Beneath The Seasons

[1] New Beginnings

I tossed my backpack over my shoulder, feeling the chilly winter air bite at my cheeks as I stepped out of my car. Harrison High stood in front of me, just as it had every other day, but today felt different. Maybe it was the snow dusting the ground, or maybe it was the fact that it was the start of a new term. Whatever it was, I was ready for it.

Walking through the halls, I saw the familiar faces of my classmates, but I didn't care much about them. I've never been one to worry about what people think. I live my life the way I want, no regrets. And I was damn good at it.

"Olivia!" Rory's voice echoed down the hall, breaking through the buzz of chatter. I turned to see her hurrying towards me, her blonde hair bouncing with every step.

Aurora, or Rory as everyone called her was the definition of sweetness, always kind, always polite. She could probably even make the devil himself smile.

"Hey, Rory," I greeted her with a grin as she fell into step beside me.

"Abby's waiting by the lockers," she said, her voice as gentle as always.

Abigail Harper-Abby, my other best friend-was waiting for us by the lockers, arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Abby was the total opposite of Rory, she didn't take crap from anyone, and that's why I loved her.

We weaved through the crowd, and sure enough, there was Abby, leaning against the lockers with her arms crossed, her fiery red hair standing out like a beacon. Her sharp green eyes zeroed in on us the moment we approached.

"Took you two long enough," Abby said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thought I'd have to drag your asses here myself."

"Relax, we're here now," I shot back, rolling my eyes playfully.

As we stood there, catching up on whatever nonsense we missed over the break, I noticed a guy I didn't recognize walking down the hallway. He was tall, with dark hair that fell messily over his forehead, and an expression that screamed 'don't talk to me.' He looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here.

"Who's that?" I asked, nodding towards him.

"That's Axel Clark," Rory whispered, as if it was some big secret. "He's new. Just transferred in."

Great. Just what we needed-a new guy who already looked like he hated the world.

"Bet he's a real ray of sunshine," Abby muttered under her breath, clearly unimpressed.

As if on cue, the bell rang, and we headed to our first class we all groan, reluctantly heading to our first class: English with Mr. Collins. Not my favorite, but at least it's not math.

"Alright, everyone, settle down," Mr. Collins calls out, clapping his hands to get our attention. "We're starting the term with a group project. I know, exciting stuff."

The class collectively groans, and I smirk, leaning back in my seat. Abby's beside me, already tapping her pencil impatiently, while Rory is neatly arranging her notebook. Typical.

Mr. Collins starts reading out the group assignments, and when he gets to our names, I freeze.

"Olivia Anderson, Aurora Jones, Abigail Harper... Nathan Parker, William Sinclair, and our new student, Axel Clark. You'll be working together for this project."

I glance at Rory, who's already looking at me with those big, concerned eyes. Abby just rolls her eyes, muttering something under her breath about Mr. Collins being an idiot. But my attention shifts to Axel, the new guy. He looks up briefly, his dark eyes meeting mine with a cold intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. Oh, this is going to be fun.