Unexpecting You

Downtown Hill High

Charlie's point of view

I woke up before my alarm clock could buzz early this morning. Today was the first day of school. Sighing and rolling over, I glanced at my phone: there was still an hour left before the alarm was set to ring, as usual. I took a look around my room, gazing at my staked books on the shelves, posters of my favorite bands fixed on the walls as well as my favourite basketball players resting against the corner, perfectly reflecting my personality. Before getting ready, I mentally rehearsed every scenario I could expect from my new trip to Downtown Hill High. Different faces I'll meet but I could already predict how the archetypes would be like: the Totally Spies trio-one blonde, one brunette, one with dark hair walking through the halls, perfectly coordinated and deadly confident. I rolled my eyes.

Next, there were the bad boys, the ones with smug grins and a swagger who always had the smart idea to think they owned the place. I could easily imagine them playing football, tormenting nerds, and charming the cheerleaders, especially the blonde captain, whose name would inevitably become synonymous with drama. Cliché and typical? Yes, it was and frankly all of this déjà-vu scenes felt exhausting. I sighed. Clearly, I wasn't thrilled at all to leave the comfort zone my new sanctuary was offering me.

I finally decided to slip out of bed and step into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, hoping to shake off the sleepiness. After a shower, I looked through the closet, pulling out my favorite jean and a simple white tee shirt, an effortless but cool style. Yeah. I applied a touch of makeup, just enough to enhance my features without feeling overdone. As I finished getting ready, the alarm clock finally decided to buzz.

Perfect timing.

Downstairs, I felt the smell of pancakes, grounding in my familiar routine. In the kitchen, dad was already seated at the table and flipping through the morning paper as usual.

"Hi, dad."

"Hey, sweetie. Early as usual." he greeted with a smile, sipping his milked coffee.

"Female instinct." I replied, grabbing a plate and serving myself.

As we chatted about this and thus such as his work at the precinct and his latest case as if I'd understand one thing about it, Chase finally made his appearance, his hair tousled and still half-asleep.

"You still alive?" he teased, swiping a slice of pancake off my plate.

"Talk for yourself...Hey!"

"It's a pre-school breakfast." he winked as he was about to prepare his own. "So, what's the plan for today, Char? Survive the jungle?"

"Survive your presence first."

"How violent." dad chuckled.

"Just stay clear and away from bad deals. Don't want to have to use that taser dad gave us to any unlucky fellows out there." Chase inserted, grinning.

Mum had already left for job, she was a nurse at the local hospital. They kept on chatting about school until they finished breakfast. Chase disappeared for a moment to get ready  and then got back a few minutes later.

"What?" he asked her, confused as I gazed all over him.

"No. Nothing. You just look more human than earlier." I asserted as I grabbed my backpack, heading out after hugging dad.

We had a short walk to school, within the usual sounds of silent neighborhood and birds singing. As we approached the school entrance, the atmosphere buzzed with the noisy chatter of students. Seating outside Principal's office, we caught every open wided eyes the passing students gave us, some filled with curiousity, some with flirt. Well, that last one was mostly destined to Chase's charming facial expression and handsomeness. He'd only reply with one single eye wink, melting the girls heart away as they giggled through the hallway.