Writers 
Chapter 1: The New Girl
Amara hated moving.
She hated packing her clothes into boxes. She hated saying goodbye to places she had gotten used to. Most of all, she hated having to start all over again.
That morning, she sat quietly in the back seat of her mother's car, looking through the window as they drove into their new city.
Everything looked different.
There were busy roads, tall buildings, shops, restaurants and people walking everywhere. Amara watched them without saying a word.
Her mother looked at her through the mirror.
You have been quiet since we left,
she said.
I’m just tired, Amara replied.
Her mother smiled a little. You will like it here. Give it some time.
Amara nodded, but she wasn't convinced.
They finally arrived at their new house in the afternoon. It was bigger than their old house, with a small garden in front and a tall fence around it.
Amara carried one of her bags inside and dropped it on the floor of her new bedroom.
So this is my room, she said quietly.
Her mother laughed. Yes. And you can arrange it however you want.
Amara looked around.
The room wasn't bad. There was a large window beside the bed, a small desk and a wardrobe. She opened the window and looked outside.
For the first time that day, she felt a little better.
The next morning was her first day at her new school.
Amara stood in front of the mirror, fixing her hair.
You are going to be fine, she told herself.
She picked up her bag and went downstairs.
At school, everything felt strange.
Students were walking around in groups, laughing and talking. Amara held her bag tightly as she walked through the gate.
She was trying to find the administrative office when someone suddenly bumped into her.
Oh I'm sorry, a girl said.
Amara looked up.
The girl had curly hair and a bright smile.
It’s okay, Amara said.
Are you new here?
Yes.
I knew it. The girl smiled. I’m Zara.
Amara.
Nice to meet you, Amara.
Zara started walking beside her.
So, where did you come from?
Amara hesitated for a second.
Another city.
Zara looked at her.
Which school were you in before?
Amara's smile disappeared slightly.
It's a long story.
Zara didn't ask again.
Instead, she pointed toward a classroom.
That’s where our class is. Come on.
Amara followed her.
As they entered the classroom, several students looked at her.
The teacher introduced her as the new student, and Amara took an empty seat near the window.
She tried to concentrate during the lesson, but she kept feeling like someone was watching her.
When she looked around, nobody seemed to be looking.
During lunch break, Zara sat beside her.
You don't talk much, Zara said.
I talk when I have something to say.
Zara laughed. I think we're going to be friends.
Amara smiled.
Maybe moving here wouldn't be as bad as she thought.
Then Zara suddenly became quiet.
She stared at Amara for a few seconds.
Wait…
What? Amara asked.
Zara looked confused.
Have we met before?
Amara shook her head.
No. I don't think so.
Zara continued staring at her.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Zara looked away.
Okay. Maybe I'm mistaken.
Amara didn't think much about it.
But later that afternoon, as she was leaving school, she heard someone call her name.
Amara.
She turned around.
Zara was standing several steps away.
There was something different about her expression now.
She wasn't smiling.
I need to ask you something, Zara said.
Amara frowned.
What?
Zara looked around before speaking.
Why did you leave your old school?
Amara froze.
Her heart started beating faster.
Nobody at her new school was supposed to know about that.
How do you know I left my old school? Amara asked quietly.
Zara didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she looked at Amara and said,
Because I know someone who was there.
Then she walked away.
Amara stood there, completely confused.
For the first time since she arrived in the city, she felt that something was wrong.
And she had a feeling her new life was not going to be as simple as she had hoped.