Crescent

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

My first day as a freshman in high school started off as anything but great.

I woke up to a loud thud against a wall, followed by my father yelling. The door muffled most of the volume, but I still flinched at the harsh words aimed at my mother. Today, the argument was over Mom's newest interview on some tv show. The producers wanted all of the family to attend, to show how great of a family we really were.

Or weren't.

Deciding my time for sleep is over, I shuffled into the bathroom to get ready.

The high school had a uniform, unlike the junior high I went to last year, and the stupid skirt was way too large, falling down my hips every thirty seconds. I sighed, wondering why I didn't try the clothes on before today.

By the time I was as ready for school as I could be, my father had left for work and my mother was waiting for me downstairs. She tried to make light conversation, asking if I slept well and if I was excited for my first day, to try and ignore the fact that they had been fighting.

"Yeah," I lied.

We climbed into the car, which she had forgotten to defrost, and sat in the cold Maine weather until enough of the window was defrosted and we could drive safely.

I checked the time.

I was going to be late.

Great.

Mom tried to talk more before realizing I was in no mood for chit chat. I fiddled with my boring brown hair, which I had just pulled into a ponytail this morning to hide the fact that it was somewhat oily. Surely no one will notice. We finally pulled into the school parking lot late, as I predicted. She gave me a quick wave goodbye.

The halls were empty except for a few students that were late, like me.

After what seemed like forever, I finally found my homeroom. Entering, I ducked my head down to avoid being seen and fast walked to the first available seat I saw. It just happened to be in the very front row next to a blonde girl in a cheerleading suit.

Was there even a game today?

The blonde girl cleared her throat and sent me a look. "This is an AP class, little freshman. I think you are lost."

Her statement caught the teacher's attention and he looked over at me, squinting over the top of his glasses. "What's your name, freshman?"

I sighed in aggravation and said my name; however, the second syllable stumbled its way out of my throat in the form of a voice crack.

Laughter broke out through the room, Cheerleader letting out an unattractive snort.

The teacher realized I was, in fact, on the roster and left the situation alone to start the lecture.

When class ended, I stood with the rest of the students and began to shuffle out, only for Cheerleader to dump her iced coffee down the front of my white shirt. She dropped the now empty plastic cup onto the floor and gave me a mean smirk before turning on her heel, bouncing her steps as she makes her way to her friends waiting at the doorway. With a red face, I practically ran for the nearest bathroom. Despite my complete lack of knowledge of the new school, I did eventually manage to find my desired location where I quickly realized my shirt was done for. I sighed, unbuttoned the shirt, and unceremoniously threw the garment into the nearest trash can. The tardy bell rang and I let out a loud curse, ripping my hoodie out of my backpack. My class planner and books scattered across the floor. I cursed again.