New Girl

First Day of School

It was the morning of your first day at Hawkins High. You feel pretty good. You met people over the summer so you won't be completely alone but you were still nervous. The first day of school is always stressful, you've just never been the new girl before. Although Steve and Robin have become your closest friends, you didn't want to be pigeonholed into one clique or stereotyped in any way. You and Steve also weren't exclusive and you still never found the mystery mall boy, assuming he didn't run in the same social circles as your two friends.

You had on your favorite Metallica shirt that was tied in a knot in the front along with your black leather mini skirt, fishnets (which you were already regretting), and your combat boots. You were in your truest form, you were making a statement. The icing on the cake was your new leather jacket your mom got you when you went to visit her, sort of a peace offering from her. She seemed a lot happier with you gone and it was pretty clear you were as well. Maybe this move was the best thing for your relationship. 

Your aunt drove you to school that morning, you debated walking but it was too far and you wouldn't be caught dead riding the bus. At least your aunt was cool, especially compared to the other mothers. 

"Ok. Have a good day. Make some friends. Be yourself," aunt Brenda said as she pulled up to the school. 

"I'm always myself," you chuckle.

"I know. Just reminding you. Do you need me to pick you up?"

"Nah. I'll limit my chauffeur rides to just once a day."

"You sure? I don't mind."

"I'm sure. Thanks again for the ride!"

As you close the door and head into the school, you could feel all eyes on you. Your stomach begins to twist, you're not sure if the energy you're receiving is good. The students seemed a lot more judgemental than you assumed they'd be. Luckily, when you make it to your first class, you see Steve and a wave of relief flows through you. He sees you and taps the chair in front of him with a smile, signaling for you to sit there. 

"Hello, stranger," he says as you sit down. He plants a kiss on your neck, just below the ear. "You went full metal for your first day? How brave."

"Well at least I didn't come dressed like Robin again. Everybody keeps staring at me."

"Yeah. You're new. What did you expect?"

"I don't know. I guess you're right. You wanna drive me home after school?"

"Love to."

You still felt eyes on you throughout first period but being seen with Steve changed the dynamic. Maybe he was a bigger deal than he let on. Him and Robin had introduced you to so many people from the marching band to the basketball team. Your social cup was about to spill over, especially since you like to keep to yourself. You were overwhelmed. By the time lunch rolled around, you just needed to get away. 

You escaped to the woods just outside of the school to clear your mind. You snacked on a bag of pretzels as you explored, not really in the mood for the whole lunch you packed. You were relieved to find a picnic table, a place to sit and gather your thoughts. You were grateful for your friends showing you around but everybody seemed so... fake. They all looked at you like you were a freak. 

Not long after you sit down, you hear footsteps approaching. You think to yourself I should've told someone I was out here! If you were to get murdered or kidnapped, who would notice?! You turn around to see someone behind you, startling you. 

"Woah! Hey! Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you..." to your surprise, it was the mystery mall boy. Your pulse began to race and you could feel the nerves take over. You had been searching for this guy all summer and this is where you find him? Christ. He's gorgeous! He was everything you wanted in a guy, at least physically. Better than your late night fantasies.