You Were Never Supposed to Notice Me.

Chapter 1: The New Girl

The steady rhythm of rain filled the silence inside the car.

Tiny droplets raced each other down the window as Maya Collins rested her forehead against the cool glass. She watched unfamiliar streets pass by one after another. Small cafés, quiet neighborhoods, colorful flower gardens, and busy intersections slowly blended together until one enormous brick building appeared in the distance.

A large sign stood proudly in front of it.

WESTBROOK HIGH SCHOOL

Students hurried through the gates, some laughing with friends while others rushed inside before the morning bell rang. Yellow school buses lined the curb, and teachers stood outside greeting students with warm smiles.

Maya swallowed nervously.

Another school.

Another first day.

Another chance to start over.

"You've been quiet this whole ride," her mother said gently as she parked the car.

"I'm just thinking."

Her mother smiled.

"I know moving isn't easy."

Maya looked down at her hands.

"It feels like every time I finally make friends... we leave."

For a moment neither of them spoke.

Rain continued tapping softly against the windshield.

Her mother reached over and squeezed her hand.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"It's not your fault."

"It still hurts."

Maya nodded.

It did hurt.

During the last two years she'd attended three different schools because of her mother's new job.

Every goodbye had become harder than the last.

She had promised herself this time would be different.

No getting attached.

No expecting forever.

Just focus on school.

Her mother smiled encouragingly.

"Maybe this school will surprise you."

Maya gave a tiny smile.

"I hope so."

"You always tell me stories about brave girls."

"I do."

"So today... be one."

Maya laughed quietly.

"I'll try."

She grabbed her backpack, stepped out of the car, and took a deep breath.

The fresh smell of rain filled the air.

"This is it," she whispered.

The hallway buzzed with life.

Lockers slammed.

Students called each other's names from across the corridor.

Someone laughed so loudly that half the hallway turned to look.

A group of musicians walked by carrying instruments.

Cheerleaders practiced a routine near the gym doors.

Every wall displayed colorful posters about dances, basketball games, drama club auditions, and volunteer events.

Westbrook High felt enormous.

Maya clutched her schedule tightly.

"Excuse me?"

She turned.

A woman wearing glasses approached with a welcoming smile.

"You must be Maya Collins."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm Mrs. Reynolds, the school counselor. Welcome to Westbrook."

She handed Maya a folded campus map.

"Don't worry if you get lost."

"I probably will," Maya admitted.

Mrs. Reynolds laughed.

"Almost everyone does."

She pointed toward a hallway.

"English. Room 204."

"Thank you."

As Maya walked away, she looked around in amazement.

Glass trophy cases stretched along the walls.

Championship banners hung from the ceiling.

One banner caught her attention.

STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

She smiled to herself.

"This school really loves basketball."

(scene where Maya bumps into Noah.)

After English Class (New Scene)

The lunch bell echoed through the building.

Students rushed into the hallways.

Within seconds, the school became even louder than before.

Maya stared at the crowd.

Where am I supposed to sit?

Every table in the cafeteria looked full.

Friends laughed together.

Athletes crowded around one section.

Band members filled another.

She suddenly wished she could disappear.

"Hey!"

A cheerful voice stopped her.

A girl with curly black hair waved excitedly.

"You don't have a table yet, do you?"

Maya smiled awkwardly.

"Is it that obvious?"

"A little."

The girl laughed.

"I'm Ava."

"Maya."

"The new girl?"

She nodded.

"Come sit with us."

Before Maya could answer, Ava had already taken her tray and started walking.

Maya couldn't help laughing.

Ava talked the entire lunch period.

She introduced Maya to everyone at the table, told funny stories about teachers, and even warned her which cafeteria food to avoid.

"Never eat the mystery meat," Ava whispered dramatically.

"It's survived longer than some students."

Maya burst into laughter.

For the first time that day...

She felt like she belonged somewhere.

Ending Scene

After school, Maya walked toward the parking lot.

As she passed the gym...

She heard sneakers squeaking across the polished floor.

Curious, she peeked inside.

The basketball team was practicing.

Noah leaped into the air.

Swish.

The basketball dropped perfectly through the hoop.

His teammates cheered.

"Nice shot!"

Maya smiled to herself.

He's actually pretty good.

As she turned to leave...

Noah looked toward the doorway.

Their eyes met for just a second.

He smiled.

She quickly looked away and continued walking, hoping he hadn't noticed she had been watching.

Little did Maya know...

Tomorrow, she wouldn't just be watching Noah Brooks from across the gym.

She'd be working beside him.

And neither of them had any idea how much that simple classroom assignment would change their lives.

End of Chapter 1

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