Everything Unfamiliar

VI.

"So, you start Monday. Welcome to Millbrook High School, Phoebe." Mr. Halloway, my new principal, says, with a cheery smile.

"Thank you, sir" I say, shaking his hand and standing up from the uncomfortable chair I've been in for the past 30 minutes.

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Halloway. It was a pleasure." Alyssa smiles and shakes his hand.

Micheal shakes his hand as well, then we say our goodbyes and walk out of the school. It was old, and very small, but it wasn't the worst I've ever been to.

We walk through the parking lot and I stare at the cracked pavement below. The day is quiet and the only noise present is the wind brushing up against the trees, like a song incomprehensible by humans.

                                                                               ___ ___ ___

Today is Monday. I rise from my bed in panic and search around the room. I notice that there's no light leaking in from the blinds and look over to the alarm clock on my bedside table. It's only three in the morning. I throw myself back down and squeeze my eyes shut to attempt to go back to sleep. But after restlessly turning over for what seemed like an hour, I sit back up and pick up my book from my bedside table, opening it to the first page and running my finger over my mother's name, and then I begin to read until the words don't make anymore sense and I fall back asleep.

My alarm rings loudly and trembles on my bedside table, I reach my hand over to turn it off. I rub the sleep from my eyes and rise from my bed. Then I get dressed. something simple: A T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. I walk across the hall to the bathroom, brush my teeth, fix my disheveled hair, and quickly wash my face. When I look down I see a bottle of perfume and pick it up. I take off the cap and sniff, it's a warm vanilla scent.

"You can wear that if you want, it smells great," Alyssa says, standing in the doorway.

I quickly return the bottle to where it was.

"I'm sorry," I say, as I put it back.

"Don't be," Alyssa says taken aback, "Feel free to help yourself to anything, make yourself at home."

I smile at her absently, but fail to make eye-contact in my embarrassment.

"Are you already finished getting ready?" she asks.

"Yes, ma'am," I reply.

"School doesn't start for another hour, do you want to get some breakfast somewhere?"

My nerves were causing my appetite to suppress, but in fear of coming off as rude I agree with a nod.

We walk into the cafe and sit down by a large window in which the sun shines eagerly through. Golden streams of light pour through and disperse through the restaurant like an otherworldly magic.

"Are you nervous?" Alyssa asks.

"Mm, no," I shake my head, "I've been to lots of schools, so I guess I'm just accustomed to it."

"Oh, well I'm sure you'll make lots of friends quickly." Alyssa smiles.

I nod my head and look down at my hands. Then, thankfully, I feel the waitress approaching and look at her.

"What can I get you two?" she asks, holding a notepad.

Alyssa watches me with a small smile.

"Um, I'm not really hungry," I say, suddenly.

"Are you sure, honey?" Alyssa asks, slightly worried, "When was the last time you ate?"

"Yesterday– maybe I am nervous because I'm really not hungry." I say quickly, trying to cover for myself.

"Okay, uhm, well then can I just get a breakfast burrito please?" Alyssa asks, turning to the waitress.

"Sure thing," the waitress says, then spins around and walks towards the back of the cafe.

"Are you sure you're not hungry?" Alyssa asks.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you."

Ayssa nods and sits back in her chair.

After a moment she turns to me,"I went to this school," She says.

"Really?"

"Yup, so did Micheal. That's where we met."

"Wow, highschool sweethearts." I say with a smile.

Alyssa laughs and nods.

"I hope you'll like it as much as I did."