**Chapter 1: Introduction to Finney and Ariah**

Finney Blake trudged through the crowded hallway of his school, his eyes cast down at the floor to avoid the gaze of his classmates. He was a shy and timid 16-year-old boy, constantly bullied by his peers for being different. Finney's life was a never-ending cycle of fear and anxiety, always walking on eggshells to avoid confrontation. In a different part of town, Ariah Byone was living a life that was just as unconventional. A 16-year-old Creole girl with a passion for music and art, Ariah was a stoner who spent most of her free time listening to vinyl records and practicing her guitar. Her caramel-colored skin glowed in the sunlight, and her hazel eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. Ariah's long, curly honey-brown hair was always adorned with magenta highlights, and she loved to express herself through her eclectic fashion sense. Ariah lived with her mom, Celeste, a medicine woman who practiced hoodoo. Celeste was a respected figure in the community, but some of the townsfolk were wary of her powers. As a result, Ariah had grown up feeling like an outsider, never quite fitting in with her peers. However, Ariah had a gift – she was clairvoyant, and often saw glimpses of the future in her dreams. One of those glimpses was of a boy named Finney Blake. Ariah had seen him in science class, sitting across from her with his messy brown hair and bright blue eyes. She had a huge crush on him, but had never mustered the courage to approach him. Finney, on the other hand, was oblivious to Ariah's feelings, too caught up in his own world of fear and anxiety to notice her. As Ariah walked through her neighborhood, she couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness. She had a feeling that something was about to change, that her life was on the cusp of a dramatic shift. Little did she know, her path was about to cross with Finney's in a way that would change them both forever. Ariah's daily life was a reflection of her eclectic personality. She spent her days listening to music, practicing yoga, and helping her mom with her hoodoo rituals. Her room was a shrine to her favorite artists, with posters of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin plastered on the walls. Ariah's style was a fusion of bohemian and streetwear, with bright colors and bold patterns. She loved to express herself through her fashion sense, often wearing wedge heels and halter tops to school. Despite her tough exterior, Ariah had a soft spot for those in need. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and her empathetic nature made her a loyal friend. As she walked through the school hallways, Ariah couldn't help but notice Finney's struggles. She saw the way he was bullied and belittled by his classmates, and her heart went out to him. Ariah's feelings for Finney were more than just a crush – they were a deep-seated desire to connect with someone who understood her. She felt like she had seen Finney before, like they had a connection that went beyond the physical realm. As she watched him from afar, Ariah couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. For now, Ariah was content to observe Finney from afar, watching as he navigated the complexities of high school. She knew that their paths would cross eventually, and when they did, she was ready to be there for him. Little did she know, their meeting would be under circumstances that neither of them could have ever imagined.