Girl, New

Chapter 1 - Dear Diary

Read on about Mabel Washburn's whirlwind adventure as she explores both high school and herself. Expect high school served with a side of love and drama.

MABEL

"Dear Diary, 8/31

Burmenton High School will soon be my new (and hopefully improved) school. My nerves seem to be on steroids. I doubt that it'll be fun though, with some new friends it would already be a better school. My only dying hope, the small light inside of me, is that it won't be like Redwood. I would"

"Mabel!" a washed out voice belonging to my mother called from the base of the stairs. "Dinner is ready!" Looking at my journal entry, I hastily wrapped up my last thoughts.

"... do anything for it to be different. -Mabel" Jumping up from my comfy position, I bounded downstairs, ready to devour my meal and dodge the awaiting questions. Tomorrow was my first day at Burmenton High and my parents were just as anxious as I was.

"Jake, off your phone. It's dinner time, honey." The command becoming clearer with every step. There sitting across from my seat was Jake, my older. more popular, more loved brother. This year was Jake's year to shine, his senior year was hardly believable- he looked like a college football player not someone about to finish high school . His muscly physique, tallness, and sport skill had all the girls- and colleges- swooning.

"Yeah okay. Just let me tell Hanna" he clipped, Jake had never been one for our family dinners. Usual he was too busy hanging out with the jocks. His fingers moved lightening fast across the keyboard. I never understood how people could type that fast on a tiny keyboard...

"Hanna will understand. Phone. Away." My mother said, her bright blue eyes popping while giving Jake a glare from the stove. Tonight's meal was macaroni and cheese, a favorite in our household. Mom always made the last summer dinner special to celebrate another summer. Even Jake wouldn't pass up this dinner!

"Here sweetie, you want to eat a good meal so you can sleep well." Her eyebrows gently furrowing as she searched my face, she was looking for cues of stress as usual. This was something she did plenty more than necessary. I quickly accepted the plate and took my seat the the table just as I had every day for the past 16 years. A few minutes of light conversation passed until I was finally prompted about my first day.

"So... Mabel, how are you feeling about...tomorrow?" a tentative question emerging from my Dad as he scooped up some elbow macaronis.

"Nervous, to say the least" My answer was not enough to win the million dollar question. Shoving another spoonful into my mouth, I tried to physically avoid the questions, I couldn't answer with a mouth full of food!

"It'll be fine, I'm sure hun." Reassured my Dad; but I was not so easily convinced. "Just remember, you shouldn't be afraid to be yourself, and try talking to some people. You could-" I shrunk in my seat a little, I didn't want to discuss school, I didn't want it to become a big deal. Watching the clock, several minutes passed as Dad carried on with his rambling advice.

"And above all else just be yourself and Mabel, please just try to talk to some people?"

"Mark, I think that's good, and I agree." My mom and dad gave me their practiced smiles I could feel without looking. Glancing across the table, my eyes met my brothers. I saw a guilty expression on my brother's face as he quickly looked back down at his plate. I knew he felt bad for not being able to protect me from my never-ending school drama. Jake has always held my trust, and anyways he was he first I opened up to. Nonetheless I just make everybody feel like awful, terrible, shameful people no matter how much I wish it to stop.

"May I be excused? I'm full." I hadn't eaten my heap of macaronis but my stomach was full of butterflies. This undoubtedly had earned me a worried expression from both my parents.
"Great dinner mom, thanks."

I practically bolted back upstairs. Thinking about the next day made me feel all the dinner I had eaten come back up. Keeping a calm head, I steadied myself and slipped away into my abode. Opening my drawers I took out the comfiest pajama set I owned and headed to the bathroom. Grabbing a book to escape into, I waited for the bath to fill with soft bubbles.

Tonight, I was reading The Fault in Our Stars by one of my favorite authors, John Green. I was at chapter twelve, the first day they go to experience Amsterdam. I sat down on the toilet and flick through the pages trying to find my spot, I was so absorbed with the first sentence, I had almost let water bubble over the bath.

Before I knew it my eyelids were drooping, the sun had long set, and my bubble bath had run cold. Closing my book, I pulled on my pajamas and drained the bath, bubbles still clinging onto my wet skin. According to my clock and, to my shock, it was 12:27 way past the time I'd planned to go to bed. That night, I laid in bed my head sinking into my pillow but still swirling with the thoughts of tomorrow. My lack of energy mixed oddly with my nerves for the next day as I soon drifted into a world of dreams.

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Hi, I'm attemptedauthor and this is my first story. I'm hoping you like it and I promise to do my best in writing it. Enjoy Chapter Two and thank you for choosing my story!

-attemptedauthor