CHAPTER 2: THE EMPTY SEAT

The next morning, Callie woke up earlier than usual.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at the ceiling of her room, letting the soft morning light slowly wake her up. Her mind was still foggy with sleep, but then the memory of yesterday returned.

Her first day at Riverdale High.

The classroom. The unfamiliar faces.

...And most of all… Adrian.

Callie sat up slowly, brushing her long hair away from her face. A small smile appeared before she could stop it.

“Why am I thinking about him already?” she muttered to herself.

She quickly shook her head and climbed out of bed.

Today was only her second day, and she didn’t want to be late. If there was one thing Callie was proud of, it was her responsibility. No matter how nervous she felt, she always tried her best.

After getting ready, she grabbed her bag and headed out of the house.

The walk to school felt a little different today.

Yesterday, everything had felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. But now, she recognized the streets, the small bakery on the corner, and the park where a few students were already passing by on their way to school.

When she reached the school gate, she took a deep breath.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Day two.”

Students were gathering outside just like yesterday, laughing and chatting with their friends. Callie still felt a little nervous, but not as much as before.

She walked into the building and headed straight to her classroom.

When she opened the door, a few students were already inside. Some glanced at her briefly before continuing their conversations.

Callie walked toward her seat.

The same empty chair beside Adrian was waiting.

But Adrian himself wasn’t there yet.

For some reason, Callie felt slightly disappointed.

She sat down quietly and began organizing her books on the desk. The classroom slowly filled with more students as the minutes passed.

Just as she was reviewing her notes, she suddenly heard a familiar voice.

“Morning, Callie.”

She looked up.

Adrian was standing beside the desk, smiling like usual.

“Good morning,” she replied softly.

Adrian dropped his bag on the chair and sat down.

“Looks like you survived your first day,” he said jokingly.

Callie laughed quietly. “Barely.”

Adrian leaned back in his chair and stretched.

“You’ll get used to it. This place isn’t that bad once you know everyone.”

Callie nodded, though she still wasn’t sure about that.

She glanced around the classroom. Most of the students seemed to already have their own groups of friends. They talked easily and laughed together.

Callie felt a small knot in her stomach again.

Adrian seemed to notice.

“Hey,” he said suddenly.

Callie looked at him.

“If anyone gives you trouble, just tell me.”

Callie blinked in surprise. “Why?”

Adrian shrugged casually.

“Because we’re seatmates. That makes us allies.”

Callie couldn’t help smiling.

“That’s a funny reason.”

“Well,” Adrian said with a grin, “it’s still a reason.”

The bell rang before she could reply.

Their teacher walked into the classroom and immediately began the lesson. Callie focused carefully, taking notes just like she always did.

Every once in a while, she noticed Adrian glancing at her notebook.

Finally, he leaned over slightly and whispered, “You write really fast.”

Callie whispered back, “It helps me remember things.”

Adrian nodded thoughtfully.

“You’re definitely the smart type.”

Callie felt her cheeks warm slightly.

“I just try my best.”

After a few minutes, Adrian whispered again.

“So… what made you transfer here?”

Callie paused.

The question caught her off guard.

“Well…” she said quietly, “my father got a new job here.”

Adrian nodded.

“That must have been tough. Leaving your old school and friends.”

Callie looked down at her notebook.

“Yes… it was.”

For a brief moment, silence settled between them.

Then Adrian smiled gently.

“Well, you’re not alone here anymore.”

Callie looked up at him.

Adrian pointed to himself proudly.

“You have me.”

Callie laughed softly.

“You’re very confident.”

“I prefer the word reliable,” Adrian replied dramatically.

Callie shook her head, smiling.

The rest of the morning passed quickly.

During lunch break, Callie was preparing to stay in the classroom again when Adrian suddenly stood up.

“Come on,” he said.

Callie looked confused.

“Where?”

“To the cafeteria.”

Callie hesitated.

“I don’t really like crowded places.”

Adrian tilted his head slightly.

“Then we’ll sit somewhere quiet.”

Callie thought about it for a moment.

Before she could answer, Adrian added, “Besides, you can’t hide in the classroom forever.”

Callie sighed softly.

“You’re very persistent.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

Adrian grinned.

Eventually, Callie agreed.

They walked to the cafeteria together. As expected, the place was noisy and full of students.

Callie felt a little overwhelmed.

But Adrian led her to a small table near the window where it was much quieter.

“See?” he said proudly. “Perfect spot.”

Callie sat down and relaxed slightly.

Maybe this wasn’t so bad.

As they ate lunch, Adrian told her stories about the school.

He talked about teachers, funny moments in class, and even embarrassing situations involving his friends.

Callie laughed more than she expected.

“You really like telling stories,” she said.

Adrian nodded.

“Life is boring if you don’t make it interesting.”

Callie looked out the window for a moment.

Maybe he was right.

For the first time since transferring schools, Callie felt like she was beginning to belong somewhere again.

But neither of them noticed the quiet student sitting at a table nearby.

The boy watched them for a moment before looking away.

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