POV Nicholas

While shaking my head slightly, I attempted to remain composed and took a few deep breaths. I swiftly glanced to my right, where the guys were all seated, facing forward. Fortunately, they appeared not to have noticed anything. I was grateful to be seated at the end of the aisle.

Just then, I felt a slight pain in the palm of my hands. I looked down and realized that I had clenched them into fists, digging my nails into my skin. I quickly relaxed my grip as the woman in the sophisticated gray pantsuit at the front began speaking.

"Welcome back to all returning students, and welcome to all the new faces that I hope to get acquainted with over the next few years. I'm your principal, Ms. Kavinski." She said, smiling brightly at us. "As you know, our school has a focus program, and each and every one of you has applied for something in these departments: academics, sports, and visual and performing arts. Depending on what you applied for, you had to work hard to get in and show you have talent for it, or at the very least, potential. That's why it's our job as a school to guide you to achieve your goals and become the best at what you're good at.

Though no matter how good one is, there's always someone better, and as you know, this school encourages a competitive spirit. Due to that, like every year, we're going to announce the first - and second-best students in each focus program." She says, pulling out a stack of paper.

"And the torture begins," Rick moans out.

Both Emmett and Ray sigh as well.

Seeing my confusion. Emmett explains, "She's going to basically mention the person, say their accomplishment, and give a long-winded compliment.The best part is she's going to play a 2-minute-long video of the people playing a sport, doing some math competition, or performing. Just to prove they deserve the applause."

"It's a bullshit process since you technically get nothing but words," Rick adds.

"At least they don't make us go up front," Ray says.

"Don't give them any ideas," Rick hisses, looking around.

"This whole thing started five years ago when a student complained, saying it would be nice if they mentioned achievements since they work so hard. At that moment, a teacher was passing by," Emmett whispers also looking around.

"So, they're doing this because some kid wanted to be praised?" I say, shocked.

"Well, said kid is a Collins, and they practically own half of Arizona. Considering they come from old money and have invested in multiple industries..." Emmett says matter-of-factly. When I hear that name, I remember my dad started working at Collins Incorporation, and their name is listed as one of the founding families in Phoenix, Arizona. Plus, they helped build this school and everything in this city from the ground up.

"It wasn't because of that," Rick says, glaring at Emmett.

"Sure, it wasn't," Emmett said that, and Rick tried grabbing him, but since Ray sat between them, it was impossible, especially with Emmett using him as a shield while childishly sticking his tongue out at him.

"Guys, stop, or else," Ray says, slightly pushing both guys away from him while glaring at them.

Even I could feel the pressure of his glare as Emmett simply raised his hands, and Rick faced forward. With that, all conversations ceased.

I guess he's not a simple guy.

"This past academic year, the best students in science were Katrin Morgan and Timothy Smith. Katrin received first place with her impressive study on molecular organisms, and Timothy created an excellent solar-powered ant farm that worked well to demonstrate how life with solar energy is superior." With that, she proceeded to show a video of their projects before continuing to talk about numerous other people.

I think an hour passed before I heard two names I was familiar with: "In the basketball program, we have Emmett McLean and Richard Collins. Emmett McLean stepped up to be the team captain last year due to some problems and led the team to victory, making him first place. Then we have Richard in second place, our season MVP, who scores points every chance he gets..." she continued.

I looked to my right to see Emmett grinning with pride.

"Did she have to call me that?" Rick muttered.

"It's your name, right, Richard?" Emmett teased.

"You two, don't start again," Ray sighed.

"In track and field, we have Raymond Collins and Harper Morrell. Raymond Collins led our team to the finals with his impressive performance in all three categories: running, jumping, and throwing. Harper, who graduated last year, joined the international track and field team and will represent North America in the Olympics.."

As I watched the two guys argue and Ray trying to stop them, I held back my desire to ask them if they were part of 'that'Collins family.

With another 40 minutes, she got to the visual and performing arts programs. "In Painting and Drawing, we have Robert Mohammed and Andrew Collins. Robert took first place due to his acceptance to one of the best universities for visual arts students, Rhode Island School of Design. Andrew took second place with his achievement of taking first place in the international junior art competition." As she went to play the videos, I felt myself drifting off to sleep.

****************

"Wakey wakey," I heard someone say, lightly shaking me awake. Without thinking, I flinched and pulled myself out of the person's touch. With my eyes wide open, I gazed up at the deep green eyes, full of worry, looking down at me. "I didn't mean to surprise you," He says. For whatever reason, with the way he was looking at me-with so much guilt-I felt myself relaxing.

"I'm good," I say, standing up and moving away from him.

"Waking up to see an ugly mug right in his face must have freaked him out," Rick says, looking at Emmett.

"HEY! That's not true! I will have you know both women and men have lusted over this face," he says, lightly flipping his slightly curly hair.

"Eww, don't make that face while looking at me," Rick says in displeasure while pushing Emmett's face away. Emmett blinks his eyes and purses his lips. Honestly, he looks kind of cute. Wait, did I just think another dude is cute? Clearly, I'm still half asleep or something.

"Come on, let's go and eat," Ray says, pulling him away before he starts fighting with Emmett. But for whatever reason, the guy in question was now staring straight at me as if looking for something.

With a gentle shake of his head, he suggests, "We should also go and have something to eat," and follows after the others. Consequently, I also joined them, feeling relieved that he did not inquire further.

As we made our way towards the food court, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Emmett to give me that particular look.

As we walked through the corridors, the sight of the uniquely adorned lockers continued to captivate my attention. One would expect a certain level of mediocrity considering the hands that crafted these decorations, but to our surprise, they were nothing short of remarkable. Even more impressive were the displays of tropical cases showcasing a diverse array of trophies, ranging from sports competitions to musical triumphs and academic achievements. These exhibits served as a testament to the remarkable accomplishments that the students of Westville High have achieved throughout the years.

We finally arrived at a set of large blue doors that are similar to the auditorium ones. However, they have a square-shaped box made of grass in the middle of each door that allows you to see the inside of the busy cafeteria.

Upon entering the canteen, Rick immediately remarks, "This place is already so crowded."

Ray reassures him, "Don't worry, Evan has saved our usual table for us. We just need to get him some food."

"Where was he, by the way?" Rick inquires.

Emmett responds, "He overslept."

Rick expresses his envy, "How fortunate." He then proceeds towards the line of people waiting to get their lunch.

I follow behind at a leisurely pace, taking in my surroundings. The food court is indeed quite spacious, featuring numerous round tables. There is even a lower level with additional seating space, and the glass walls of the lower level provide a clear view of the picnic tables and people relaxing on the grass outside.

I can't help but wonder if everything at this school is designed to be extravagant.

Even the students here appeared to be exceptionally well-dressed, as if they had stepped out of a fashion magazine. The guys, in particular, exhibited a remarkable sense of style. Rick sported a black leather jacket over a punk rock t-shirt paired with ripped blue jeans adorned with intricately designed buckles. Ray, on the other hand, opted for a more refined look, wearing a dark blue long-sleeve polo shirt and black dress pants. Emmett completed the trio with his leather jacket and slightly baggy jeans. It was evident that the clothing they wore was not only of high quality but also tailored to suit their individual personalities.

I'm beginning to doubt whether I'll ever fit in.

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