It was Luca's first day at school and it was nerve wrecking after so long. He was a smart student struggling with everyday youth issues, friends and fitting in. His mom did everything to take him back to school and he was grateful for that but apart from that school was the place he mostly dreaded in the past and even now. Living in an abusive house it seemed to haunt him at school too because he was a nerd and a victim of bullies, it's like he is good at attracting trouble wherever he goes will it be like that here too?
Breathing in he finally took a step inside after wishing a good day to his mom but like expected he was a victim of stares, alone again. Fortunately he made it to the office without bumping into anyone while he looked down so as not to make eye contact with anyone, he was handed his schedule which he thanked the teacher for "Luca you were such a good student in your previous school and despite everything I believe you still are we are grateful to have you here feel free to ask me anything you're confused about" he smiled, somehow he was relaxing at least the teachers here don't judge him "thank you Miss Scott"
And with that he walked out of the office trying to find his first class "I hope this goes well" he breathed again. Too late he was feeling out of place he had this strong sense of isolation even in crowds and this doesn't help at all.
He walks up to his class with an uneasy knot in his stomach feeling the familiar anxiety bubbling to the surface, a new school didn't promise a fresh start for him, it promises new bullies, new rumors and another year of trying to keep his head down.
Groups of students chatter in clusters their laughter echoing in the hallways, he grips his straps on his worn backpack tighter attempting to blend into the background.
Suddenly there was a new group of students louder, meaner and more intimidating than the usual crowd. Their piercing gazes sweep the halls like predators looking for prey and Luca feels their sights locking into him. But luckily someone stepped in before he could let his thoughts wonder "hey there you must be the new student" he was really loud for Luca "uh...yeah" he felt like he already lost his voice, he can't even speak properly it was so embarrassing "oh nice to meet you call me Hope" a hand was in front of him but there was something about this guy that was.... assuring "am Luca" he shook his hand "nice to meet you" he managed a smile without even forcing it. The bell rang off and Hope was looking forward to meeting him later.
He hates how the professor bring him forward to greet all the students and introduce himself, the class that was buzzing with students went quite all of a sudden and now all attention was on him making him flustered, like he practiced In front of his mirror in the room he introduced himself smoothly thankful he didn't stutter and no one even made fun of him just a lot of curiosity eyes and some even winking at him.
"Here" he sees a hand wave over him and he notices it was the same bubbly guy that he met earlier "from today onwards you sit over there he was the only person with no pair" lucky him should he say.
Hope was a cheerful and talkative classmate and unlike most of the other students Hope seemed genuinely interested in getting to know him. Hope shares his dislike for math pulling a small smile from Luca as he went though some of his books on the table "woah your really smart", his enthusiasm guinea for the first time Luca feels seen, he even promises to tutor if he's free.
.
.
As the day goes on Hope sticks to his side during breaks and walks with him to their next class. His warm easygoing nature begins to chip away at his guarded demeanor.
Fortunately the day was actually not that bad he made a friend for the first time someone who didn't judge him immediately it was such a relief he felt he has an ally in a world where he's always felt like he was on his own.
"Bye Luca hope to see you tomorrow again" Hope waves back at him since he was taking the opposite direction from him "bye Hope" he waved back with a smile.
Walking back home that day Luca felt lighter than he has in a long time. The thought of facing tomorrow no longer fills him with dread. For the first time in years he begins to hope that maybe, just maybe he isn't alone as he thought.
Just when he was walking by he found himself stopping in front of the 'out-of-place location he had discovered a few days ago when they moved in. It was in a hidden alley that felt as though it doesn't belong in the modern world. The space was suspended in time, never been touched in years and existing outside the normal boundaries of reality.
He takes a few steps into the area the air feeling different, thicker, heavier and unnaturally still. There was this undeniable pull towards it, calling to him but before he could fall into its succumb his inner voice shouted to him to walk away immediately and he didn't want to question it further. Without looking back he immediately ran away and headed back home..
.
.
"Honey how was school?" his mom was interested to know about how his day was and it brought a smile on his face making his rosy cheeks tinted pink almost immediately "it was great, I made a new friend" she immediately hugged him "congratulations am excited for you" he chuckled "mom it's not that deep just a friend" he tried but his mom was not listening "bring him over, spend time together don't want to see you hiding in your room" she had a point there "okay mom, soon" she hugged him the last time as the both prepared dinner like the usually do.
.
.