Chapter 1 : Where Everything Started.

Ian’s pov 

It was the first day of school, it was the first day of face to face class after being isolated in almost 3 years at home. It was kinda weird but at the same time it’s exciting because I got to go to school again. 

Everyone is looking so busy, looking for their rooms, and making new friends. Because it is the first day of Senior High School, the first day of Senior Year. After 6 years in Elementary, 4 years in Junior High School and finally I'm almost there. 

Welcome to Metro Vale Academy, a school that was a dream for everyone. But the truth is it was the school that was the closest to our house, funny right but yeah a dream school for everyone but i guess not for me. 

It was big, damn big. A huge Covered Court, big school buildings and a hella huge field. Not that bad. 

As I walked through the field I couldn't help but think, would I be alright? Will I survive? Well, I should. I should survive. 

I keep on walking, walking and walking until… “Ringgg, ringgg, Good morning Students and welcome to the Metro Vale Academy. Please be guided by the list of the rooms in front of the Ashford Hall, Thank you and have a great day.” 

This is it, this is where it really starts. 

“Ashford Hall, Ashford Hall. Where the hell is Ashford Hall, I've been looking for it for damn 15 minutes.” This damn school is so big and they have no ushers to help the students. 

There, finally after so many walks I found it. Ashford Hall, the color of the building is yellow with 5 floors. It has an aircon and also has an elevator. “Wow, it’s beautiful and it’s big.” All of the students gather in front of the big bulletin board. 

“Good morning for the STEM Students, this is your line. Thank you.” Oh thank god, finally they have a usher. STEM 11, Crest Hall. “There, I found it.” Crest Hall, it was written big in front of the building, the color was gray, airconized and had 4 floors. “They are something, this school is hella great.” 

I understand why this is everyone’s dream school. I mean, I can't blame them. This school is big and beautiful. Big school buildings, airconized rooms, big fields and they also have big and many canteens. This is gonna be great. 

“Crest Hall, STEM 11 Grapes.” But I guess the down side is that it’s hard to find those rooms. It's been 30 minutes and I can't find them. 

First floor, none. Second floor, Mangosteen, Chico, and… there it is section Grapes. 

The light is still off, I guess I was the first one. “What time is it? it’s already 6AM, should i wait? or should I enter the room?” Each student is entering their classrooms one by one, because what? because it’s already 6 and ours starts at 6. 

As I opened the door the room was so cold, I guess they did open the aircon but not the lights. “This is damn great, it's so cold. I should have brought my jacket.” 

The door opened, “Hi, good morning. Section Grapes?” I looked at the door and there was a girl standing at the front door. “Oh, hi yes.” wow she’s, she’s pretty. No, Ian, what are you thinking? It's only the first day of school.

Minutes have passed and the room is starting to be full, the room is starting to be filled with noise, some students are starting to make new friends, asking what is their name, where did they come from. It was not new but I can't bring myself to do so. 

“Hey, is this seat taken?” a girl approached me and asked me if someone was sitting beside me. “Uh no.” I answered shortly and she sat beside me. 

“What’s your name?” she said, she asked while i was just looking at my phone and doing nothing. “Oh uhm, I'm Ian. Ian Cruz.” I said and smiled weirdly. I have no skill when it comes to interacting and talking to others, not unless you are close to me. “I’m Jane, Jane Mendoza. Don’t worry I'm harmless.” she said while laughing. 

“Sorry, I'm just not really used to making friends but it’s nice to meet you Jane.” I said and she smiled, well her smile is cute and it seems nice i guess. 

“Where did you come from?” she asked and i just looked at her, I guess I really need to work on my communication skills. “I’m from…” “Good Morning Everyone.” As I was about to answer, our Professor came in. 

“Good Morning Everyone, section Grapes right?” Everyone went silent, the room that was filled with noise became so quiet that no one even dared to answer the Professor questions. 

“Am I wrong? Is this not section Grapes?” the professor asked again “Yes Miss, it’s section grapes.” the guy said and the Miss smiled. “Okay so, I am Miss Aira. I will be your adviser for this school year and welcome to Metro Vale Academy.” 

This is it, this is where it really starts. The introduction. 

“So, before we formally start. I guess we need to get to know everyone. Let’s have a short introduction shall we?” Introduction, as the professor said in the short introduction I hear everyone groan. 

“Okay, it’s okay everyone. Just tell us your name, age and why you choose STEM.” Why did you choose STEM? I asked myself quietly. Why did I really choose STEM, maybe because I want to be an Engineer? because I'm good at Math? 

Actually, I don't know. What I know is that the STEM Strand is good and that you can get a lot of opportunities in the future. As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard a little voice. “Good morning everyone, I’m Pauleen Santos. I'm 17 years old, I chose STEM because I wanted to be a nurse in the future.” the girl said, the girl that i met this morning. 

As i was lost in my thoughts “Hey, It’s your turn.” It's my turn, my turn to finally introduce myself. 

I walked in front slowly as I was feeling really shy or should I say embarrassed. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for me to talk. “Hi, everyone. I’m Ian Cruz, 16 years old. I choose STEM because..” I chose STEM, because of what, why did I really choose this Strand. 

“Why did you choose this strand?” The professor asked, “Oh uhm yes, sorry. because I'm good at math. Yeah, thank you.” Everyone laughed, why did I even say that? I felt so embarrassed as I returned to my seat. 

“Hey, you okay?” I snapped back as I heard Jane ask me. “Oh yeah, I'm good. Why?" “It’s lunch time, aren’t you gonna eat?” 

Lunch time? I looked at my watch and it’s already 10AM. Wow, did I think about that long? it’s already 10AM. “Oh yes, sorry. Just got distracted.” she laughed “What are you even thinking? let’s go?” she asked and I just nodded. 

Gosh, their canteen is hella big. My previous could never. They have everything, rice, bread, coffee, and even desserts. “It’s big huh, Ian what are you gonna buy?” I looked at her and looked back at the food, what should i buy, should i eat rice but i’m not that hungry yet. 

“Hmm, I don't know. I’m not really that hungry, maybe I'll just get some bread and juice.” I said as I walked towards the bread station. “Okay, I'll just go and buy some coffee. Be right back.” Jane said I was looking at the bread. 

And just like that, my day ends with the feeling of happiness and looking forward to something more.