ELEMENTS OF FRIENDSHIP

The day unfolded, class after class, and the weight of information made each subject more exhausting than the last. By the time Geometry rolled around, Lyra found herself struggling to keep her eyes open. The monotonous drone of the teacher's voice threatened to lull her into a state of near-sleep.

Shana noticed Lyra's struggle and, with a sympathetic smile, nudged her awake whenever her head drooped. The exhaustion was evident in both their expressions as they powered through the final lessons of the day.

As the bell signaled the end of Geometry, Shana turned to Lyra, "You look wiped out."

Lyra yawned, "Tell me about it. I think I almost dozed off in French."

As Shana and Lyra exited the school building, a tired laughter escaped Shana's lips in response to Lyra's comment. "Come on, it wasn't that bad for a first day," Shana reassured, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Lyra smirked, "Maybe not for you. I nearly took a nap in Geometry. Remind me to thank Mr. Harris for making shapes so riveting."

As Shana and Lyra made their way out of the school, Shana's eyes scanned the area until they landed on her mother, Thalia, who was waving at them from the car. Shana smiled and nudged Lyra, directing her attention toward Thalia.

Together, Shana and Lyra walked towards the waiting car. As they approached, Lyra greeted Thalia with a friendly, "Hi, Mrs. Brewer!"

Thalia smiled warmly, "Hello, Lyra. How was your first day?"

Lyra grinned, "A bit exhausting, but Shana here kept me awake."

Thalia chuckled, "Well, it sounds like you two had quite a day. Hop in, and we can head home."

The three of them got into the car, the engine purring to life as they drove away from the school.

As the car hummed along the familiar route home, Shana couldn't help but wonder. She turned to her mother, Thalia, and asked, "Mom, why didn't you look surprised to see Lyra? Did you know she was coming?"

Thalia glanced at Shana with a knowing smile, "Well, dear, Lyra and I had a little chat before school started. She wanted to surprise you, and we thought it would be a nice way to make your first day a bit brighter."

Shana's eyes widened in pleasant surprise, and she couldn't help but smile. The thoughtfulness of her mother and the effort Lyra made to be there for her on the first day brought a warmth to Shana's heart.

As the car continued its journey, Thalia turned to Lyra and shared, "By the way, Lyra, your mom mentioned that she'll come pick you up around 6. So, you'll have some time to unwind before heading home."

Lyra's eyes lit up with gratitude, "Oh, that's really nice of her. Thanks for letting me know, Mrs. Brewer."

Thalia smiled, "You're welcome, Lyra. It's our pleasure to have you over. Just relax and enjoy the evening when your mom comes to pick you up."

As the car journey continued, Shana turned to her mother, Thalia, and inquired, "What about Sophie? Why isn't she with us?"

Eleanor glanced at Shana, explaining, "I picked Sophie up earlier and dropped her home. I thought it might be better if she and Lyra didn't have to argue or make fun of each other today. They can get to know each other gradually."

Lyra, who had been listening to the conversation, chimed in with a playful grin, "Well, to be fair, Sophie always seems to start it. I guess it's just a little sister of my best friend thing."