Chapter 13:First Day

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The morning light filtered through the curtains of Lucas's room, casting soft, shifting patterns on the walls. The sun's early rays slipped through the gaps in the fabric, illuminating the room with a gentle, golden hue. Lucas stirred awake, stretching lazily and blinking away the remnants of sleep. His eyes wandered to the corner of his closet, where his latest acquisition lay hidden beneath a pile of clothes.

With a sense of anticipation, he reached for the jar and carefully pulled it out from its secret spot. The jar was small and clear, revealing the dark, coiled figure of a small snake. Lucas's heart quickened with a twisted thrill at the thought of his recent capture. He unscrewed the lid and peered inside, only to find the snake lying motionless at the bottom. Its tiny, lifeless body was curled into an almost serene shape.

A cold smile curled at Lucas's lips as he stared at the dead creature. The satisfaction of his successful hunt was marred only slightly by the snake's unfortunate fate. To him, it was a reminder of his control over even the smallest lives.

"Good," he muttered under his breath, a chilling note of satisfaction in his voice. He screwed the lid back on and placed the jar carefully back in its hiding spot, covering it with the pile of clothes once more.

As he made his way downstairs, the aroma of breakfast wafted through the house, mingling with the early morning air. Ms. Thomson was already hard at work in the kitchen, her movements a blend of efficiency and practiced ease. She moved around with purpose, chopping vegetables and stirring pots, the rhythmic clinking of utensils filling the space with a comforting normalcy.

Lucas entered the kitchen, his steps deliberate. Ms. Thomson glanced up from her work, her face lighting up with a warm, genuine smile. Her affection was a rare and welcome contrast to the cold atmosphere of the rest of the house.

"Good morning, Lucas," she greeted, her voice filled with a comforting warmth. "Breakfast will be ready in just a minute."

Lucas gave her a nod of acknowledgment, taking a seat at the table. Moments later, Mrs. Morton appeared, her demeanor as bright and forced as ever. Her overly cheerful smile seemed almost too wide, a stark contrast to the more authentic warmth of Ms. Thomson. She took a seat across from Lucas, her eyes sparkling with an unnerving enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Lucas," Mrs. Morton said, her tone deliberately bright.

"Morning," Lucas replied, keeping his expression neutral. He could feel the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.

Ms. Thomson placed a steaming plate of eggs and toast in front of Lucas, her gentle pat on his shoulder a silent gesture of care. She then moved to serve Mrs. Morton, her movements smooth and practiced.

As they began to eat, the clinking of cutlery and the faint hum of conversation were the only sounds breaking the morning's tranquility. Mrs. Morton cleared her throat, an indication that she was preparing to deliver some important news.

"Lucas, I wanted to let you know that Dimitri will be attending Crestwood starting today," she announced, her voice carrying an air of importance.

Lucas paused mid-bite, his fork hovering above his plate. A flicker of irritation sparked within him, but he quickly masked it behind a neutral expression. "Great," he said flatly, his tone betraying none of his inner thoughts.

Mrs. Morton continued, seemingly oblivious to his lack of enthusiasm. "I think it will be good for both of you. You can help him get settled in, maybe show him around a bit."

Lucas's smile tightened into a thin line. "Sure," he replied, the word escaping his lips with forced casualness.

Ms. Thomson glanced at Lucas with a hint of concern in her eyes, her silent empathy a stark contrast to the oblivious cheerfulness of Mrs. Morton. She knew better than to intervene in Mrs. Morton's plans, understanding the delicate balance of their household dynamics.

"Just give him a chance, Lucas," Mrs. Morton added, her tone now carrying a note of imploring sincerity. "He seems like a nice boy, and I think you two could become good friends."

Lucas jabbed at his eggs with a little more force than necessary, his mind already racing through various scenarios on how to handle Dimitri's unwelcome presence at Crestwood. He gave Mrs. Morton a noncommittal nod, eager to move on from the conversation and escape the clutches of the forced optimism surrounding him.

As the meal progressed, Lucas's thoughts were occupied with the implications of Dimitri's arrival. He wondered how this new factor would influence the dynamics at Crestwood and what strategies he would need to employ to maintain his own sense of control amidst the shifting landscape of his life.

