The Love Game

New Beginnings

I looked out the window of the car at the busy city surrounding me. Los Angeles was certainly nothing like rural eastern Kentucky. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet.

"You aren't still mad, are you?" Mom asked, her fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel.

I glanced over at her with an expressionless face, folding my arms over my chest, then continued to stare out the window.

"It's been 3 days, Kierstin. How many times do I have to apologize? You know that I couldn't pass up this opportunity."

I was mad. Very mad. But she was right and deep down I knew it. Where is all of this tension coming from, you wonder? Well, a couple weeks ago, my mom was offered a much better paying job as a nurse in Los Angeles at a new clinic that an old friend of hers from college was opening. Of course she had to take it because she relies solely on her income to support us ever since my dad left when I was a toddler. Although her position in Kentucky paid well, it just wasn't enough. Of course I wouldn't admit it, but this was ultimately what was best for us. I just hated to leave my whole life behind..

"Well you don't have to talk to me, but try to have a little fun today. It's your first day at a new school!"

Mom tried her best to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

"Yeah, Mom. So exciting," I mumbled in a sarcastic tone.

And with that, we pulled up next to the school. "West Eastman," the sign read in huge letters. A chill ran up my spine at the thought of walking into the building. I would much rather continue this horribly awkward car ride with my mom. I reached to the backseat and grabbed my backpack. I bounced it nervously in my lap, not wanting to leave the car. Finally, Mom broke the silence.

"It's smooth sailing after the first day. I promise."

I really hoped she was right.

"I'll see you, Mom," I said as I slowly opened the car door.

"Enjoy your first day!" she exclaimed.

I glanced back at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Well at least try. Please."

I nodded and offered a small smile. Even though it was forced, it was the first time I had smiled ever since I found out about the move.

I tried to look as confident as possible as I stepped onto the pavement and began walking towards the school. Little did everyone around me know that I was freaking out on the inside.

I looked around the courtyard to see cliques formed everywhere. Every school has them, so I didn't expect this to be any different. But it was different, seeing as how West Eastman's student body was twice the size of my old school's.

I snapped out of my anxiety-induced trance as I realized that I had reached the entrance to the school. It took my breath away. How would I ever fit in here? This isn't who I am or where I belong. I'm just a small town country girl.

A million thoughts raced through my head as I took a deep breath and opened the door. I just tried to remember to take everything one step at a time. My first task at hand: find the front office to get my schedule.

As soon as stepped into the building, the loud hallways and students rushing to class only made me worry more. I would never be able to find my way around this place.

Just as I was about to lose hope, I spotted a sign that said,"Front Office." I could finally breathe as I brushed past students to make my way to the front office.

Just as I was about to walk in, a flyer that was taped outside of the office caught my attention. In large, bold letters it read,"West Eastman High cheerleading tryouts. Friday 3:30-7:30. Only one spot available."

Friday.. that was tomorrow! Now this was finally something to look forward to.