Echoes of Courage: A Darkest Minds Tale

Chapter 1

As my alarm blared and the sun started peeking in through my curtains, I realized I would have to finally face the music of the move and start my new school. My parents had hyped this up for weeks, although we didn't move far, we were now in Virginia, a whole new town and school district. Although I heard West Virginia is the same as Virginia.

I sighed and cut off my alarm before checking my phone. Sam said she would check in but there was no message. I shouldn't be surprised. She was considered popular while I kept to myself.

As I stood from my bed my mom knocked before poking her head in, "Ruby?" When she saw me standing she let out a breath and said "Oh thats great you're up! I know you will have a great day! Smile and make new friends"

I smiled in response. My mom was normally really positive around me but I saw the worry lines on her face and the dark circles under her eyes. "I'll be fine mom, I'm actually very excited to start and meet new people!" I was definitely lying but she didn't need to know that.

"Great! I need to get going but I should be home a little after you today. I love you have a good day!" She waved before retreating and closing the door.

I didn't need her to know that I was terrified of today and meeting new people or the fact that I REALLY didn't want to leave my old school. She didn't need the extra stress. I started walking to my closet, when I caught a glimpse of fair skinned abs out my window. I turned my head as the person in the house next door did and my eyes clashed with bright blue ones.

I felt my cheeks get warm as I held his gaze. He was a little far but I could still see some of his features. He was definitely tall, taller than me. His hair is light blonde that stops short right after his eyebrows. My gaze traveled lower to his 6-pack and his sun kissed skin. Lower and lower to his v-line with light hair and I realized I've been standing here. Staring. And he can see me.

My eyes traveled up back to his and I realized he was smiling. His hand came up and he started waving. Yea no. My hand slowly raised up and immediately shut my curtains. My heart rate started gradually lowering. I haven't even gotten into school and I'm already embarrassed. I walked to my closet and started sorting through my choices.

I settle on a red hoodie and some blue jeans and my used, but loved, black and white converse. I grab my backpack and my phone and head downstairs. I walk towards the kitchen and notice my dad is gone too. I sigh to myself and grab a granola bar from the table when my phone beeps. I look at the notification and see that Sam has texted me. I open the message and she sent me a picture of her and Vanessa in their cheer uniforms. It's followed by a message that says, "Missing you! Have a good first day!"

I smile and send a quick reply before heading out and locking the door. I start walking down the sidewalk and pass the house next door. Instead of seeing the guy with blue eyes, there's another tall guy standing at the door. He's thinner with dark skin like mine. His hair is dark brown and short and he has thin framed glasses which does not look well with his big ears. He's not looking at me thank god so I speed up walking and start heading towards the school.

When I get to school, the hallways are flowing with kids. I hitch my backpack higher and start walking towards the office, at least I hope I am. I finally spot the sign that says office and step into the room. There's tons of adults a working behind desks on computers. I approach one slowly and a woman looks up at me and smiles brightly. She has long blonde hair and pale skin. Her scent is strong, something of rosemary I think.

"Hi, I'm new and I need to get my schedule?" She stands up and she's not that much taller than me and when she extends her hand for me to shake I notice she has long slender fingers.

"Hi, you must be Ruby! My name is Ms. Connors but you can call me Cate! I'll be your guidance counselor during your stay here at East River!" I shook her hand and smiled back as she started talking animatedly about my classes and some of the extracurriculars.

"Do I need to call a student in to help show you around or do you think the map will be enough?" I looked at the map in question and it looked simple enough. I also didn't want someone to get stuck walking me around on my first day.

"This should be enough thanks!"

"Ok great well I will be making a meeting with you soon but have great first day!" She sat back down at her desk but she was still watching me as I walked out. I left the office and stepped back into the hallway and started navigating the halls to find my locker. It was simple enough but then again all I had to do was count the numbers. I opened my locker and started to put some of my later classes books into it. There was so much going on around me that I didn't even notice the bell ring at first. It was soft but the second warning bell was much louder. I looked up from my locker and saw that the halls were almost empty at this point.

I grabbed my things quickly and closed my locker while checking my map and my schedule. I wandered around aimlessly and wondered if I should've just asked Cate for a guide. I finally reach my class, a few minutes late of course, and turn the knob and step in. Of course the teacher and everyone's eyes snap in my direction.

"Sorry I'm late I'm new and-" The teacher raised a hand as if to silence me.

"It's quite alright. Everyone this is Ruby Dally and she's our new student. Treat her with kindness and all that good stuff."

"Um it's Ruby Daly." I shuffle back and forth on my feet to try and calm my nerves.

"That's enough. There's a seat next to Mr. Stewart. Raise your hand Mr. Stewart." A hand shot up and I walked past the teacher and to my seat. I sat down and looked over to the person on my right and my breathing stopped. My eyes got caught in the blue again and even tho he was wearing a shirt this time. I knew it was still him.

"Ignore Mrs. Brown she's been here for longer than we've been alive. Nice to meet you neighbor." He smiled and I felt my heart melting. This was gonna be a long year.