Splash

2 • in which serena gets rejected

Hope you guys like it.

I hate moving.

I've only had to move twice in my life, but the first time didn't really count because I was 4 years old and we were just moving from Charlotte to Raleigh, which really wasn't that far away. But this time it was pretty inconvenient timing-wise. Like, 3 days before senior year? Really, mom?

Not that I'm trying to brag or anything, but I think I'm pretty good at making friends. I'm pretty friendly, and I don't think I have RBF (Resting Bitch Face), but I did have the most amazing friends back in North Carolina. It was easy to be friendly with them around. I'm really going to miss having them by my side. But at least I didn't have a boyfriend or anything that I had to leave behind in Raleigh.

Oh, wait.

Once again, thanks mom.

I wouldn't exactly call Kyle my boyfriend. We went on a couple dates together and had a casual relationship going, but nothing serious. But still, it's hard for me to put myself out there, especially to guys. I've never been super popular with boys, but Kyle made me feel special. I've never been in love before, though, so I wouldn't really know. What Kyle and I had wasn't exactly love. He was more like a really good kisser, super-hot, close friend.

Dreamy, I know.

• • •

Cardiff by the Sea was a tiny town in San Diego, California, and it was absolutely beautiful. It was quaint, cute, and you could see the sparkling Pacific Ocean from practically anywhere. It was so different from what I was used to in Raleigh, but I liked it. I loved the beach-town vibes. It was my first time on the west coast and it had already made a strong impression on me that this year would change my life in ways that I would never even think of.

I couldn't sleep the night before my first day of school. Yet when I woke up, I felt energized. I was actually pretty excited. I was excited to start fresh at a new school. I decided last night during my tossing and turning that I want to remember this year. I want to make new friends, loosen up, and make the most of my first, and possibly last, year in California. So when I woke up, I did a quick body shower, brushed out my hair which I had curled the night before to save time, put on some light makeup, and picked out my clothes for the day. I had on distressed boyfriend jeans, a cropped white button up tank with cutout detailing, and my trusty white converse. I only put so much effort into my appearance because I wanted to make a good first impression. Usually I'm a Lululemon leggings and tank top kind of girl, but I guess for the first day of senior year I can make an exception.

• • •

As I pulled into school in my white Mercedes SUV, I felt countless pairs of eyes fall on me. I walked into the school straight into the front office, not wasting any of that "let's make new friends" time.

By the time I met with the administrator, got my class schedule, finished incomplete paperwork, and found my locker, I was already five minutes late for first period, which was AP Psychology. When I walked into the room, I felt all eyes on me and someone let out a low whistle. I looked around to find who had let it out, and my eyes landed on a tall, grinning guy standing by the pencil sharpener next to the door. I almost gasped when I saw him--tousled blonde hair, slightly tanned skin, and bright hazel eyes. Totally nailed the California surfer look. Gorgeous.

"Hey beautiful, I'm John," he began with a smirk. "And I'll tell you one thing. I may not go down in history, but I'll sure go down on..."

"Stop that! Mr. Travis, sit down please." The teacher said with a sigh.