The Human Mate

#1

Harper's POV-
"Thanks for the help, Charlie. I really don't know what we would've done otherwise," my mom says, smiling at her friend as he helps her take out the suitcases.
"No problem, Lexi. Just glad I could help an old friend."
"It's been a while since I've been round here."
"Hasn't changed much since you left."
"I can see. Still rainy as ever."
They laugh.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. Let me know of there's anything else I can do."
"Will do. Let me know if there's anything you need from us too. "
"See you soon, Lexie."
"See ya, Charlie."
He drives away in his police cruiser and mom turns to me.
"Guess this is our new home, Harp."
"It's nice."
"Just nice?"
"Mom, it's good. I like it."
"Great."
She takes the key out of her pocket and unlocked the door. She's already put on her stethoscope key chain that I gave her for christmas when I was seven. She opens the door to a living room full of boxes and two sofas. We take off our shoes and mom sighs.
"Boxes," she says.
"Boxes," I agree.
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow."
"Thank goodness. I don't think I could do that today."
"We've got clothes in our suitcases."
"Yep."
"I might unpack some of my room, though."
"Sure. I'll call you for dinner. WiFi password is on the router under the TV."
"Thanks."
I take a picture of the WiFi password and go to my room. I open a window and sit on my bed. I get my laptop out of my bag, connect to the WiFi and plug in my headphones. I lean on the wall and put on a YouTube video. After watching a few videos, I unpack my suitcase into the drawers. I glance at the boxes, before deciding to go back to my laptop.

Three days later, I start school. The cars arrived the day before, so I don't have to walk in the rain. When I park, there's a few people there, but not a lot. I take a deep breath before getting out the car, and start walking to the reception. I'm fiddling with my hands under my sleeves.
"H-hi. My name is Harper Evans, I'm new?"
"Of course. Here's your timetable and a map of the school. I've highlighted the best routes."
"Thank you."
"Homeroom startes in ten minutes. Library closes at 6. Any problems with your timetable, come here and we'll see if we sort it out."
"Thank you."
I leave the office, going back to my car. I can feel people looking at me. The school year has already started, but it's not like I've missed huge amounts. Only two months. But it's Forks. Everyone has known each other since they were in diapers. I'm fifteen years late. I finally get to my Nissan. I know rationally it couldn't have taken more than two minutes, but it feels like longer. I text my friend in Brooklyn.
Skywalker: Hey idiot. How's life?
Me: Rainy
Skywalker: Ha. Well if it makes you feel better Dr Linter picked on you in Chemistry.
Me: Aah yes. The one person who couldn't possibly answer. Not surprised tho.
Skywalker: Ur skl started yet?
Me: 10 mins till Homeroom.
Skywalker: Ugh timezones. I'm in music. Mrs Charles is late. Again.
Me: How predictable.
Skywalker: What have you got first?
Me: Ironically chemistry.
Skywalker: Noice.
Skywalker: Gtg. Teach is finally here.
Me: I should probs go too. Find the room.
About a minute later I get another text.
Skywalker: You haven't gone yet have you
Me: They keep looking at me.
Skywalker: They being...
Me: Fucking everyone.
Me: I am anxious potato.
Skywalker: You're going to have to go at some point
Me: Or, I could just stay in my car.
Skywalker: If you don't leave now, people will stare when your late
Me: Shit. Fine.
Skywalker: Crap. Mrs Charles is coming. Go to homeroom. Call me when u get home?
Me: K. Bye.
Skywalker: Bye.
I close my eyes an take a deep breath before heading out into the eyes of the school.