Panic and Butterflies

First Impressions

     I take a moment to analyze the stranger standing in front of me. A tall girl with short brown hair and green eyes. She wore a bomber jacket over a white t and black skinny jeans. Sporting dark red lipstick on her full lips. 

     "I didn't mean to startle you! I swear I wasn't watching you or listening!" She blurted out, her cheeks now a rosy tint. Beautifully complementing her soft green eyes. 

     "I- uh- it's ok!" I stuttered as I tried to compose myself. Now realizing I probably looked like a mess. I stare at the ground so as to not make eye contact and stand awkwardly, not knowing what to do next. I was definitely going to be late for class. 

     "Do you go to school here? I'm new and was nervous so that's why I was standing here." She explained as she stepped forward and reached out for my hand. I hesitate to reach forward but end up shaking her hand out of politeness. My mom always taught me to treat others kindly and not judge anyone without getting to know them. Although I never really put that to use since I never even talked to anyone besides Mel and my dad. 

     "Yep!" I exclaimed with way too much energy that I most definitely did not mean to use. "Um- I could take you to the principal's office if you need?" I asked. Secretly hoping she would deny and I would be able to maybe make it to class on time. 

     "Yes! That would be great, thank you!" She beamed. 

     “Dammit, how can I say no to that,” I think as I stare at her excited face. She stepped forward and started to make her way to the front of the school but quickly turned around once more. 

     "I'm Gabriella! But you can call me Bri. Sorry, I just realized we don't even know each other's name's," She laughed. I chuckled at her introduction and decided to do the same. 

     "I'm Rowan but my friends call me Ro," I say to her as I step beside her, ready to now walk to the front gate.

     "Rowan, that's a pretty name." She tells me with a smile as she starts walking to the gate. My face immediately starts to burn up and I am almost certain that I am looking like a tomato. I hate compliments because I always get embarrassed and flustered. It's even more strange getting a compliment from an almost complete stranger. I murmur a thank you to her and keep my head down all the way to the school entrance. Hoping she didn't notice my flustered face. 

     We finally make it to the principal's office where I open the door and step inside with Gabriella by my side. 

     "Mr. Simmons, good morning!" I smile as Mr. Simmons now turns his attention to me. 

     "Good morning Ms. Jones, who's this?" He asks, turning his head towards Gabriella. 

     "Hello! I'm Gabriella King, the new student." She explained with a smile. "King", I thought. What a pretty last name. I've never met anyone with that kind of last name. Maybe I can return the compliment she gave me by complimenting her last name. 

      As I go to open up my mouth Mr. Simmons speaks again. " Oh yes! I remember now. Your first class is Chemistry down the hallway with Mrs. Jacobs. Here's your schedule, and if you need any more assistance I'll be here. And I'm sure Ms. Jones here would be happy to show you around?"
 
     Great, this is amazing. A shy girl who only has one friend would do great to tour the new girl! There is no way I'm doing that. "Yeah, sure! I'll be here to help!" I smile as regret and fear fills my body rapidly like poison. “Why can't I ever say no? Ugh! I hate this. Just smile and you’ll get through it,” I tell myself as I stand there smiling. Hoping they can’t see the dread through my fake smile.

     Gabriella smiles and we leave the principal's office. At least I now have an excuse for being late.  "Hey um, I actually also have chemistry this period. Want to start walking there?" I ask with a forced smile. She nods with a grin and we start walking to class in silence. Only now I notice her fidgeting with her rings on her fingers. It must be nerve-wracking not only having it be the first day of sophomore year but also being the new kid. I should try to be nice, maybe this won't be that bad. 

      We step into the class and I can immediately feel everyone's eyes on us. The worst feeling ever, I should have just woken up earlier this morning.

      Mrs. Jacobs also turns to look at us and stares in our direction. “Goodmorning, why are you late Rowan?” She asks with her arms folded, waiting for a response.
    
     “I- um- sorry, I was helping out Gabriella. She’s new to the school.” I say, hoping that it’s a worthy enough excuse to not grant me detention. She turns her attention to Gabriella and I see her tense up at the gaze of our teacher. 

     “Welcome to chemistry class, Gabriella! You can take that empty seat in the middle row.” She smiled as she pointed to the seat now assigned to Gabriella. “Rowan, please take your seat as well.” I nod and walk to my seat. Sitting down and seeing Gabriella do the same. 

     After 30 more minutes of a miserable chemistry class, the bell finally rings. As I walk out of the door to start heading to my next class, I’m stopped by Gabriella. She greets me with a smile and I give her a friendly grin. “Hey, so um, thanks for this morning! There’s no pressure for you to tour me or help me with anything else. But I really appreciate the help you gave me before.” I smile at her statement and grab my sweater nervously. 

     “No problem! I’m always here if you need anything else. I’ll see you around.” I say as I wave her goodbye. I walk down the halls to my next class looking towards the ground so as to not make eye contact with anyone else. This day is already hectic, I do not need another panic attack.

     My day continues as normal and I head out to the front gate of the school at the end of the day. I breathe in the air and slowly exhale. “One day, done,” I tell myself. I revisit my memories of this morning. Wondering where Gabriella was and how the rest of her day went when suddenly I felt two arms wrap around my shoulders. “Hey, bestie! How was your day? Because mine was fantastic!” Mel laughs as she turns to me for a response.

     “It was pretty normal. But I did meet this new girl this morning, so that’s something.” I explain to my friend, who is now fully invested in this story. 

     “Sounds fun! Who are they?” She asks as she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

     “It’s this tall girl named Gabriella. We have the same chemistry period but that’s about it. I haven’t seen her since this morning.” I state. Mel looks giddy as I describe Gabriella. Sometimes she scares me because I never know what she’s plotting. She is way too mischievous for her own good.

     “A new friend! You should definitely invite her to our lunch table! Introduce her to me!” She yells in excitement. Mel has always been a social butterfly but never hangs out with anyone new because she is scared of leaving me alone. She has always been very protective of me, and for that, I am forever grateful. But sometimes I feel guilty for holding her back. So I’ll do this for Mel. Talking to new people can’t be that bad, right?