**Chapter 1: Unseen Crushes**

Finney Blake trudged through the crowded hallway of his school, his eyes fixed on the floor to avoid eye contact with his classmates. He was a shy and timid 13-year-old boy who had grown accustomed to being bullied and belittled by his peers. His 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 getting ready for her day. The 16-year-old creole girl with caramel skin and hazel eyes was a free spirit, with a Bohemian eclectic style that reflected her personality. She loved wearing wedge heels, halter tops, and lots of gold jewelry and belts, which made her stand out in a crowd. Her long, curly honey brown hair with magenta highlights cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her sweet round face and feline-esque features made her a stunning beauty. Ariah lived with her mom, Celeste, the town's medicine woman, who practiced hoodoo. While some of the townsfolk respected Celeste's abilities, others were scared of her, and this fear extended to Ariah, who was often ostracized by her classmates. Despite this, Ariah didn't let it get her down. She was a stoner, who loved smoking marijuana to relax, and she had a passion for learning. As she walked into her science class, Ariah's eyes scanned the room, searching for one person in particular - Finney Blake. She had a huge crush on him, but she kept it hidden, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. She watched him from afar, admiring his quiet strength and resilience. Finney, oblivious to Ariah's gaze, sat at his desk, taking notes on the day's lesson. Ariah's daily life was a balancing act between her love for learning and her desire to fit in. She spent most of her free time reading books on spirituality and hoodoo, and practicing her own craft. Her mom, Celeste, was her mentor, and Ariah respected her wisdom and guidance. Despite her tough exterior, Ariah had a soft spot for those in need, and she often found herself helping those less fortunate than her. As the class progressed, Ariah couldn't help but steal glances at Finney. She noticed how he looked up to people like his sister Gwen, who was a bit of a protector to him, and his friend Robin, who was fearless and confident. Ariah wondered what it would be like to be someone Finney looked up to, someone he could trust and confide in. Finney, on the other hand, was lost in his own world, trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence. He was a shy and introverted boy, who often found himself at the receiving end of bullying and teasing. His life at home wasn't much better, with his abusive alcoholic father taking out his frustrations on Finney and his sister Gwen. As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Ariah gathered her things and followed Finney out of the classroom. She kept a safe distance, not wanting to draw attention to herself. As she watched him walk down the hallway, she felt a pang of sadness. She wished she could talk to him, get to know him better, but she was too afraid. Little did she know, their lives were about to intersect in ways she never could have imagined. Finney was about to become the victim of a serial killer, and Ariah would soon find herself drawn into his world, one that would change them both forever.