I closed my eyes, rubbing my sore temples, before sighing with immense relief. I adjusted my neck too, cocking my head to either sides, feeling the stretch.

It always happens when I read a good book. I get too immersed in the book, and totally ignore my real surroundings. Afterwards, I would chide myself for my ignorance.

However, I live for this enthralling experience. It awakens the senses.

Maybe, one day, I should write my own book too.

There were still a few pages left till the epilogue. I do hope the two manage to crack the secret code.

That was when I looked at the clock.

4.16a.m.

I almost fell off my bed, but somehow managed to regain my composure.

Gosh, how long have I been reading? 6 hours?

I had never stayed up this late before.

Then again, it is not everyday that tomorrow is the first day of school, isn't it?

My body just doesn't seem to want to fall asleep. It must be my anxiety gnawing at me. Even so, why must I be so nervous? I have already done this for years.

It is just social interaction, after all.

Sighing, I placed my book on my bedside table. With a click, the faint yellow light radiating from the lamp went out. The secret code must wait.

I need to be prepared for tomorrow.

---

With a stack of books on either hand, I was clearing my locker from the dust accumulated over the past three months of abandonment. Not many bother to do that, but I do.

Guess that makes me special.

I like to keep my things tidy. Trust me, I cannot stand it when my things are messy, or when my pens in my pencil case are arranged in different directions. All pen tips must face to the left, with staplers at the right and erasers at the right too.

I think I might have obsessive compulsive disorder, but at least it helps me stay neat.

Did I mention that I could be really random at times too? Sorry about that, please bear with me.

I was at the hallway, where my locker was located. PA-23. The lockers were a dark green, a shade I greatly loathe.

It sure is hard balancing all the books on my two tiny hands. I even thought it would be easy.

I was obviously in distress and in need of help, but who cares about me anyway?

Students were steaming in, catching up with each other through their mindless light conversations. The place was just abuzz with small talk. There would be little screams and shouts here or there, and the heads would turn.

At least, thankfully, thus far, I had not talked to anyone yet.

I was waiting to meet Nicole though, my best friend, by my locker. She should be coming soon. I wonder how she's doing. It has been a while since we caught up.

I decided to just clear up a bit more before searching for her. I was humming a catchy tune, ready to dump the books in the locker when-

I saw him again. There he was.

My heart skipped a beat and I looked away instantly, although he was clearly paying no attention to me. 

But he was walking over, with his group of friends and laughing.

Oh no. He was coming my way.

Looking around hesitantly, my grip on my books tightened. However, I must have gripped too hard or something, because voila, everything fell straight to the cold hard floor.

As the saying goes 'The world works in mysterious ways'.

Well, I am not surprised.

Way to go, Michelle.

He bent down instantly, helping to gather the big stack of books. I didn't know what to do, so I just stood awkwardly, as he gathered everything.

His hair looked so perfect, even from this angle.

"Here you go." He smiled, handing it over.

"Uh..., thanks for your help. Really appreciate it."

My voice came out hoarse due to the lack of usage for the past hour.

"Oh it's okay-" he stopped, before putting his hands in his pockets and cocking his head to the left, as though scrutinising me.

"Hey you..."

"What about me?" I ask instinctively.

"I remember you!" He said back with a bit of enthusiasm, as though reconciling with long lost friends.

I was stunned for words. My breath was hitched in my dry throat and I felt light in my head. Did I look okay? I prayed that it was one of my good hair days.

It was as if the world had slowed down from a fast head-bobbing beat to a steady rhythmic pulse, as his eyes blinked slowly and the people turned their heads to look at us. It was as if everyone paused in this moment, and I noticed how his chest rose up and down in slow motion.

But the truth is, there was no one looking, no one staring, just the gang of his standing behind him. He casually leans against the lockers and I take in a sharp intake of breath.

I wasn't ready for this conversation. Not at all. Why was he doing this? We barely knew each other.

I didn't know how to reply. It was as if my mind has lost its ability to talk.

"Uh," I continued, "you remember me."

Oh, you remember me? What a great reply.

He continued, as if not minding my awkward replies.

"Yeah. You. Me. Same middle school. Nichelle right?"

"It's Michelle. With the letter M." I replied weakly, feeling my hopes and dreams of us dating come crashing down.

"Mhm. Well, I will see you around. Bye Michelle." He said, before taking off.

"Bye, Benjamin." Or Ben, as his friends usually call him. I wasn't his close friend or even a friend for the matter, so I felt more comfortable calling him by his full name.

He didn't look back.

What just happened?

I shook my head, before realizing this wasn't a dream.

Unknowingly, a big dopey grin stretched from ear to ear.

No matter how much I hated talking, but it is him for crying out loud.

Him.

But why did he talk to me?

Weird.

Surreal.

Maybe even traumatizing.

A sharp knock on the metal locker door jerked me awake. I then realized that I have been daydreaming while holding my books.

"What's with the gooey eyes?" The girl demanded as I rolled my eyes.

"Hi, Nicole! Long time no see. How was summer?" I grinned as she frowned.

Oh so there is my best friend.

"Don't change the subject, Michelle. I saw the scene! I saw you and your long time crush talking together! Like wow, who knew?" She gasped in mock shock and I laughed.

"I think he was just giving me a warm welcome."

"Ooh warm welcome hmm," she cooed.

"He called me Nichelle."

Her mouth went to a slight 'o'.

She started patting my shoulder, as if comforting me.

I swatted the annoying hand away.

"How was your summer? I was looking for you!" I repeated.

"Ah, it was great. Let me fill you in on the juicy details of Nicole's life." She said as she helped me with my stuffing my large stacks of books into my locker.

Thank goodness for her help.

With her help, I was done in a jiffy.

"Thanks."

"Don't sweat it. Let's go, shall we?"

I nodded, before closing my locker and hearing it's familiar click sound.