When breakfast finally came to an end, Lucas retreated to his room, the echoes of Mrs. Morton's cheerful directives still ringing in his ears. The anticipation of dealing with Dimitri added a new layer of complexity to his already intricate web of plans. The day ahead promised to be anything but ordinary, and Lucas couldn't help but feel a strange mix of dread and excitement at the prospect of the new challenges that lay ahead.

---

The sun climbed higher in the sky as Lucas made his way to Crestwood, his footsteps echoing softly against the pavement. The walk had given him time to think, but it had also increased his unease about the day ahead. As he approached the school gates, he could see the familiar bustle of students arriving, their chatter and laughter filling the air with a sense of ordinary chaos.

Lucas's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of Dimitri. His earlier unease was justified when he spotted Dimitri standing off to one side, near the gates but not quite in the main flow of students. Dimitri's posture was slightly hunched, his gaze cast downward, giving him an appearance of shyness and introversion.

Their meeting the previous day had left a sour taste in Lucas's mouth. Mrs. Morton had introduced them, and Dimitri's offhand comment had been anything but friendly.

As Lucas approached, Dimitri's eyes flicked up, and a strained smile slowly spread across his face. He straightened, his movements deliberate as he prepared to address Lucas.

"Um, Lucas," Dimitri began, his voice soft but carrying a note of forced sincerity. "I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to, uh, offend you. I just wasn't thinking."

Lucas stopped, his irritation flaring at the memory of Dimitri's comment. He kept his expression guarded, though his annoyance was palpable. "Yeah, I remember."

Dimitri's eyes met Lucas's with an almost pleading look. "I really am sorry. I know it was rude, and I didn't mean to come across like that. I just... I was nervous and didn't think before I spoke."

Lucas studied Dimitri's face, noting the careful balance between apology and manipulation. Dimitri's demeanor of shyness seemed like a veneer over something much more calculating. "Whatever," Lucas said flatly. "Let's just get to it. I've got a lot to do today."

Dimitri's smile remained, though it had a brittle edge to it. "Thanks for understanding. I appreciate it."

As they began walking towards the school entrance, Dimitri fell into step beside Lucas, maintaining a carefully measured distance. His movements were deliberate, and Lucas could feel the subtle intensity emanating from him. Dimitri's attempt at friendliness felt calculated, an effort to disarm Lucas and win him over.

"So, what's the first thing I should know about Crestwood?" Dimitri asked, his voice soft but with an underlying edge.

Lucas hesitated, his irritation from their previous encounter still simmering beneath the surface. "Well, just keep your head down and stay out of trouble. That's usually the best way to get by."

Dimitri's smile widened slightly, though it carried an unsettling coldness. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

As they walked together through the bustling corridors of Crestwood, Dimitri's façade of shyness remained intact. He was polite and respectful, asking questions about the layout of the school and the different classes. Yet, his questions had an undertone of probing, as though he was not just learning about the school but also about the people in it.

Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that Dimitri was playing a dangerous game. His careful balance of shyness and underlying menace made Lucas uncomfortable, reminding him of their previous encounter. Dimitri's presence was an unwelcome complication in Lucas's life.

By the time they reached the end of their makeshift tour, Lucas felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension. Dimitri had managed to maintain his delicate balance of shyness and underlying menace throughout,leaving Lucas somewhat pissed and frustrated.

As they parted ways, Lucas glanced back at Dimitri, who watched him with that same inscrutable gaze.

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The news of Dimitri's transfer to Crestwood spread like wildfire. By the time the first bell rang, students were already buzzing with speculation. Dimitri's presence quickly became the subject of whispers and sideways glances as he navigated the hallways, his nervous energy palpable.

Lucas, arriving at school just in time to avoid the worst of the crowd, watched from a distance. He leaned against his locker, observing Dimitri's interactions with a mix of suspicion and irritation.

Dimitri, dressed in a perfectly pressed outfit and carrying a meticulously organized backpack, moved with a blend of nervousness and calculated poise. He seemed to be aware of every pair of eyes on him, his gaze flickering from one student to another. There was something almost theatrical about his movements, a carefully crafted performance of shyness and vulnerability. To Lucas, this was just another layer of manipulation—a facade designed to charm and disarm.

