A Different Perspective

Kaden woke up this morning earlier than normal. Something felt different about today. He didn't know why things felt this way but he couldn't shake the odd feeling in his chest. He got out of bed, did his usual routine, and left for school in his car. When he got to school the odd feeling still persisted, but he didn't let that throw him off. His first couple of periods went by with no incident. He is now in his third-period class with his best friends. He wonders why he feels odd when the day has been business as usual. Darius is sitting next to Kaden shaking his head at something stupid either Malcolm or Dennis said, those two are sitting at the table in front of him. This group is always joking around.

The most intoxicating scent filled his nose as more students started filing in. This scent was unfamiliar to Kaden, it smelled like sweet melon, fresh donuts, and lavender. He assessed that the scent came from someone new. It was probably that new girl everyone had been talking about that started today. She entered the room with his classmate Millie who blocked her from view as they walked to the table up front. For some reason, he could not keep his eyes off of her. Kaden was caught off guard when Mr. Philips called the girl out for not paying attention. Kaden himself hadn't noticed the teacher walk in the door.

He watched as she stood up to begin introducing herself. She only got out Hello before Mr. Philips stopped her introduction and told her to come to the front. Kaden would have been more upset at Mr. Philips for embarrassing her if he wasn't curious as to what she looked like. He could only see part of her side profile from his seat. She walked up to the front and turned around and he was in a sort of trance. She was by far the most beautiful girl he had ever laid his eyes on. Her hair was braided into cornrows that reached below her butt. She has soft delicate features and deep brown skin. The prettiest big eyes, a wide nose, and plump lips. She looked to be average height and the dress she wore seemed to fit her perfectly. Kaden was so caught up in her beauty that he was nearly knocked back when they locked eyes. It felt like he had known her all his life and just as quickly as they locked eyes it was over.

Kaden spent the rest of the period with his eyes trained on her. He was hoping that she would look back at him and he could catch a glimpse of her face again. Something about her eyes captivated him. He has never felt this way towards anybody before. He wanted to speak to her after class ended but as he got close to her desk he lost his nerve. He instead changed course and followed behind his friends to lunch. Once at lunch surrounded by his extended group of friends at their table he gave his behavior earlier some thought. In the end, he decided it was a good thing he didn't talk to her. He has someone meant for him out there and it wouldn't be fair to them if he was even thinking about another person. With that new resolve, he pushed the girl out of his mind. That was until he smelt her scent blow past him by the wind. He saw her sitting in view of him through the giant windows. Kaden couldn't help but stare at her but feeling like a creep he looked away. He focused on one of his friends telling a story until he felt eyes on him. He looked up to see her staring at him. She quickly looked away when she noticed she was caught. He thought it was adorable catching her staring at him. As he looked at her, he made a new declaration. He wouldn't pursue her in a romantic way but he would befriend her. He was clearly drawn to her and he thought she could be a good friend if he got to know her.

Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming

After lunch, Marie heads to her next class the only one she has by herself. She managed to find it without getting lost and it was conveniently near her locker. She sits at the middle table near the window hoping it is unclaimed. As more students file in she feels better about her seat choice. The scent from earlier is back and she looks up to see the boy she was staring at during lunch. She lowers her gaze to the desk so she doesn't get caught staring again. She pulls out her notebook and to her surprise, the boy sits next to her. The pleasant scent was strong as it hit her nose. It must be coming from him. She freezes when he taps her shoulder to get her attention.

"Hi, my name is Kaden Johnson. I guess we have history together." Kaden says when Marie turns to face him. His eyes go wide and he quickly spits out "I mean we have history class together. N-not history together. There is no way could have history together since we just met." He is blabbering now trying to rectify his statement. Marie is too stunned by the sound of his voice to even register the possible innuendo in his words. After a moment of mutual silence, she snaps back into reality and tries to end his embarrassment.

"Hi, Kaden as you probably know I am Marie. It is nice to meet you." Marie replies completely glossing over his comment in hopes of moving past it. They smile awkwardly at each other, then the bell rings and the teacher begins class. They don't speak for the rest of the period. The awkward tension has subsided but neither dare to break focus from the lesson. When class is over Keandre meets Marie in her classroom and the two walk to gym class. Other than lunch this is the only period all the girls have together. They are all warming up to play volleyball on the girl's side. The boys have already started playing individual games of pick-up basketball. Marie can't help but gawk at Kaden while he plays. He is amazing at basketball and fast. She is only able to take her eyes off him when it's her turn to play.

School is now over and everyone is spilling out of the building to get home. The girls wait out front for Sean to pick them up in the van. Marie reflects on her first day at Clover High and is happy it went well. She hopes it is just as fun and drama-free every day.