The Love You Give

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

She pulled into the school parking lot and found student parking in the back. According to Sean, it was not diverse racially, but it obviously was economically. Cars ranged from a Tesla X to a Chevrolet Spark. The cars also seemed to be segregated with the expensive ones parked more to the front.

Ezra rolled her eyes and pulled her car into a spot between a white Nissan Versa and a blue Hyundai Accent. She grabbed her bag and got out making sure to lock it after closing her door. "You must be new." A very Southern accent stopped her in her tracks. Ezra turned around to see a girl her height with long brown hair and the biggest blue eyes. "Yeah, I just moved here from Rhode Island." The girl shook her head at her. "I hear a twang in your voice, darling. You may have lived there, but you're a Southerner." Ezra laughed genuinely at that. "I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas." The girl's eyes got bigger if that was even possible. "Get out! I'm from Fort Worth. I knew from the moment you parked next to Sassy over here that I was going to like you," she smiled pointing at the Nissan Versa. "I'm Lucy Jane," she moved to stand directly beside her. "Ezra."

"Need help getting situated?" Ezra nodded vehemently causing Lucy Jane to laugh. "Come on, us Southerners got to look out for each other." Ezra followed as Lucy Jane led the way and she sent up a silent prayer of thanks. As they made their way towards the front of the school, Ezra began noticing the stares. She didn't know if they were because she was new or if they were because she was black in a predominantly white school, but either way they made her anxious. Lucy Jane must have picked up on it because she interlaced their arms. "Don't mind them. The guys obviously can't seem to get over how gorgeous you are and want to be with you, while the girls just want to be you."

Ezra laughed beside herself. "Gorgeous? You're one to talk. I bet you have the boys eating out of the palm of your hands." It was Lucy Jane's turn to laugh. "Girl, my Daddy would have a heart attack if I brought home a Yankee." Ezra looked at her then laughed. She forgot how proud Southerners could be. "We're here." Ezra turned away from Lucy Jane to come face to face with the office. She hadn't paid attention to the stares while walking through the halls one bit and smiled. They entered and were met with bright colors and the sunny disposition of the receptionist, Ms. Julie Larsen. "Good morning, girls. How can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm new here. My name is Ezra Cole. I'm a senior transferring from Cypress Ridge High in Providence, Rhode Island." The woman nodded already knowing who she was. "We've been waiting for you, Ezra. Welcome to Clarkson." She smiled brightly at her and Ezra realized she was going to like her a lot. "Here is your schedule. It has your locker number and combination on the bottom, so don't lose it. Your textbooks are already in your locker and your first class starts in less than 10 minutes." Ezra nodded as Lucy Jane took her schedule. "You got this, Lucy Jane?" Lucy Jane smiled and nodded before taking Ezra outside. "Let's go to your locker first."

They headed upstairs and down the hall before turning into a hallway with classrooms and lockers. "How did you know where to find my locker?" Ezra asked as there were lockers on every hallway. "Easy," Lucy Jane smiled. "They're in alphabetical order." She opened the locker right next to the one meant for Ezra. "Last name's Coleman." Lucy Jane smiled pulling out a binder and textbook. Ezra laughed as she opened up her locker and noticed a small, clear baggie filled with her favorite candy, Jolly Ranchers. There was a note. "Hope today is as sweet as you deserve. XO, Jason." She couldn't help but smile to herself, but quickly put the note securely in the back of the purple binder Celeste had packed in her backpack. She grabbed a few Jolly Ranchers from the bag and got the textbook for her first class, AP Biology.

"Why so many AP classes?" Lucy Jane asked as they closed their lockers simultaneously. "My Mom wanted me to be the best. She wanted my record to look the most appealing to college recruiters, so I've been taking AP courses since sophomore year." Lucy Jane nodded as they walked down a few more hallways. "The juniors and seniors are all upstairs, while the freshman and sophomores are all downstairs. The school is divvied up by subject. This area is the sciences, so there's your AP Biology class," she said pointing to a room down the hall. "And right across from it is your next course, AP Chemistry." Ezra smiled at her new friend warmly. "Thank you so much, LJ." Lucy Jane smiled widely. "You've given me a nickname, which means we're friends now. Ain't no getting rid of me!" Ezra laughed as the perky brunette gave her a squeeze. "I wouldn't dream of it."