True Friends & Hard Times (Emblem 3)

Chapter 1

It was our first day at our new school. Alise seemed a little nervous so I pulled her to the side and told her to just be herself and that it's just like every other school we've ever been to. Little did we know, that it is in fact, not like every other school we've attended, it's so much more.

After our talk, which seemed to help a lot, the home room bell rang and it was finally time to face our new classmates and teachers. Thankfully, Alise and I were in the same home room so the start of the day wouldn't be so rough, we had each other to keep ourselves company.

Our home room teacher, Mrs. Shell, embarrassingly introduced us aloud to the class and made us tell a little about ourselves and where we were from. We told them about how our dads relocate a a lot and so we move often, we told them our ages, and what sports we're into, things like that. Suddenly the guy next to me turned and said "Hi." He asked me If Alise was my sister. I quickly answered and said, "practically, but no she's just my best friend"."Sweet." He replied. "Can you give this to her please?" I then answered, "sure, what's your name so I can tell her?" "Keaton. Keaton Stromberg." he then flashed a smile and turned back around.

First and second periods went by quickly, but third was carrying on so slow. I was ready for recess to tell Alise about the guy asking about her, and see what the paper he instructed me to give her was all about. I could have very well read it without her knowing. But I didn't want to ruin my expression by doing so, when I found out what it said. So I decided to wait. For her sake.

Finally, the bell rang and I quickly gathered my books, slammed them into my assigned locker, and hurried outside to find Alise. She was waiting by the doors for me. I met up with her and told her all about this boy Keaton from our home room. "I've never seen nor heard of this dude before", she informed me. But as I gave her the details I could secretly see her blushing, but didn't let her know I could. On the paper was written "Hi. I just wanted to say I think you are absolutely gorgeous. You should text me some time." Written underneath was his cell number. "Eeeep!" Alise was so excited. The fourth hour bell was ringing so I hurriedly calmed her and we rushed to our next class.

Fourth hour I had English III while Alise had Biology II. English wasn't particularly my favorite, but I didn't totally despise it. I just tolerated it. Naturally my teacher introduced me to those in the class who I have not already met. Half way through the class I got a text from Alise. This is the first school I've ever gone to that allows students to use their phones, as long as the teacher isn't currently teaching. It read, "hey, can u talk" "yeah I can now", I replied. "I txted Keaton", she said. "Awe how'd that go" I asked. "We're hanging out after school today:)" "OMG, that's awesome girl, so happy for u!", I told her. "I need you to come too, he has a friend." I suddenly got a rush of excitement and nervousness at the same time. "Kay, see you at lunch." I told her.

Fifth hour I had biology II while Alise had Fine Arts. It was almost time for lunch and I was starving. I was praying my stomach wouldn't growl during class, it's only my first day here so that would be pretty embarrassing. We were learning about plant and animal cells and I wasn't really interested. All I could think about was what the guy would be like that I was meeting later on. I hoped he'd be cute and funny and not shy. Shy guys make everything so awkward. And I really don't like "blind dates".

Finally, the bell rang. I left my locker and went straight to look for Alise by hers. She was standing with that boy Keaton, I'm guessing they finally met, and they were so cute giggling together and talking I didn't want to ruin it for them so I walked slowly a few feet behind them. Alise turned around and spotted me and called me towards them so I began smiling and went. "Why were you walking alone?" Alise asked me. "Um, I just wanted to give y'all some time to talk." I answered. Keaton then told me, " your always welcome around us. Alise's friends are my friends." He smiled. "Thanks you guys". I told them.

Lunch was way better here than at our old school in Iowa. They were serving a chicken pasta and it was delicious. I wasn't use to a school having such a great lunch, i felt like it was restaurant food. Keaton asked if Alise had told me about hanging out after school. "Yeah, she mentioned something about that." I replied. "So, your cool meeting my friend Drew?" He asked. "So that's his name?" I laughed. "Yeah, he's really cool, I think y'all will hit it off." Keaton told me. I just laughed.

We finished eating and just sat and talked until the sixth hour bell rang. It was Home Economics and Alise and I had this class together. It was a fun class though and we cut up and laughed the whole time. I think we were just getting more and more anxious because the day was almost over and she got to be with Keaton and I got to meet this mystery Drew. The bell rang and we slipped into last hour which was Psychology. We had this class together also and it was the last of the day. It seemed we would both enjoy it. It flew by like a freeze and the end of the day bell rang before we even knew it.

Keaton told Alise and I to follow him to his house so we got in my car and he got in his. Alise and I each called our parents to tell them we met some new friends and we were going hangout with them for a while and that we'd be home before dinner. We didn't actually tell them they were boys yet, they didn't ask. We'll wait and tell them that information in person. Our moms freak about boys,

and I mean freak as in knowing every little detail and acting more excited about it then us at times. I guess they just want us to be happy, but damn.

It was only a 30 minute drive to Keaton's house which meant it was 20 from ours which isn't bad. We went pick up some Chinese food first so we could eat at his house. We pulled up and he came outside to help us carry the food in. He told me Drew would be there any minute now so we went on inside. "Wow",Alise said. "Your house is amazing." "And huge", I agreed. "Thanks, but it kind of has to be with my parents, me, Wesley, and Drew all living here." Keaton laughed. "Who's Wesley?" I asked. "Oh he's my older bro, sorry I never mentioned him Alise." "It's cool, I mean how much can you talk about in a day?" Alise said and laughed at the same time. They were just the cutest. I can already tell she's developing a little crush. We heard a car door shut. Then Keaton said, "looks like Drew and Wesley are home." My stomach turned, and my nerves kicked in. The door opened, and two cute dudes laughing and cutting up walked in. That's when I seem him. I already knew which one i wanted when they walked in the door. I was just hoping its the one Keaton told me about.