Trial Of Young Love

Chapter One

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

The alarms going off... I should really get up. 

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

"Okay!" I groan, slipping the covers off the top of my head. Todays the first day of Junior year. Although I'm nervous, I'm equally excited. Why? Well, I get to see James. Just the thought of him gives me enough energy to fully slip out of bed. James, he is the hottest guy in school, though I dare to never speak to him. He's only been at our school for a year but quickly gained the hearts of all the girls. Not only is he tall and handsome, he's also kind to everyone and super smart! 

I regain my thoughts and head to the bathroom for a quick shower, catching a glimpse of myself in front of the mirror. My loose deranged auburn curls dangle from every angle, partially covering my light blue eyes. After my normal shower routine, I walk into my bedroom ready to make the hardest decision for the first day of school. Clothes. What do I wear? Nothing too flamboyant but also nothing that makes me look homeless. I rummage through the drawers and grab a simple-but cute outfit. High-rise boyfriend jeans and a graphic tee. I put my hair in a half up pony and head downstairs. 

"Mom?!" I yell from the kitchen. It's silent, but I know for a fact that she's home.  Not wanting to draw too much attention to myself I grab a breakfast bar and head for the door, slipping on my shoes. I wonder why she isn't answering me, I really wanted to say goodbye. Oh well, I really shouldn't push the matter. 

"What is it you wanted?" A cold voice pierces my ears. I turn to see my stepfather standing above me, arms crossed with a stern look on his face. 

"I- uh. I just wanted to let Mom know I'm heading out for school." My breath shakes under the words. "Is she up?" 

"She is, but she's preoccupied at the moment. I'll let her know." He shifts away from me. He always makes me feel uncomfortable. As he walks away, I open the door and start my walk towards the school.

 It's really nice out, not super-hot but not cold. Just the way I like it. My phone pings with a message. Pulling it out of my pocket I look at the message notification. A recognizable name shows, Brooke. A smile creeps on to my face. 

BROOKE: Hey gurl! I got you a coffee! I'll wait for you at the office to collect our schedules! 

As I arrived at the entrance of the school it's crowded. People with their cliches and groups crowd around outside waiting for the day to start. You could always tell who the Freshmans are, scared, crouched over, not knowing what to expect from high school. I remember the days, though high school really isn't all bad it isn't great either. I was bullied a lot on the first year. I managed to hide away and not stick out too much, my stature made it a little difficult, I was the second tallest girl in school at a staggering 5'10. 

Walking up to the office I see Brooke waiting for me. "Brookie poo!" I exclaim excitedly. 

Brooke is a short girl, a little chubby with long wavy hair. She waves at me with a smile on her face holding the coffees in her hand. She holds one out to me. "For you, are you excited? I want to see what your schedule looks like! Hopefully we're together." I take the coffee and search for my name in the piles of schedules laying out on a table for students. Ah, there it is. I open the piece of paper. P.E, Math, English, Science, History, then Study Hall. Not too bad. Turning my attention to the eagerly waiting Brooke I say my classes out loud. 

"Awe man, we don't have P.E or Study Hall together!" She pouts. 
"It's okay! We don't need to be in all the same classes. I would prefer it, but it's a cruel world!" I rest my arm over my head in a dramatic stance. That's when he walks in, James. My eye follows him as he walks down the hall. Blonde hair bouncing with his steps, his glasses fitting perfectly on his face. 
"Man, this year I'm going to get him to notice me." I sigh while leaning against Brooke. She shakes her head at my jokes. "I know you'll never talk to him, you're way too shy. Plus, all the girls will hate you. Literally." Breathing heavily at the sad truths thrown at me I adjust my bag.
"A girl can only dream, we should probably head to our classes." We say our goodbyes and I head towards the gym. I'm not athletic at all so I'm hoping it won't be harsh on our first day. 

Walking in, the coach tells us all to sit down on the gym floor and discuss the way the year will go. 
"Class! This year we will be focusing on team building. You will be assigned groups as of tomorrow and work with the said group for the rest of the year!" Catching my attention, I look around scrawling to see any familiar friendly faces. Some. None of them I'm close with or actually talk with. I do see Jess; she is a little nerdy like I am, so I'd feel comfortable being in a group with her. 

A loud bang brings me out of my thoughts, all the students look at the gym doors. There stands a guy who is gigantic to say the least. Broad, tall, and looks...Scary. His eyes and hair almost black. He has a large scar ranging from his cheek down to his neck, his posture and face make him look... Mean. Whispers start forming in the crowd of students. 
"Your late." The coach announces. 
"I'm new, got lost." He starts to walk towards us and looks around, trying to find a place to sit. From the look on his face, I think he could feel the scared atmosphere. His eyes make his way near me and sets his bag on the ground before sitting. I tensed up and scoot just a smidge away. 

"Like I said-" Coach stares at the new student. "We will be in teams. I will also be picking those teams." Loud groans carry in the gym. "Pay attention! This will help you all with your senior year and after! Make sure you bring your gym clothes tomorrow. Talk amongst yourselves while I figure out the teamsI take out one of my headphones and turn on some music. Staring at my phone I begin checking notifications. Nothing. I don't know why I bother to have socials. Most of my accounts are for family, and then Brooke. From the corner of my eye, I see the new kid looking around. He must be nervous, but in all honesty he looks pissed. I really hope we aren't paired together. 

"Where's room 109?" The low voice spooks me, and I jump. 
"W-what?" I turn to see the new kid staring at me aggressively.  He holds up a piece of paper with his schedule on it. "Oh." I scan the paper over and realize we have the same schedule. My body melts into the floor. 
"Oh, we have the same schedule!" A nervous laugh escapes my throat. 
"Room 109?" he lifts his head and looks down at me. Damn okay dude. 
"It's upstairs, I can show you if you'd like." I rub the back of my head, hoping he wouldn't take me up on the offer. He doesn't answer, my eyes trail his arms, and I see some minor scars.
"I'll manage." He shoves the paper into his backpack and goes back to doing his own thing. 

What an asshole. Whoever this man is, count me out. Someone should teach him proper manners. The coach comes back and holds out a list of teams. He starts calling out names. "Team one!" "Team two" and so on. Crossing my fingers I silently beg to not be put in the new kids group. 
"Team 5, Zoe, Jess, Xavier and James." I spring up at the group, James? Is he here, I didn't see him. Nobody says anything and he continues to call out teams. I hope it's the same James' but who's Xavier?