The first day of school is always nerve-wracking, that’s basically a universal fact. First days of school are the most terrifying thing in the world. They can also be exciting; a chance to start fresh, meet new people, learn new things. Essentially, just a whole day of super intense, heightened emotions. Especially if it’s both your first day of school and your new job. So really, given all of that, Cassidy’s keeping it together much better than she expected. The clammy hands can’t be helped. The breathlessness she can pass off as a by-product of the first day jitters. As long as she gets the mounting feeling of panic under control, she’ll blend right in. Which would be easier, if she wasn’t panicking.

“It’ll be fine” she tells herself as she pushes open the door to the English building. “All you have to do is keep this one on track for one semester. One measly semester, and you’re off probation. Totally doable.” At least, theoretically doable. Technically speaking, her longest case on record only lasted two months before it came off the rails. But, really, that can barely be considered her fault. How was she supposed to know about the underground fighting ring below the apartment complex?? Totally unreasonable conditions.

She’s still convincing herself when she reaches Intro to Lit, where she takes a deep breath and lets her eyes roam around the other students in the class. She got here a bit later than she meant to—she got distracted by someone’s adorable puppy in the quad— so most of the seats are filled with already-regretting-morning-class zombies, or actually-a-morning-person people with half-full coffees and notebooks already out. Cassidy takes out her own notebook and pen and settles in to get through her first class of the day.

Her second class of the day is the scary one. The class itself isn't the intimidating part; it's Psychology 101, which she could pass in her sleep. The scary part is that this is one of the two classes she shares with her new assignment. That's the whole reason she signed up for this class. In fact, she made sure she got here as soon as the previous class cleared out, so she would see everyone new coming in. She wanted to make sure she didn't miss anyone. 

There's only a few minutes before class is due to start now. She's pretty sure they aren't here yet, and it has her on the edge of her seat. She cannot mess this one up. Did she miss something? Is this the wrong class? Oh, Lord, she can see it now. Her first day on the job—maybe her last job if she doesn't nail it—and she's already missed her mark. The tiny Effie that lives in the back of her mind is already fixing her with a trademark disappointed frown. She's already preparing herself for the lecture that always accompanies it.

The sound of the classroom door opening pulls Cassidy out of her spiral. She looks up, hoping beyond hope that this is it, finally the one. The person entering the room is a fairly tall kid with a backpack slung over their shoulder, deep red hair swept back into a loose bun. They're built about medium width; enough to cut an intimidating silhouette, if it weren't for the easy-going openness of their face. They don't even seem nervous, just like they're ready to take what comes and roll with it. They close the door gently behind them and turn to look for an empty seat.

Cassidy breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes back into her chair. Her internal dialogue shifts, reassured by the new complete certainty that this is who she was waiting for. “Okay. This is it. Here we go, you got this."

As if guided by an invisible string, the stranger walks straight to her table and sets their bag down beside the seat next to her. They turn to face her, giving her a friendly smile, and extend their hand to confirm what she already knew.

"Hey, I'm Ryder. Mind if I sit here?"