Lucas's irritation was compounded by his earlier encounter with Dimitri the night before. He had caught Dimitri watching him from the shadows, an experience that left him feeling unsettled and on edge. The memory of those piercing eyes peering at him from the darkness lingered, adding a tinge of paranoia to his perceptions of Dimitri's behavior.

As the day unfolded, Lucas kept a close eye on Dimitri. He watched as Dimitri moved through the corridors, greeted by a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm from his peers. Dimitri was consistently courteous, engaging in thoughtful conversations and demonstrating a seemingly genuine desire to fit in. He offered to help students with their lockers, answered questions with a polite attentiveness, and smiled warmly at anyone who approached him.

During Science class, Dimitri's behavior was particularly perplexing. He was active in discussions, his questions thoughtful and his insights perceptive. Dimitri's interactions with the teacher were respectful and engaged, his demeanor open and eager. Lucas, seated in the back of the room, found himself increasingly uncertain. He tried to focus on the lesson, but his mind kept drifting back to Dimitri's actions.

Dimitri's apparent kindness was difficult to reconcile with Lucas's initial suspicions. The new student's willingness to help others and his genuine interest in class were at odds with the manipulative persona Lucas had anticipated. The more Lucas observed, the more he began to question his own judgment. Was he simply reading too much into Dimitri's actions? The anxiety from the previous night seemed to cloud his perspective, leading him to misinterpret Dimitri's behavior.

Lucas's frustration reached new heights as he began to notice Dimitri's seemingly intentional presence in every corner of his day. It was as if Dimitri had a knack for being wherever Lucas was. In each class Lucas attended, Dimitri was either seated just a seat away or maneuvering through the same corridors. This constant proximity made Lucas feel as though Dimitri was deliberately inserting himself into his daily routine, and it irked him to no end.

The first instance of Dimitri's calculated intrusion came during History class. Lucas had previously shared a desk with Jordan, a friend who had moved to another school recently. Dimitri had taken Jordan's place, settling into the empty seat with an air of practiced nonchalance. Lucas noticed Dimitri's arrival with a sinking feeling, as if the new boy's presence was an unwelcome shadow hovering over his routine.

As Dimitri sat down beside him, he attempted a friendly smile. "Hey, Lucas. Mind if I sit here? I didn't realize you had such a good spot."

Lucas forced a tight-lipped smile in return, barely concealing his annoyance. "Sure, whatever."

Dimitri's attempt at small talk continued as the class progressed. "So, how do you find the material in this class? It seems pretty interesting, don't you think?"

Lucas's irritation flared. "It's alright. I wouldn't call it interesting."

Dimitri nodded, seemingly unfazed. "I find it fascinating how historical events shape our world today. Do you think history is important?"

Lucas's patience wore thin. "Sure, if you're into that sort of thing."

Throughout the lesson, Dimitri kept up his effort to engage Lucas in conversation. He asked questions about the homework, offered unsolicited insights into the historical period they were studying, and attempted to draw Lucas into discussions. Each attempt only heightened Lucas's irritation. Dimitri's overly polite demeanor felt increasingly invasive, and Lucas couldn't help but feel that Dimitri was testing his boundaries.

In the next class, English Literature, Dimitri managed to insert himself again. The classroom was set up in a semi-circle, and Dimitri found a seat right next to Lucas. As the teacher began discussing a new book, Dimitri leaned in and whispered, "I heard you're really into literature. What do you think of the author's style?"

Lucas barely restrained a sigh. "I guess it's alright. I haven't given it much thought yet."

Dimitri's enthusiasm didn't wane. "I think it's really clever how the author plays with themes and motifs. It's like there's a deeper meaning in every paragraph. Don't you think?"

Lucas's irritation boiled over. He turned sharply to Dimitri, his patience snapping. "Look, Dimitri, just fuck off already. I'm trying to get through the class. Can you stop inserting yourself everywhere I go?"

Dimitri looked momentarily taken aback but quickly masked his surprise with a calm, understanding expression. "Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep. Just trying to connect."

Lucas's frustration surged. He glared at Dimitri, feeling a mix of anger and disbelief. "Well, it's not working. Just stay out of my way."

Dimitri's response was a subdued nod as he retreated into a more reserved posture. Despite the brief pause, Dimitri's presence was still a constant shadow over Lucas's day. Dimitri's relentless attempts to befriend Lucas felt like an invasive intrusion, and Lucas was struggling to cope with the new dynamic.

