F.R.I.E.N.D.S: The New Guy

A/N: This will kind of be a short chapter kind of don't know, sorry.

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Long Island, Nassau County, New York 1969

It could be said it was the darkest night ever but only they could see that the sky up above them was giving them the most dazzling lighting and the roars of thunder, the rain couldn't stop pouring and pouring. As the people were wishing that the thunderstorm would stop, we go to the local orphanage, Long Island Orphanage Center. In front of the orphanage, in the street we could see a woman walking up to the front door. the woman was about 5'6, as we couldn't see her face as she covered it. she then dropped the basket that was carrying the baby and knocked on the door and then left into the street shrouded by the rain and night.

A few minutes later a nun came to the door to see who was at the door, when she opened the door, no one was there as she turned around and was about to close the doors, she heard the crying of a baby, she looked down to find a baby in a basket. She reached down to take the baby in her arms and started to rock him in her arms.

" oh my sweet child, who would leave you here? And you are so cold, come on little one, let's get you inside where it's warm."

Then the nun turned around with the baby in her arms and brought him inside the orphanage and closed the doors.

10 years later. 1979

A boy could be seen sitting while writing something on a notebook in front of him.

The boy originally from another reality, who is now known as Mercer, a name given to him by the Mother Nun Mary. He has black hair, his eyes were dark brown with hint of amber in them and his skin tone was light brown. It has been ten years since he was born in this world and when he was 6 years old when he got his memories from his past life which made him glad as he didn't have to go through the infancy stage with his memories.

He was surprised to be born an orphan in long island as he was also surprised to be in Nassau County which as he was also in Lincoln High School with Ross and Monica. He had applied for a grade skip and he would get the results any day.

Then Sister Sarah came into the room looking for a boy who always comes to this room to get away from every thing.

" there you are, we have been looking all over for you, Mercer. And here you are trying to get away from everything again."

Mercer: (he turned around to look at the door) " hey there Sister Sarah, yeah I've been here for a while, you know this is where I always am. So, what can I do for you?"

" Mother Mary wants to talk to you, she called you to her office."

Mercer: (he nodded his head) " ok Sister Sarah, I will be down stairs in a few minutes."

Mercer tidied up his things and cleaned himself up and then went towards Mother Mary's office. 

*knock, knock, knock*

Mary: she looks up from the documents on her desk" Come in."

Mercer turned the knob and entered the office and closed the door went to in front of Mother Mary.

Mercer: (smiles)" Hello Mother Mary. What can I do for you?"

Mary: (smiles warmly) " Hello Mercer, yes this is about the application about you skipping a grade and the School Board has agreed to it."

Mercer: (eyes widened in surprise) " Really? Well, I am grateful to them for accepting it."

Mary: "Good, then let's head over to the bookstore. There's a lot to gather, and we'll need to pick up both the textbooks and some supplementary materials for the advanced curriculum."

Mercer: "Got it. this is really happening, I didn't think they agree to it. "

Mary: (smiles warmly) "I understand. It's a change, but you've worked hard to get to this point. You're ready for it, Mercer."

Mercer: "I hope so. I just... I know skipping a grade is not what you should do but I know I can do it. I will have to adjust to a new group of students too."

Mary: "You'll be placed with other students at your new level. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll do just fine. The teachers are all aware of your intelligence, and they'll be there to support you."

Mercer: "Thanks, Mother Mary. I'm... nervous, but excited. I want to prove I can handle this."

Mary: (places a reassuring hand on Mercer's shoulder) "You don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. Just focus on your studies and remember that we're all here to help when you need it."

Mercer: (he nodded) "I appreciate that. Alright, let's go get those books."

Mary: "Let's do it. Oh, and Mercer, one more thing."

Mercer: "What's that?"

Mary: "Don't forget to take a deep breath and enjoy the journey. It's not just about the books and tests—it's about learning, growing, and finding your own path. Now, let's go."

At The Bookstore

After driving for a while they park the car in the parking lot and both step out of the car and head towards the bookstore. They enter the quiet bookstore. The smell of fresh paper and leather-bound books fills the air. The store is a bit older, with wooden shelves that stretch up to the ceiling, filled with all sorts of books.

Mary: "Alright, let's start with the core subjects. Math, science, history... Do you know which specific textbooks you'll need for those classes?"

Mercer: "I think I'll need the advanced editions of each subject. I'm not sure which ones, though."

Mary: (nodding) "No worries, we can ask one of the staff members for help."

As they walk toward the math section, a friendly bookstore employee approaches them.

Employee: (waves his hand) "Hi there, can I help you find anything today?"

Mary: "Yes, we're looking for textbooks for a student who is advancing to the next grade level. He's about to skip a grade, so we'll need the most advanced versions for each core subject."

Employee: "Got it! We have a few options for each subject. Let me show you what we have for advanced math first, and we'll go from there."

The employee leads them to the math section. Mercer feels a little nervous as they walk, but also excited by the stacks of books that seem to promise new knowledge.

Mercer: (softly to Mary) "It's kind of overwhelming, all this stuff. It's like I'm diving into a new world."

Mary: (gently) "That's exactly what it is, Mercer. A whole new world of ideas and challenges. You'll get the hang of it."

Employee: (pulling out a few books) "Here we go. These are the textbooks for the next grade level, along with some supplementary materials. They'll cover everything from algebra to calculus, depending on how far you're ready to go."

Mercer: (looking at the titles) "Whoa… this is a lot for maths."

Mary: (laughs softly) "That's the way of it. It might seem like a lot now, but once you get into the rhythm of it, it'll feel like second nature."

After picking out all the necessary books for math, science, history, and literature, Mercer and Mary walk up to the counter to pay. They pay for the books, and as they leave the store, Mercer feels a sense of accomplishment, like he's taking the first step into this new chapter of his life.