Falling ~ Stiles Stilinski

Friendly Face

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Michaela smiled at herself. She had put together skinny jeans, ankle boots, and a purple flowy blouse that she had picked up at a thrift store.

As she grabbed her backpack and headed out the door, Michaela felt excitement and nerves. She was jittery from excitement to see her friends and share stories of her time abroad, but also nervous about starting a new year of high school. Nevertheless, Michaela took a deep breath and walked confidently through the halls, ready for whatever challenges and adventures lay ahead.

As she walked through the bustling corridors of Beacon Hills High School, Michaela couldn't shake the gnawing sensation of being an outsider.

The scent of freshly printed textbooks wafted through the air, mingling with her fellow students' lively chatter and laughter.

Each step seemed to take her deeper into a parallel universe, and she couldn't help but notice the clusters of friends, the unfamiliar faces, and the awkwardness that clung to her like a second skin.

Returning after being away for nearly a year was daunting enough, but the school's small size only worsened it. Everyone seemed to have their little groups formed; people changed from middle school, and Michaela was the only one left out. Michaela longed for a friendly face, but all she had encountered were blank stares and indifferent glances.

Michaela reached her locker and ran her fingers over the cold metal surface. She struggled to open it, unsuccessfully twisting and turning the lock.

Suddenly, a sweet voice interrupted her thoughts, "You need help?" Michaela turned around to see a girl with a friendly smile.

"Um, it looks like it."

"No worries," said the girl

"I'm Michaela," she said, returning the smile.

"Oh, Scott talks about you all the time!" the raven-haired girl exclaimed, her eyes widening in excitement. "I'm Allison."

Then she remembered Scott talking to her about a girl he was seeing. She really didn't believe him until she saw her standing in front of her eyes. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing honestly," the two girls chuckled.

"All good, I promise." Allison gave a reassuring smile.

Michaela felt a wave of relief wash over her. Finally, a friendly face in this sea of unfamiliarity. She couldn't help but feel grateful that Allison seemed genuinely excited to get to know her.

Michaela observed Allison and noticed the scent of her perfume, a subtle hint of lavender that reminded her of home. As they chatted, she heard lockers slamming shut and the shuffle of students' feet as they hurried to their next class.

Michaela started to notice people staring and whispering. The air grew tense and heavy with negativity, and Michaela could feel her heart rate quicken in response.

"Is it just me or are people staring at us?" she said as the two walked.

"No, it's not you. They're looking at me because my aunt just died." Allison said, pursing her lips

Michaela looked at her, eyebrows raised, eyes pitiful. "oh my god i'm so sorry."

"It's okay she was a murderer anyways, don't feel too bad about it." allison quipped,

Michaela simply stared at her, not knowing how to proceed.

"What class do you have next?" Allison asked, wanting to change the subject.

"I have Chemistry with Harris. But I have no clue where that is," Michaela replied

"Don't worry, I'll walk you there," Allison said, looping her arm through Michaela's. "But fair warning, Harris definitely has a stick up his ass."