New friend

Oak tree preparatory school and learning institution is a hyper-modern prestigious school created to nurture future adventurers as well as scientists, doctors, authors and more. It is an architectural marvel, sprawling across a vast campus that seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with opulence. The grand entrance features a sleek, glass facade, allowing natural light to flood the expansive interior. Inside, the school boasts state-of-the-art sports and game facilities. The hallways are wide and elegantly designed, lined with contemporary artwork and adorned with luxurious finishes.

Students from diverse backgrounds and varying statures navigate these hallways, united by their shared wealth. This common thread of affluence is reflected in their polished uniforms, sophisticated gadgets, and the exclusive amenities available to them. The school exudes an atmosphere of exclusivity and high achievement, making it a hub of privilege and excellence.

The campus is surrounded by a meticulously maintained large lawn. Now, a certain Nicholas Barclay was running across that lawn in order atleast be a 'bit late' for class.

'Hopefully Laura won't be too mad,' Nick thought. Nicholas and Laura McLean have been through a lot together. Too much for a teacher-student relationship. Aside from their daily arguments, Laura and he had quite a bit in common. She'd help him whenever Lucas and he's gang would come and try kick his teeth in or break his wrist. And he'd help her with preparing any school based assessments. She knew Nicholas was a very smart boy, owing to his curious personality and passion for reading. He particularly enjoyed novels about life before the worms and powers and monsters.

He'd always had this irresistible craving to find out about how the earth begun, who made it or how the worms REALLY came about and why they completely flip the science and logic we humans have cultivated for the last few millennia on top of its head. He also loved to read about the past, about the old architectural design of the world. How there was a large continent in the middle of the world, not like Tomorrow, but it had all the animals and ores of the world. Animals that are now almost extinct and ores that either disappeared or lost significance with the coming of the worms. Or about a single country, an island, that was also a continent with its own unique ecosystem. Which sank and is now lost to the sea.Or about old Gods and emperors leading armies a million strong into battle. Old Gods and emperors that are now dead, rotting and slowly becoming part of the Earth.

Nick was quickly walking through Oak Tree's large hallways to class 3A. He found the door open. He quickly glanced inside and knocked twice on the door. Professor McLean, who'd just begun teaching, waved him in without looking at him. He walked towards her, murmured a small apology and went to go find his seat. He gave the room a quick sweep with his stormy grey eyes. He noticed everyone staring at him but he ignored them. The corner he usually sat in was now currently occupied by a smiling Lucas, pleased that he had irritated Nick.

Nick sighed, exasperated he's eyes locked on a free seat on his right, near the window, next to a girl. The seats and tables were connected in pairs. In five long strides he reached the seat.

"Are you saving this for anyone?" He asked pointing at the seat.

"No, you can have it," she replied without looking at him. Her voice was in a whisper but it sounded confident, deep or rather more mature. Nick couldn't quite describe it.

He murmured a thank you and sat down. However something made him stop, almost jolt. Infront of him, on his table was the book he was certain he left in his room. It was the same leather bound note book with the latch and everything. He closed his eyes, rubbed them and blinked twice, hoping it would disappear. However it was still there, sitting on his table, waiting.

'This can't be right' he thought,'maybe it's hers.'

He turned to look at the girl on his left, "urhm excuse me?"

"What," she said still not looking at him.

"Is this notebook yours?" He asked.

She glanced at the book then at him then turned back.

"No," she said bluntly.

It wasn't really blunt, it was just a regular 'No' Nick just assumed her answer was put out too bluntly.

"I'm Nicholas Barclay by the way," he said holding out his hand. He didn't know why he had done what he did. Nick has never been good at holding conversations with the people he lives with, let alone a girl he'd just met.

This time she fully turned her body in his direction.

"I know" she said, "you're actually quite popular, everyone knows the guy who always butts heads with Professor McLean."

"Really?" He said, a bit shocked, but he was enjoying it for some reason. He even let a small smirk play on his features. But he looked away not letting her see it. Turning back to her, he was now staring into her eyes 'she's quite pretty,' he thought.

"I didn't realise." he finally said.

This time it was her holding out her hand, "My name is Selene Longoria, nice to meet you, Nicholas."

He gently took it "Nick," he said softly.

"What?" She replied leaning in closer. Too close actually.

He could now clearly see her features. Long, straight black hair, almost as dark as his, with some gentle curls towards the tips that cascade all the way down to her lower back. Her eyes green, but not like a thick forest with dark green leaves and vines and again not like a field of pale green grass, just somewhere in between, with delicate flecks and hints of blue that add depth. A small number of light freckles dust her smooth, flawless skin, which has a radiant, even texture. Her face has a graceful, smooth shape, perfectly complementing her delicate features. Her lips are full and supple, adding a touch of sensuality.

Stumbling on his own words Nick finally said, "Ohh I said I can call you Nick... No I mean I'm called Nick... Well not by everyone, people at this school usually call me Nic-small-ass Barflay but I mean you can call me Nick." His last words growing faint towards the end. He didn't know why he was so suddenly overwhelmed. 'Maybe it's because she leaned in too close, dang I've really messed up. I bet she thinks I'm a weirdo,' he thought while looking down.

Selene just laughed. It wasn't too loud because Laura was lecturing. But Nicholas thought it was the most beautiful laughter he'd ever heard. Her laugh was sincere, with raw emotion. But there were some playful elements in.

"Alright I guess I'll call you Nick," she said smiling, now turning her attention back to the front of the class.

Snapping out of his daze, he turned back to the book infront of him. He picked it up and examined it. The book was actually high quality, with a sense of timeless craftsmanship. Its leather cover, appearing hand-made, features a rich, textured black with different dark shades playing across it, giving it an aged yet resilient quality. The professional stitching that binds the pages is precise and strong, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. The leather is marred with subtle engravings and marks, hinting at its storied history and character.

The pages, reminiscent of high-quality parchment, are smooth with a gentle roughness, crafted to resist tearing and wear. They remain completely blank, their pristine state an invitation for new thoughts and ideas. A simple but sturdy latch secures the book, emphasizing functionality over embellishment. Although the book isn't too eye catching, its craftsmanship speaks volumes, reflecting an unimaginable amount of skill and care in its creation.

Since it had no name in it, Nick decided to write his at the top of the first page. Then something really strange happened.