Chalk It Up To Fate

Chapter 8: Marshall

I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a bit self conscious.

I smoothed over my bright pink dress and pulled the flowing skirt down a bit to hide more of my legs. The A line dress showed off my collarbone, and the sleeves puffed out and ended at my elbows. I fluffed my hair giving it more volume. The new hairstyle showcased my dirty blonde roots, which made a nice contrast to the rest of my light brown hair, creating a natural low light.

I woke up too early this morning; around 5am. As much as I tried to go back to bed, my racing mind wouldn't let me. I barely remember my dreams last night, but the feelings of contentment and joy stayed with me as I got ready for school. I decided to try something new to my look not only for Sarah's sake but for mine. I stared in the mirror, bringing the mascara stick to my eyes. I felt... pretty. Uncomfortable, but pretty. As I finished putting on my mascara, I grabbed my converse and shoved them on my feet. They didn't really go with the dress, but didn't mismatch enough to make a difference.

I run down the stairs to meet Sarah.

I hear her before I see her, yelling my name. As I walk through the archway to the living room she immediately stops whatever she was about to say. "Marshall," she gives me a smile, "You look...nice."

I try not to turn red as I give her a spin. "Girly enough for you?" I ask sarcastically.

Sarah laughs, "you still figured out a way to add a little Marshall to the dress. Look at your shoes!"

It was my turn to laugh. I held one foot out toward her. "You like? I thought they went perfectly."

Still smiling, she got off the couch. "Come on goofball, let's go."

I skipped out to the car and flicked my hair before opening the passenger door.

Sarah chuckled at my antics, then got into the driver's seat and started off to school.

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I am white-knucking my lunchbox as I take in the cafeteria. It is total chaos with students scattered everywhere talking to friends and barking out laughs. Unlike some of my other schools, there weren't obvious clicks sitting with each other. I couldn't tell whether someone was a jock, a band nerd, a country kid, or a preppy jerk. I only noticed the kids that were sitting alone, which made me swallow a lump in my throat.

I'm not going to be that person this year.

I see Amanda waving me over from the corner table in the cafeteria. The table is almost filled with boys and girls alike. I make my way over with my lunchbox.

"Marshall! I saved you a seat!" The blonde next to her begrudgingly moved over to make room for me. I squeezed in just barely fitting on the table's bench. Both my shoulders were touching Amanda's on my right and the blonde's to my left. Uncomfortably, I set my lunch box on the table, and opened it up.

Amanda starts speaking "Marshall, this is Brit," she points to the girl on my left who gives me an annoyed smile. Amanda goes on to introduce me to the rest of the table, but I can barely keep track. Each person gives me a wave or nod of acknowledgement, most of which are weary or with annoyance. As she went on, I got more uncomfortable and shifted in my seat.

I tried my best to hide my feelings, however, and addressed the table "Nice to meet you, I'm Marshall." I pulled out my sandwich and started nibbling on it.

Amanda laughed, Brit huffed. I looked around confused.

"Yeah," Brit says, "Mandy already said that. What did you bring anyway? It smells horrible! Or maybe that's just you."

My face reddened with embarrassment. I looked down to my sandwich. "It's a tuna salad sandwich, It's great for your skin," I said with an awkward shrug, trying to fit in.

"You put that on your skin?" Brit asked horrified, scrunching her nose.

"No! N-No. T-tuna. Tuna is good for your skin. If you eat it enough it does wonders for your complexion! Any kind of fish is, really." I babbled on while Brit gave me a disgusted look. I looked away and focused on taking a bite out of my sandwich.

"Ew! You seriously are eating that?" Another girl, Chloe I think her name is, remarked.

I felt my face heat again and shrank into myself before taking another bite.

Amanda ignored them as well, and instead, started talking about our homework.

"So I was thinking about a lot of topics last night, and I think I found the perfect one!"

I gave her a shy smile, urging her to go on.

"Since you are new, and don't know much about Carolina High, I thought it would be fun to do an article about it!"

I coughed up some of my sandwich. Brit scooted over as much as she could to get away from me. I grabbed a napkin to wipe my face.

"What?" I said mortified.

"No! Not of you! Or just you I mean, but everything that's new. Carolina High's got a new Vice Principal and a new assistant football coach we could interview. I was thinking of also introducing the new varsity captains of each fall sports team and new presidents of each club. I think it would be fun!"

I gave her an approving nod. It was definitely better than what I would be able to come up with. "That's a really good idea. I'm relieved you're not interviewing me, I'm awkward enough!" I tried to be funny, but I was met with silence.

Until Brit spoke up, "The only thing newsworthy about you Tuna is that dress! Seriously where'd you get it, you look like a bridesmaid from the 90s." The whole table laughed, nudging each other and agreeing with Brit.

I looked down at the dress I thought I looked beautiful in, but as everyone laughed and made comments, I did my best to cover the top with my lunchbox.

"Oh my god! So true! Your makeup is pretty, but that dress does nothing for your skin color. Better eat more tuna I guess! I heard it's great for your complexion," Chloe joined in. The table laughed harder, this time making me more angry than embarrassed.

I shoved my food in my lunchbox and stood up. I gave them a sarcastic smile and fluttered my eyelashes. "I will be sure to keep that in mind. In the meantime, I suggest you try some tuna! That way you won't have to wear so much makeup." I heard some of the girls giggle as I stormed away, heading for the exit.

I huffed and flipped my hair angrily trying not to cry. I turned the corner to get out of the lunchroom and collided into a hard chest.

The person huffed, stepping back from the collision and then said "My god woman! Are you making this a daily thing? What? Are you trying to find different ways to injure me?"

Shit. Not. Again.

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Ahhhhhh! Who do you think it is? Just kidding! We all know *wink wink.* 

They finally meet again! Please leave a comment or a vote! I will try my best to update daily so stay patient with me! Marshall and Reece's story is FINALLY about to start! 

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