Throughout the remainder of the school day, Lucas's irritation continued to build. Dimitri's persistence was relentless, it was as if Dimitri were haunting him, always just on the edge of his vision, a constant and unwelcome presence.

---

At lunch, Lucas sat with Kane and their usual group, his eyes scanning the cafeteria with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. Dimitri was in full view, surrounded by a cluster of students who approached him with a blend of curiosity and tentative friendliness. Dimitri responded with a mix of shyness and calculated charm, his body language carefully crafted to seem open and approachable. To Lucas, it appeared as though Dimitri was expertly playing the role of the nervous new kid, drawing people in with a facade of vulnerability.

As Lucas watched, Dimitri's attempts to integrate himself into the social fabric of the school became increasingly apparent. He laughed at jokes, made small talk, and even helped others carry their trays or find seats. The new student's behavior was a stark contrast to the manipulative image Lucas had in his mind. Dimitri's actions seemed genuinely kind, and this contradiction made Lucas's irritation with him more confusing.

Kane, seated beside Lucas, noticed the direction of Lucas's gaze. A smirk slowly spread across his face as he observed Dimitri's interaction with the other students.

"Your new friend looks a bit popular," Kane said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Looks like he's making quite the impression."

"He's not my friend," Lucas snapped, stabbing a piece of food with unnecessary force.

Kane leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Want me to have a little chat with him? Make sure he knows his place?"

Lucas glanced at Kane, weighing the offer. Kane's offer was tempting; he knew that a confrontation orchestrated by Kane could be effective. But something held him back.

"No. I'll handle him myself," Lucas replied, his tone firm but laced with underlying frustration.

As the lunch period dragged on, Dimitri's attempts to catch Lucas's gaze became increasingly frequent. Each time Lucas looked up, he found Dimitri's eyes trained on him, a mixture of hope and uncertainty in those piercing blue eyes. Dimitri seemed to be trying to bridge the gap between them with silent, unspoken communication. Lucas's irritation grew with each fleeting glance, feeling as though Dimitri's constant attention was a deliberate intrusion into his personal space.

Kane, ever perceptive, noticed the tension building between Lucas and Dimitri. He leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he watched the silent exchange.

"That guy just doesn't get it, does he?" Kane commented, loud enough for Lucas to hear but directed at their group. "He keeps staring at you like you're gonna give him the time of day."

Lucas's eyes flared with anger. "I don't want anything to do with him. He's just pushing my buttons."

The rest of the day was a blur of classes and fleeting glimpses of Dimitri. Lucas saw him in the hallways, in the library, and even in the courtyard during breaks. Each time, Dimitri's gaze sought out Lucas with that same shy, eager expression, as if hoping for some sign of acknowledgment or forgiveness. But Lucas's irritation only intensified with every attempt at contact.

By the time the final bell rang, Lucas was seething. Dimitri's persistent presence and constant attempts to bridge the gap between them had only served to heighten Lucas's frustration. As he made his way out of school, he cast one last glance back at Dimitri, who was now surrounded by a group of students, his demeanor still as cheerful and open as ever. The sight only fueled Lucas's anger and confusion.

After school, Lucas sought refuge by the oak tree at the edge of the school grounds. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could gather his thoughts and cool his anger without interference. He leaned against the rough bark, closing his eyes and trying to steady his breathing.

"Lucas," a hesitant voice cut through the quiet.

Lucas's eyes snapped open to find Dimitri standing a few feet away, his gaze anxious and fidgeting with the strap of his backpack. The sight of him only intensified Lucas's irritation. "What do you want?" he snapped, his tone as sharp as a knife.

Dimitri took a cautious step forward, his voice trembling slightly. "I just wanted to talk. I think we got off on the wrong foot."

Lucas's jaw clenched. "We didn't just get off on the wrong foot. You messed up."

Dimitri's eyes widened with a mixture of hurt and frustration. "I realize that now. I'm really sorry. I didn't understand how—"

"Save it," Lucas interrupted, cutting him off with a snarl. "I don't want your apologies. Just stay the hell out of my way."

Dimitri's face flushed with a combination of embarrassment and frustration. "I just