Chapter 1: First impressions
Nina Cruz stepped into her father's bookstore, the familiar scent of aged paper and polished wood enveloping her. Cruz's Literary Haven had been a cornerstone of the community for decades, a place where stories came alive and time seemed to slow down. Her father, Carlos Cruz was behind the counter assisting a customer with a gentle smile.
As Nina browsed the aisles, her fingers grazing the spines of the countless novels, the bell above the door jingled, announcing a new arrival. She glanced up to a tall young man enter, his presence commanding yet casual. He wore a university sweatshirt, the emblem of local institution emblazoned in the front.
He approached the counter where her father stood . "Hey Mr. Cruz," he greeted, his tone friendly but with an edge of familiarity.
"Damien! Good to see you, "Carlos replied, extending a hand. "what brings you in today?.
Damien shrugged, " just looking for something new to read. Thought I'd check out latest arrivals."
Nina couldn't help but observe the interaction. Damien Blackwood was the name she'd heard often around the town. He came from a well know family, his father a prominent figure in the business community. Despite his family's status, Damien always seemed approachable, though there was an air of aloofness about him.
As Damien perused the shelves, Nina's father turned to her with a smile. " Nina, this is Damien Blackwood. He is a regular here and a student at the university."
Damien glanced over his eyes briefly meeting hers. "Hey" he nodded, his expression neutral.
"Hi," Nina replied, offering a polite smile. She noticed a hint of disinterest in his gaze before he returned to the books.
Later that day, as Nina helped her father organize a new shipment of books, she overheard Damien discussing a recent university project with her father. His tone was confident, perhaps overly so, as he recounted his group's latest endeavor
'We're tackling Wealth and inequality," Damien explained. "Thought it'd be a good challenge."
Nina's ears perked up wealth and inequality? That was the exact topic she had in mind for her academic pursuits. She felt a surge of determination. *If Damien Blackwood thinks he owns this topic, he's got another thing coming.*
As Damien left the store, Nina's father called out " Good luck with your project, Damien!"
"Thanks, Mr. Cruz!" Damien waved without turning back.
Nina exchange a look with her father. "You know him well?"
"Damien? A bit," Carlos replied. "His father donates to the store occasionally. Nice young man, thought a bit full of himself.
Nina smirked. "I can tell,"
A few months later, Nina found herself walking across the university campus, the weight of her decision settling in.
She had secured a scholar ship and was determined to make the most of this opportunity. As she navigated the bustling walkways, she couldn't shake the memory of Damien's confident demeanor in the bookstore. * This is my chance to show him- and- everyone that I belong here.*