“Ugh, I really don’t feel like doing math today,” groaned Max as he almost bumped into Lena and Sam with his backpack. “Equations again that nobody understands.”
Lena laughed and gave him a light push. “Oh come on, it won’t be that bad. Besides: This year we stick together, okay? No more splitting up!”
Sam nodded in agreement. “Exactly, Team Unbeatable! We look out for each other and help each other through the school stress.”
The three friends had been inseparable since elementary school, and although they were now in ninth grade, nothing had changed. The first day of school was always a bit exciting, but also somehow comforting because they knew they could rely on each other.
“Okay, Team Unbeatable,” Max repeated with a wide grin. “Then let’s start the year off right.”
They pushed their way through the hustle and bustle of the lobby, where new and familiar faces bustled everywhere. Posters for clubs, schedules, and the smell of freshly made sandwiches filled the air. But suddenly Lena stopped and pointed at someone who had just entered the classroom door.
“Hey, look! Who’s that?”
A shy-looking student with long dark hair and a slightly too large backpack was sneaking behind a teacher. She looked lost, almost as if she was afraid of getting lost.
“No idea,” murmured Sam, “but she looks brand new. Definitely a new student. Hopefully she’s nice.”
Max shrugged. “Well, new people usually bring chaos. Let’s hope she doesn’t cause too much trouble.”
Just as Lena was about to reply, the teacher called the class to order. “Please take your seats! We’re about to start.”
As the students found their places, Lena noticed that the new girl was hesitantly standing at the edge of the classroom. No one seemed to invite her to sit down.
“Hey,” Lena whispered to Max and Sam, “we should invite her. Being alone on the first day is lame.”
“True,” Sam said immediately. “Come on, let’s sit with her.”
They scooted together and made room. The new girl smiled timidly as she sat down next to them. “Hi, my name is Mia,” she said quietly.
“I’m Lena, these are Max and Sam,” Lena introduced her. “Welcome to our class!”
Mia nodded gratefully. “Thanks... I hope I’ll manage here.”
Max grinned. “Don’t worry, you won’t be bored with us.”
But as soon as the lesson started, Lena noticed that Mia was somehow different. She seemed not only shy but also somehow reserved, almost as if she wanted to hide from everything.
During the break, Lena tried to start a conversation, but Mia only answered briefly and then avoided it. Max and Sam exchanged looks – something was wrong.
“Lena, don’t you think Mia is kind of mysterious?” whispered Sam.
“Yeah, totally,” said Lena. “I have the feeling there’s more to it.”
Just as they were about to continue talking, a loud bang echoed down the hallway. All heads turned. At the end of the corridor stood Mia, staring at the floor in shock – her backpack lay open, and papers and a small, shiny box were tumbling out of it.
“Oh no...,” Mia murmured and quickly knelt down to pick up the box.
“What was that?” Max asked curiously, but Mia avoided his gaze and said only: “Nothing, really.”
Lena felt a mix of curiosity and tension spreading inside her. This school year was definitely going to be different – and somehow exciting.
But what was Mia really hiding in her backpack? And why had the little box glowed so strangely?