Lines of a Dream

Noah tugged his bag strap tighter as he stepped out of the house, his heart pounding against his ribs. Henry had already sped off on his bike, not sparing Noah a second glance. That suited him just fine. Walking to school alone might have been slower, but at least it meant he wouldn't have to endure Henry's snide comments for the entire journey.

The morning was cool, the sun peeking out through scattered clouds, but Noah barely noticed. His chest felt tight, his stomach a swirling pit of dread. New school.New faces.New chances to mess everything up. His mind spun with worst-case scenarios : What if I walk into the wrong classroom?What if I trip and everyone laughs?What if they already hate me before I even say a word?.

He adjusted his bag again, even though it wasn't slipping, his palms already clammy. Noah had always been anxious—it was like an unshakable shadow that followed him everywhere. But today, it was like that shadow had grown ten times darker, looming over him, whispering in his ear that he didn't belong.

As he turned the corner, the school came into view, and Noah froze in his tracks.

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Edelridge Academy looked less like a school and more like a sprawling campus straight out of a movie. Seven large buildings dominated the grounds, each one distinct yet unified by their pristine white walls and blue-tiled roofs. A main administrative building sat in the center, flanked by a library that looked more like a modern art museum, and a massive gymnasium with sleek glass walls that reflected the morning sun.

To the right, there was a garden that stretched out like a small park, complete with neatly trimmed hedges and benches shaded by tall oak trees. Beyond it, Noah could see a large swimming pool, its surface glistening under the light. Students were already gathered near it, chatting and laughing like they didn't have a care in the world.

A winding stone path led through the campus, lined with flower beds and lampposts, and at the center of it all stood a grand statue of a stern-looking man in an old-fashioned suit. The plaque at its base read: "James Edelridge --Founder of Excellence."

In the distance, a large clock tower rose above the buildings, its hands ticking closer to the start of the day. The sheer scale of it all made Noah's chest tighten even further. I don't belong here .

---

Noah shuffled toward the gate, his legs feeling heavier with every step. Students were everywhere—standing in groups, laughing, talking loudly, and greeting each other with ease. They all looked so… confident, like they knew exactly where they were supposed to be. Noah, meanwhile, felt like a tiny speck of dust floating unnoticed in the crowd.

He clutched his bag tighter. Just keep your head down. Don't make eye contact. Don't trip.

As he passed through the gate, his eyes darted around, trying to figure out where to go. The administrative building was probably where he needed to check in, but the thought of walking up to someone and asking for directions was enough to make his throat close up.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" a boy shouted as Noah accidentally bumped into him.

"S-sorry," Noah stammered, shrinking back, his face burning. The boy rolled his eyes and walked away, muttering something under his breath.

Noah's hands trembled as he adjusted his bag again, his anxiety spiking. He felt like the walls of the school were closing in, every sound around him amplified, every pair of eyes somehow focused on him. Why did I think i could do this?

After wandering aimlessly for what felt like an eternity, Noah finally found his classroom. His shoulders sagged with relief as he slipped inside, grateful that the room wasn't completely full yet. He chose a desk near the back, hoping to stay as invisible as possible.

---

A few minutes later, the classroom filled with the hum of students chatting and settling into their seats. Noah kept his head down, pretending to organize his pencil case, even though he wasn't actually doing anything.

The door opened, and a woman in her thirties walked in, carrying a stack of papers. She wore a crisp blazer over a floral blouse, her brown hair tied back into a neat bun. Her presence commanded the room instantly.

"Good morning, everyone," she said with a warm but firm tone, setting the papers down on her desk. "Welcome to a brand new semester at Edelridge Academy. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Mrs. Hargrove, your homeroom teacher."

The chatter died down as the students turned their attention to her. Noah kept his eyes fixed on the desk, hoping she wouldn't ask him to introduce himself.

Mrs. Hargrove glanced around the room, her gaze briefly landing on Noah. "I see we have a few new faces this year. We'll get to know each other better soon, but for now, let's start the day with a quick roll call."

Noah let out a quiet sigh of relief as she began reading off names, the familiar monotony calming his nerves slightly.

---

Just as Mrs. Hargrove finished the roll call, a loud bell rang throughout the campus, its deep chime echoing across the grounds.

"That's the assembly bell," Mrs. Hargrove announced. "Everyone, grab your things and head to the main courtyard. The principal will be addressing all students."

Noah followed the crowd out of the classroom, keeping his head low as they made their way to the courtyard. The open space in front of the clock tower was packed with students, rows of chairs set up for the occasion. Noah found a spot near the back, where he could fade into the background.

The principal, a tall man with graying hair and a booming voice, stood at a podium on a raised platform. He cleared his throat, and the murmurs of the crowd died down.

"Good morning, students," he began, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Welcome to another year at Edelridge Academy, where excellence isn't just a goal—it's a standard."

Noah shifted uncomfortably, tuning out most of the speech. It was the usual stuff—values, expectations, opportunities. But then the principal's tone shifted, growing more animated.

"This year, we're proud to continue our legacy of achievement, particularly in athletics. Our baseball team, led by our outstanding captain, Henry Anderson, has brought tremendous pride to our school."

Noah's stomach twisted as he heard the name. He glanced around, noticing the way some students nodded in admiration.

"Henry exemplifies the spirit of Edelridge—dedication, leadership, and excellence," the principal continued, his words dripping with praise.

Noah felt the familiar sting of inadequacy. He stared at the ground, wishing he could disappear.

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