Chasing The Player

first day

It's Monday, which meant my first day at my new school. Just breathe.
I knew exactly what my best friend would say. "Eleanor, you are the baddest bitch I know and if anyone at this school is gonna have a problem with you, I know you can deal with it."

I chuckled to myself at the thought then shook away my nerves. How bad could a first day be?

I was glad to be starting at the start of the school year, along with everyone else on their first day. September in California meant it was still warm but definitely not shorts and t-shirt weather. I looked down at my long sleeved bodysuit and black sweatpants, hoping it would be temperature appropriate. Still had a lot of adjusting to do for this new place I guess.

I grabbed my plain, empty backpack and shouted bye to my dad on the way to the door.

"Have a good first day Ellie!" he called. That was what my dad called me, Ellie.
I left the house.

The school was pretty basic, nothing too fancy so I can at least expect to fit in. I hoped anyway. There was a huge football field and basketball court. It was obvious that this school was very competitive in sports, I'd seen that when I'd stalked the schools Instagram. Tons of medals and trophies for all sorts, soccer, american football, swimming, basketball, cheerleading.
Cheerleading had been a huge part of my life in New York. I aimed to pick it back up again, but for now my main goal was to settle in first.

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First period, English literature. I didn't mind lit too much, it was a lot better than math I decided.
I made it to class okay at least, there was a quiet boy that got assigned to take me there. I tried to strike up a conversation but I could sense he just wanted to walk me there in silence, so we did.

"Ah! Miss Clarke." The teacher, who I soon discovered was Mrs Donovan, brought the class's attention to me as I stood as confidently as I could at the front of the classroom. "Welcome to Trinity High! Class, I expect you to be kind to our new student." There were a few chatters throughout the rows.

I felt Mrs Donovan turn to me and I internally winced as I knew what was coming.
"Would you like to introduce yourself to the class?"

I mustered up the best sweet smile I could and faced the kids my age sat before me. "Hi, my names Eleanor, I just moved from New York." Exhale. Could have gone worse.
A boy at the back of the classroom caught my eye. He had tanned skin and sharp features, he was undeniably attractive. There was a mischievous glint in his eye and I recognised him instantly for it. I'd seen him on the Instagram, captain of the football team. Of course he was.

"City girl huh?" He called from the back.
There was a ripple of laughs among the class and I awkwardly chuckled as Mrs Donovan scolded him.
"Zachary!" So that was his name.
I turned to her and and waited for her to tell me where to sit. Mrs Donovan pointed towards an empty seat beside the window on the third row. Beside it was an Ethiopian girl with her arms folded. I headed towards the seat, slightly unsure. It must have been evident on my face because as I got closer she broke into a huge smile, the type that makes you smile too.

Smiling back, I sat down next to her and introduced myself directly. "Eleanor."

"Raye. Raye Monroe. Just ignore Zac." Raye rolled her eyes teasingly and looked at him. "I wish I could reassure you, but that will most definitely be your nickname for at least the semester."

I chuckled and rested my chin on my hands.
"I'm honestly not surprised." Raye gave me a quick run down of people in the class which I was grateful for, but I was pretty good at sussing people out at first glance. I mean, if I do say so myself. Especially people like Zac, Raye had called him, who had big egos and obvious cheek.