The Pack

Ch. 1

"Don't worry, you're going to love it here. There's something here for everyone at the school. It'll feel like normal in no time." Abigail, the welcome committee president said to Dana, the newest student at Crestwood High. They entered the main building of the school where lockers and classrooms lined the walls. Just then a football came flying over them. Next to them a student ran and jumped into a group of other students in order to catch the ball. "As long as you watch your head." Abigail added. "Sports are a pretty big thing here, kinda like all other schools." She continued and led Dana down the hall. "There's always something getting thrown here." She warned. 

"I'll be sure to watch out for the air traffic." Dana spoke up. Her eyes darted everywhere, taking in her new surroundings and also watching the crowd of students for anymore projectiles. For a small town there were a lot of kids.

"A smart choice. Anyway, let's get you to your classes." Abigail continued. They walked to the end of the long, narrow building and turned the corner to exit. They entered the school's courtyard where more students gathered in groups chatting with friends before class. Some sat at picnic tables and others took any available space to stand and gather. Abigail led Dana through to get to a neighboring building. "This is the science building. Your class is one of the first in the hall, right here." Abigail explained and opened the door. A couple kids were already sitting in the class, waiting for the bell to ring. Abigail led Dana to the front of the class to meet the teacher. 

"Ah, Abigail, to what to I owe the pleasure?" The teacher asked. He dressed like any average male high school teacher would; pressed button down shirt and slacks with loafers to match. He was blonde and balding at the top of his head but not yet so much to be made fun of by the students. He had a kind smile, shockingly white, and bright green eyes.

"Just doing my duties today, sir. This is Dana Williams, your new student." Abigail replied. 

"Ah yes, I saw you on my roster. Welcome Dana, I'm Mr. Johnson, I will be your chemistry teacher." He introduced himself as held his hand out for Dana to shake. 

"Nice to meet you." Dana replied politely. 

"You too. Now, let's find you a place to sit. You're going to need a lab partner so I might have to move some stuff around. Are you in my first class?" He asked and she nodded. "Perfect. I actually have a group of three that I could split up; three rowdy boys so it'll be good to keep them separate." He spoke. He looked at his seating chart and made some changes. "Alright Dana, you will be sitting in the back by the window with mister Hemming. He's not too much trouble on his own but, my god, when he's with those boys he's such a racket." He spoke. Dana wasn't looking forward to dealing with rowdy boys but that's what she gets for not being there the first day. "And Abigail you can pull up a chair with them if you'd like. If not, my desk chair is always free while I'm lecturing." He offered. 

"Thanks Mr. Johnson." Abigail replied with a smile. She and Dana walked to the lab table at the back of the room as more students started piling in. Everyone was chatting and talking across tables. They all seemed to know each other very well. Dana decided it must have been because the town was small. It was out in the country and she was used to living in a bustling city. It would take awhile to get used to a different way of life. 

"So you don't have any classes?" Dana asked Abigail. 

"Not when I'm doing tours. It's a great way to get out of class." Abigail replied.

"Cool." Dana commented, thinking it was something she could get into if she stayed long. With her dad's job she was always moving but it was always big cities that needed his architectural skills. Now they were in Crestwood, a small, quiet town surrounded by woods. Houses were spread few and far between, even in the immediate town it was just town hall, some restaurants, and some shops. Dana was pulled away from her thoughts by Mr. Johnson's loud voice.