CHAPTER ONE — THE GIRL IN MY BACK

The first time I saw her, she was sitting alone on one of our classroom groups.

She was reading a book.

Not one of the school textbooks.

A novel.

I could tell because she was smiling.

“Who smiles while reading a book?” my best friend, Brian, whispered.

I looked at him.

“Someone who likes the story.”

Brian laughed.

“Or someone who has lost her mind.”

I ignored him.

The teacher entered the classroom, and everyone became quiet.

“Good morning, students.”

“Good morning, sir.”

That was when she looked up.

Our eyes met.

Only for a second.

But sometimes one second is enough to change everything.

She smiled.

I looked away.

My heart suddenly began beating faster.

I didn't understand why.

At break time, Brian pushed me toward her.

“Go and talk to her.”

“Talk about what?”

“Anything.”

“That's easy for you to say.”

He laughed.

“You're afraid.”

“I'm not.”

“Then prove it.”

I walked toward her.

She was still reading.

“Hi.”

She looked up.

“Hi.”

“I'm David.”

“I know.”

I became confused.

“You know me?”

“Everyone knows you. You're the boy who is always watching movies during free time.”

I laughed.

“That's my reputation?”

“Apparently.”

“What about you?”

She closed her book.

“I'm Marilyn.”

That was the beginning.

I didn't know it then, but I had just met the main character in my story.