you should know what you're falling for

thirteen

"She's like every other girl in this school." I grumble, crossing my arms across my chest.

"And what makes you so special?" Josh smirks at me as we make our way slowly down the hallway.

Every human with a second x-chromosome death stares me as I stroll by, even a few teachers. I guess kissing Josh on a stage in front of the school is only going to make people jealous.

"Chloe, to the Principle's Office." the loudspeaker crackles overhead. 

"Crap.." I murmur. I mean, I was expecting this, but this isn't going to look good to my social worker. I'll probably get dragged out of here faster than you can say 'Josh Hyland.' I feel Josh squeeze me from the side, 

"You'll be fine." He says, leaving a quick, innocent smooch on my lips. Nothing that could me arrested.

"Yeah, and pigs fly, too..." I reply. The butterflies in my stomach are more like a herd of angry buffalo.

I let my blonde hair fall down in front of eyes, shielding me from the hateful glares. Once I finally reach the Principle's Office, I slide into one of the poorly-cushioned chairs and tap my toe on the ground anxiously. 

"Miss Chloe..." my middle-aged-and-starting-to-go-bald principal sighs when he sees me, "Would you care to discuss what happened earlier?"

"Kissing Josh?" I shrug, concealing my feelings, "No biggy. It was just a kiss."

He takes a long moment to reply, "I understand it was pretty heated."

I squirm in my seat and pull up my tank-top strap, which must have 'slid down.' "No sir." I respond. "Then would you care to explain why his han-"

"Okay, fine. Where's my next home...?" I mutter, blinking back tears. I knew I shouldn't have loved anyone.

He swirls his chair about a bit before responding. "Your foster-mother wants to give you one last chance. But she did tell me that you need to talk to the Guidance Counselor."

I moan, but am slightly relieved to get to stay. "-With Josh." the principal continues.
My stomach drops. Talk about utter humiliation. Plus, it was just a kiss anyway, right? That's all I meant it go be. I didn't notice anything wrong with it.

Just then the door is swung open, causing a few strands of my hair to blow back.