Tides of Friendship: A PGMS AU

Chapter One - The New Year

The first day of school at Pacific Grove Middle School buzzed with anticipation. The coastal town had welcomed a clear, crisp day, and the school's large buildings glowed warmly in the sunlight. The campus, with its sprawling lawns and carefully tended gardens, was alive with the sounds of students and staff preparing for the new school year.

Josh walked through the front doors, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. His family had moved to Pacific Grove late last school year, and today marked his first day at the new school. The campus was both large and intricate, and Josh was eager to explore but also apprehensive about finding his way around.

With a crumpled map of the school and a folded schedule in his hand, Josh navigated his way through the crowded hallways. The chatter of students, the clatter of lockers being opened and closed, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air. Posters on the walls advertised upcoming events and sports tryouts, hinting at the vibrant life that thrived within these walls.

Josh reached his homeroom and paused at the door, taking a deep breath. He peeked inside and saw a classroom filled with colorful bulletin boards and student artwork. A few students were already seated, chatting and laughing. Josh's nerves flared again as he wondered where he should sit.

Before he could second-guess himself, a girl with a welcoming smile approached him. "Hi! You must be new. I'm Sara," she said, extending her hand. She had an accent and he couldn't really understand.

Josh looked up, feeling a wave of relief. "Yeah, I'm Josh. I just moved to this town recently. It's my first day."

Sara's warm smile made Josh feel a bit more at ease. "Nice to meet you, Josh. Why don't you sit here next to me? It'll be easier if you have someone to help you navigate, I came here a lot over the summer."

Grateful for the kindness, Josh took the seat next to Sara. As they settled in, Mrs. Fort, their homeroom teacher, entered the room. Mrs. Fort was a woman with a kind face and an air of calm authority. Her hair was neatly tied back, and her glasses perched on her nose as she greeted the class with a warm smile.

"Good morning, everyone!" Mrs. Fort's voice was soothing yet authoritative. "I hope you all had a fantastic summer. We have an exciting year ahead of us, and I can't wait to get started. Today, we'll kick off with some introductions and then go over the key events and projects for this year."

Sara leaned over to Josh and whispered, "If you need any help or have questions about the school, just ask. It's a lot to take in on the first day, even for me!"

Josh nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Sara. I'm definitely feeling a bit lost."

As the morning classes unfolded, Josh tried to absorb as much information as he could. Sara helped him navigate the school's layout, pointing out important locations like the library and gym. She also showed him where the restrooms and some classes were at break.

By the time lunch arrived, Josh was both eager and exhausted. He followed Sara outside to the garden area, a popular spot among students. The garden was a serene retreat, featuring well-tended flower beds, picnic tables, and benches under the shade of trees. The gentle hum of bees and the rustling of leaves created a calming atmosphere, offering a peaceful break from the busy school environment.

Sara found a bench under a massive oak tree and they both sat down. She unpacked her lunch—turkey and cheese sandwich, apple slices, and pretzels—and Josh did the same. As they ate, they continued their conversation.

"So, what do you think of Pacific Grove so far?" Sara asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.

Josh shrugged with a grin. "It's pretty nice. The school has a good vibe, and everyone seems friendly. I'm just still trying to figure out where everything is, but it's fine because you've helped me!