R&J Club

Chapter 1

Aurora

"Watching a sloth take a nap would be less boring than this first day of school. It's always the same every class; better than schoolwork sure but a complete waste of time. Just make a basic syllabus, anything a teacher wants done differently write it down, hand it out and move on." Taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly I kicked a pencil across the floor and it slide under a locker. It'll probably stay there all year without a second thought from the kid who lost it.

Violet, giving me a I'm in a bad mood too look, said "If it's that big of a waste why didn't you stay home?"

"Now that's just tacky". The first day of high school is supposed to be exciting, and it was when I woke up. I had put my hair in braids, wore my favorite t shirt, dark wash jeans and black high tops. By the time I got to school I was so nervous and excited I could've exploded.

Then first period some freshman thought it would be hilarious to pull the fire alarm. Which led to standing outside, a torturously long announcement from the principal, and a lecture from every teacher about pranks on top of going over syllables and class rules. Overall not a great start to my freshman year but I'm determined to make my last class count. Besides it's English, I love English.

"Okay see you later Vi I'll meet you on the bus."

Her face soften to a smile at the mention of the bus, "Bye."

The halls feel different than they did in middle school maybe because the lockers are painted army green on this side of the building. They took all the have a great summer posters down and now there's posters about clubs, homecoming, and a football game schedule. Even Violet's different getting all shy over a boy, but I am glad she's finally letting herself be a happy gushing mess. Lord knows she needs a break from being the smartest person in school and having to take care of her little brother. At least the tile floors that make the cold steep through even the warmest of shoes hasn't changed. And neither have the kids they may all be high schoolers now but my class is my class and I bet I already know who it was that pulled that alarm.

Entering English class I saw Lydia and waved. The desks were double long so two people could sit at one but the other seat at Lydia's desk was already taken so I sat at the desk over from her and took the seat closest to her. Getting my stuff situated I looked at the other seat. Most of the students were in here so whoever is supposed to be there better hurry or they'll be late.

"So have you heard who pulled the alarm yet?" I asked because Lydia is really nice and friends with everyone. She's not the gossiping type but people tell her everything anyway.

Giggling she said, "Take a wild guess."

"Billy"

"Of course"

I laughed too, I was mad when it happened but I should have expected it. Billy is always a prankster but he's so cute and adorable about it no one could stay mad. He's been to the principal's office a million times in middle school but with how much time he spends in detention he just befriends everyone in there.

Standing up to close the door the teacher began his introduction, "Alright class lets get started, I'm Mr. Johnston. I'll be the first English teacher that gets to torture you in high school. Let's do attendance. Aurora."

I'm always first on the attendance list, "Here."

"Bailey"

"Here"

Attendance becomes background noise in my head as I sketch flowers in the margins of my notebook. My favorite to draw are daisies because they're my mom's favorite flower. I write Bible verses and quotes in the petals. Violet says my notebooks all look like an art portfolio by the end of year. Unfortunately they usually get thrown away and it's to much of a hassle to cut out all my sketches.

"Jackson.... Jackson?"

I looked up, there's no Jackson in our grade. Unless he meant Jackson Sparks. He's a grade below us and although he's not Violet smart, he's smart enough to may have skipped a grade.

"Jaci."

"Here." Well if it is Sparks that is not a great way to show you're ready for high school. I wonder why Violet never moved up a grade. She really could have skipped two and been halfway through high school by now.

"Alright I am going to go over the syllabus but first I want to tell you guys you should have a Romeo and Juliet play in each desk. If it's not in there let me know because we're actually going to start going over that next week. It's my favorite play so I like to do it at the beginning of the year. That way we have plenty of time and aren't rushing thro-."

There's a boy standing in the doorway. I didn't even notice him till the teacher did, actually I don't think anyone noticed him. I wonder how long he's been standing there. Looking over at Lydia I raise my eyebrows and I can tell we got the same impression tall, dark, and mysterious. This is a small town we all know everyone, this guy is clearly new here but despite that he seems chill and aloof. Well, well, well the first day just got a little more interesting.