Tosser~ a James Cook fanfic~

Everyone ~1

Tess Richardson stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her hair for what felt like the hundredth time. The blonde streaks were vivid against her naturally dark locks, She tried to tame her curtain bangs to give her just the right look, re adjusted her nose piercing and finished off her eye makeup. She smoothed down her denim skirt, tugging at the waistband to make sure everything was in place and ruffled through her overflowing jewellery box before chucking some odd rings and silver hoops on.

Although Tess was positive she looked good there was an underlying nervousness she couldn't shake.

"Hey," Michelle's voice cut through Tess's thoughts as she leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. She was still in her pyjamas, her hair tousled from sleep. "Look at you, all glammed up. First day, huh?"

Tess smiled, appreciating the compliment. "Gotta make a good impression haven't I? that's what you've always told me!"

Michelle sighed "I've taught you well Tess... but do you have to do it in my top?!"

"Oh. bugger. I was going to put something over it before I left..." Tess muttered, deliberately disappointed. "Oh Chelle I can't take it off now can I? It matches so well!" Tess pleaded

"Ooo It does match... I guess I'll be a nice sister. But only because it's your first day, yeah?" Michelle agreed. She always gave into a good outfit

"Thank you thank you thank you!" Tess said giving her sister a quick squeeze

Michelle chuckled, stepping closer. "Hey Tess I'm proud of you, you know? Look I know Mum's not even here to see you off, but... we both love you yeah?"

"Chelle don't kid yourself if she actually fucking cared she would be here, not out there with fucking Paul or whatever his name is." She said disappointed

"I know," Michelle said comfortingly

"Love you too" Tess said quietly, heading for the door

As she headed out the door, Michelle's voice followed her. "Good luck, Tess!"

—-

Tess walked down the street to the familiar bus stop. She had walked there every day for as long as she could remember but today felt different. The bus ride to school felt longer than usual. Tess sat by herself, blasting her music way too loud, but her mind was racing. Roundview was new territory. New people, new classes, new problems to deal with.

She pushed through the crowd outside the school gates, dodging clusters of students standing in tight circles. The air buzzed with overlapping conversations—people catching up after summer, bragging about holidays, hookups, and drunken nights they only half-remembered.

Tess scanned the crowd for Katie, her fingers fidgeting with the rings on her hand. But before she could spot her, her eyes locked onto something else—an unmistakable, obnoxiously yellow car parked just outside the school. Bristol Rovers FC was plastered boldly across the side.

Of course.

She made her way over just as Katie hopped out of the car, her red hair gleaming in the sunlight.

"Alright, Danny," Tess said coolly, barely sparing him a glance.

Danny smirked, clearly unbothered by her tone, but before he could respond, Katie turned to Tess with a bright grin.

"Tess! You're not late!" Katie squealed, pulling her into a hug

Tess gave her an exasperated look "Why would I be late?" Katie just raised her eyebrows at her before Tess noticed Katies outfit, "I love your top! How come I've never seen it?"