**Chapter 1: Back to Reality**

Christa Fawcett stepped off the bus and onto the familiar grounds of Degrassi Community School, her bright blue eyes scanning the crowded courtyard. She stretched her curvy frame, arching her back in a languid cat-like motion as she yawned. "Well, that was a lovely summer," she muttered to herself, her sarcastic tone a defense mechanism she'd honed over the years. As she made her way through the sea of students, her gaze landed on a cluster of friends gathered near the entrance. Emma Nelson, her best friend since forever, waved enthusiastically, her blonde ponytail bouncing with the motion. Manny Santos, JT Yorke, and Toby Isaacs were all chatting and laughing, looking like they hadn't changed a bit over the summer. Christa ambled over, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "Hey, guys! Miss me?" She nudged Emma with her elbow, earning a giggle from her friend. The group exchanged stories of their summer vacations, with JT regaling them with tales of his road trip to the cottage, and Toby sharing his disastrous attempt to learn how to surf. Manny listened intently, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. As they chatted, Christa's gaze drifted across the courtyard, landing on a familiar figure leaning against the wall. Sean Cameron, the star hockey player, was chatting with a group of friends, his chiseled features and piercing eyes making him look like a poster boy for trouble. Christa's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. She'd had a crush on Sean for what felt like an eternity, but she'd never mustered the courage to do anything about it. Emma, oblivious to Christa's distraction, nudged her playfully. "Hey, Christa, are you even listening? We're planning a party at my place this weekend, and you're invited, duh!" Emma exclaimed. Christa blinked, forcing a smile onto her face. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there. Sounds like a blast." She tried to sound nonchalant, but her eyes kept drifting back to Sean, who was now watching her with a hint of a smile. As the group continued to chat, Christa's mind began to wander. She couldn't help but wonder what this school year had in store for her, especially where Sean was concerned. Would she finally find the courage to tell him how she felt, or would she continue to hide behind her sarcastic wit and easy jokes? The bell rang, signaling the start of another year at Degrassi. Christa took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for whatever lay ahead. Little did she know, this year was going to be anything but ordinary.