan looked around the room and his eyes passed over Aria for a moment. She looked away fast, her cheeks hot.

"What was that?"Sophie was teasing."

"Nothing," Aria said quickly. "Absolutely nothing.".

Although she wanted to ignore him, Aria could not help but think that Ethan's return was going to change everything.