The Hidden

Newbie

Tara

I wake up to a loud noise. The constant beeping sound of my alarm giving the signal that it is time to get ready for school and I groan. It's not that I hate school. I don't. Actually I really like school, it's a place to get away from being alone and I can get a really good education here at the school my parents put me in. So I don't hate school. I just really love sleep. Priorities.

I raise my head to glance at the time.

"Shit!" I yell, I have ten minutes before school starts!

I throw my blankets off and rush to my walk in closet for something to wear. Then I brush through the knots in my dark brown hair, taming it and making straight again. Grabbing my backpack, I run downstairs heading to the garage. Just like I thought, I had a dark red Mercedes waiting for me. My parents had one brought here for me that way I didn't need to go buy one when I arrived. I pull up to the school ten minutes later and jog over to the main office.

As soon I as burst through the doors I get eyed by every person in there. The main office lady gives me a questioning look.

"Can I help you miss?"

"Yes, my name is Tara Stradson. I'm a transfer."

"Yes of course, we have been expecting you! Welcome to Gradson Hills High, the best school Seattle has to offer. I have your schedule right here," she fake smiles, holding up my paper. It's totally obvious that whole Gradson Hills welcoming statement is just part of her job. The best school in Seattle is just another way of saying the most stuck up, rich, douches and bitches in Seattle.

Offering a fake smile back, I grab the paper and thank her as I walk out the door and into the school. I start to wonder the halls in search of my first class when I see this girl. She obviously has been crying and is a hot mess. It also doesn't help that she is sobbing next to the lockers for anyone to see. Just as I was about to pass her, her eyes meet mine and I see the sadness in her eyes. I can't help watching someone hurt so much without at least saying something.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

She gives me a hostile look.

"Why do you care? I don't even know you."

"Well I can just see that your sad and I wanted to ask if there is anything I can do to help."

With that her face goes from angry to confused and more relaxed.

"Uh t-thanks. I'm Rocky. Most people call me Reyes, it's my last name."

"Tara," I offer her a gentle smile. She does the same in return. "So why are you crying?"

"My mom died."

My mouth opens at the shock, and tears brim her eyes again. "And since my dad is completely out of the picture, and we were already pretty broke, I'm going to be homeless in a couple weeks. I am already on a scholarship here, I can't mess this up! I am so screwed. "

"Oh my God Rocky, no one should ever have to go through this. And even though I don't know you at all, I'm here for you. You shouldn't have to do this alone."

She scoffs, "There's not much you can do. Its all on me, I have no where to go."

"We will think of something...I promise."

"What good is a promise if it's one you can't keep?"

"I will, I believe we will find a way...together."

She just stares at me or a a while. Then all of a sudden she lungs at me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, and hugging me as if the world was about to end.

"I've never had anyone who cared this much about me that was a total stranger. Thank you. Thank you, Tara. I don't know much about you, but I think we are gunna be good friends."

I feel like crying from how relieved she looks. It makes me feel good to actually help someone who is really struggling. She seems so nice and caring. I have a good feeling about her, and it seems like she obviously likes me.

Rocky pulls away from the hug and wipes the rest of her tears while smiling, "So new girl, where's you're first class?"

I glance down at my paper, "Mr. Miles?"

"Ah, the English teacher slash Vice Principal of the school. He's pretty cool. I'll walk you."

On the way to my class I'm over 15 minutes late for, we talk more and get to know each other. Apparently her mom had gotten into a car crash on the way to work about a week ago. And because it was so sudden all the debt that her mom owed went straight to Rocky leaving her with nothing at eighteen years old. She got a notice yesterday saying she would be kicked out of their apartment in three weeks. I asked about her dad and she said she hasn't seen him since he abandoned her when she was 5. Her mom always took care of her and pushed her to be her best so she ended up applying for a scholarship here and got in.

"Alrighty newbie, this is Miles' class," she says pointing to a door to our right. "You got anywhere to sit a lunch?"

"Uh, considering you're the first actual person I have talked to since arriving in Seattle for the first time...that would be a no." I state. She laughs and I notice how incredibly straight and white teeth she has. In fact, she is actually really pretty.

Her brown hair is definitely dyed on some parts to change it to a lighter colors and she looks super fit. She probably works out a lot, which is something I never do. Her skin is basically ache free. Geez, the only thing that looks off about her is the uniform. You can tell she doesn't like it. The tie is loose around her neck, her sleeves are rolled up to her elbows, and the grey skirt doesn't flatter her very well.

"Kay cool you can sit with us," she nods.

"Who exactly is us?"

"Me, Will, Adrian, Gavin, and Danny. We're the crew."

"All guys?" I instantly get nervous. I never even really talk to guys. I don't really get noticed. And for me that's a good thing so I have never had a problem with it.

"Nah, you think I would be the only girl?" she laughs. "Danny is actually Danielle but every knows her as Danny."

Grabbing the door handle, I nod and smile, "Okay yeah, I can sit with you guys at lunch. Me you there."

She begins to walk backward and gives a short wave on the way to her class, "See you then Newbie!"

I scoff and turn the door open to begin my long journey of today.