~Reality~

Chapter 1 New Beginnings

It was day like all others. It's been 4 days since we moved to a new place leaving all our friends behind. Dad had just got a transfer in his job, and it seemed as if we moved here without a second thought.

This would have been the year I could've joined the soccer team, but now, I don't even know if this school has a girls soccer team. Or.. if I'll even be allowed to join.

You see, my parents aren't exactly what you'd call "open minded". They don't think playing sports is good for me...for example, no matter how much I begged mom and dad to let me bring my soccer ball, they didn't let me.

Though...I secretly brought it along is a completely different story.

The only positive thing is that I might finally have some new opportunities to showcase my skills, though...there's a possibility of the opposite as well....
Then, there is also the fact that I don't have to go back to my pink room. I don't have anything against the color frankly speaking, but I can't help it if I like the colors of the sea. Even when I asked them to change the color, the most they did was add some purple.
My brother Lucas, got blue so why can't I?

I pick up my phone and dial Zia's number. During these 4 days I must have called Jake and Zia, my best friends in Baltimore, hundreds of times which only made me want to go back even more, but knowing dad's job, there is no way that's going to happen.
I'm scared that Zia, Jake and I won't have the same friendship anymore. But I guess that's what happens when you move hundreds of miles away...

New schools, new friends, new places, everything's going to be new here. Tomorrow's gonna be the first day of 8th grade.
I'm not scared though. I don't care what people think about me, the only thing I care about is whether or not I'll make new friends, also whether or not there is a soccer team.
Though, that's easier said than done...
And of course, without soccer I don't know, I might just buy myself a ticket back to Seattle.

I go inside my almost empty room while talking to Zia.
"I asked them not to paint my room this time, because honestly, I feel anything is better than hot pink." I say matter-of-factly.
"I still don't get what is it with you and hot pink. I love that color!" Zia says accusingly from the phone.
I sigh, "Like I've said thousands of times before, and will continue doing so, I just don't like it. It pinches the eye!"
Knowing her, she was probably rolling her eyes. "Whatever"
We talk for a couple more minutes before I sit down on my bed and start reading harry potter for what must be the 3rd time. Yes, I like reading. Don't judge me.

I hear mom calling me for dinner, so I put a bookmark and plop down on the dining table. "So dad, when is the rest of our stuff arriving?" I ask curiously while playing with the beans on my plate.
"Maybe till the end of the week" he replies and we make small talk for the rest of our dinner.

I clear the table, and mom does the dishes. I finish helping out and make my way back to my room. I turn on some music and quietly start singing along.
I start arranging the rest of my stuff into my cupboards.
The more I arrange my clothes, the more irritated I get. My parents get me so many dresses and skirts that I hardly had other comfortable options. They want me to maintain the "good girl impression". I scoff mentally.

I don't find dresses too comfortable if you know what I mean. Sure, they are hella pretty and I wear them occasionally but our movements become restricted and if you don't know me already, I am a pretty active person.
I sigh and make a mental note to convince my parents to buy me some hoodies.

The next day

I get ready for school and quickly eat my breakfast. I say a quick goodbye to Dad who's reading the newspaper, and mom, who's dressing Lucas for school. I ruffle Lucas's hair. "Bye Lucas." He looks at me through his glasses and waves at me with a cute smile. I smile at him.

I climb onto the bus and take a seat at the back next to girl with short blond hair and bright grey eyes.

"Hey", I greet her,  "My name is Ava".
She looks me up and down and greets me back, "Hey Ava!" She says in friendly tone, "My name is Sarah".
We talk a bit, and turns out we have the same music tastes.
She seems pretty cool and has this ever cheery sort of aura around her.. We exchange our numbers and she promises to introduce me to her friend too. Can't say it's a bad start..

I receive my timetable and realize I have some time to spare so I take it as a chance to explore my new school. It seems like a pretty typical school with lockers and students bustling around in hallways and classrooms. Everything's pretty 'normal' as some would put it.

While roaming around looking for possible friends, a notice on the board catches my eye. Apart from the dress code posters meant specifically for girls, it says soccer tryouts for students would be held on Monday next week.... That meant they have a soccer team where girls can join! I can't contain my excitement.

I quickly scan through the details and note with a touch of anger the dress code that must be followed. So much for not sexualizing teenage girls.

The only thing I'm worried about is permission to tryout for the team from my parents. But that should be easy....right?

Well that was the first chapter! Any guesses on whether or not she'll be able to join..?

Thanks!
*puts two thumbs up with an awkward smile while trying to stop the pile of books in my arms from falling*

NOTE - there is no cast for the story and I like to leave how my characters look upon the readers, but incase you wanted to know their basic physical features, you can go to the end chapter named 'character cartoons'. They're just graphics =)

Stay tuned!