XOXO - R.G.

1

'Looks like there's some fresh meat in town. Welcome to North Shore, Alice Fern.

XOXO, the NorthShoreFix'

"Okay, this is it" Janis stopped a block away from school, looking over to the passenger seat where Alice was seated.

"What?" Alice looked around outside the window, confused, "This isn't school."

"I know, but there's no way I'm walking into school with the new kid, it'll ruin my reputation."

"What reputation?" Damien asked from the back seat, a hint of sass in his tone as if to tease her. Janis just rolled her eyes.

"Ugh, are you serious? How am I supposed to find my way around school? I thought you were gonna help me." Alice rattled off, suddenly stressed.

"Use Google maps or something, I don't know. The NorthShoreFix has already posted about a new student and mentioned you by name, so all eyes are gonna be on you and there's no way I'm entering the spotlight." Janis grimaced at the thought.

"Okay, then. Thanks" Alice said sarcastically and exited the car, looking around for any teenagers that might also be headed to the school.

"Also, maybe don't mention you're my cousin." Janis added as Alice slammed her door. Alice shot her a puzzled look as Janis sped off, leaving a cloud of smoke behind.

Alice stood there, now second guessing her outfit choice; she had worn a possibly-too-short black skirt and dark green sweater with her new Doc Marten shoes that hadn't quite been broken in yet, so walking any long distances was just asking for a world of pain.

"Hey, are you okay?" A male's voice from just behind Alice made her jump. She turned around, locking eyes with a tall teenage boy who had fluffy blondeish hair and piercing blue eyes. He looked athletic, which meant he was probably a meathead, but his kind-looking eyes said otherwise. If Alice wasn't a lesbian, she would have probably been attracted to him, but alas.

"Yeah, no, I'm fine. Do you know which way the high school is?" 

"Oh, yeah of course. I'm headed there right now. Here, I'll walk with you." He smiled sweetly.

"Thank you so much..." She trailed off, hinting for him to introduce himself.

"Aaron. And you are? " He responded.

"Alice." She responded back.

"Ohhh the new girl? I saw the NorthShoreFix post about you this morning." 

Alice screwed up her face - he was the second person to mention this page to her, and how they had already posted about her, "Wait, what did they say?"

"Nothing bad, just welcoming you to North Shore."

-

A short walk later, the two had finally reached the school. 

"Okay, this is it." Aaron held his arms out to showcase the school.

Alice laughed slightly, "Thanks. Hey, why do you walk to school? Surely you have a car or friends or something?" She asked, then realised how someone could take offence to what she said, "Oh, wait, sorry-"

Aaron laughed, "No, it's all good. I live outside of the district so I have to take the bus, and the closest stop is still quite far away. Don't tell anyone, though. My mom lied about our address so I could go here."

"Okay," Alice nodded, grinning in amusement. Suddenly, the click-clack of heels sounded from behing the two and ALice had realised that the crowd that was once closely-knit in front of her in the hallways had now parted, lookin just behind Alice in fear. Alice spun around, coming face to face - well, more like face to chest as the blonde was quite a lot taller, especially with those heels - with a mean looking blonde girl who was glaring down at her. She was drop-dead goregous, but also had the most intimidating stare she had ever been subject to.

"Hey, babe." Aaron greeted, "This is Alice. I was just helping her find her way around. She's knew."

The blonde stayed silent, but hooked her arm around Aarons, still making direct eye contact with Alice with a scowl on her face. Alice felt weak under her stare but remained still, a faltering smile on her face. Aaron, noticing the tension, cut through it by clearing his throat and asking, "Hey, Alice, do you know where your first class is?"

Alice looked down at her printed-out timetable, "No, but I'll be fine."

"Okay, see you then." Aaron said. As soon as he had bid farewell, the blonde next to him took that as the que to finally pull him away, strutting down the parted hall as onlookers cowered.

Who was that girl? Alice thought to herself, mouth slightly agape as she stared after her.