Safety Pin

Chapter One

I sat down waiting for my pizza. Year 10 was starting tomorrow, and I was quite proud I'm out of the honors class my parents made me take, but nothing will be different. I've known most of the people in my grade since I moved here in year 7.

Everyone at my school is preppy and it bugs me. I try fitting in, talking about Starbucks and the new Snap Chat updates, but it's not something I enjoy. I don't want to talk about trends, I want to talk personal. I don't want to gossip, I want to eat this lovely pizza in front of me.

Like, why is pizza the name for it? It's a very cheesy name. ha-ha.

I hate myself omgh.

Yes, these are my thoughts, a normal teenage girl. I don't even know why I'm talking to myself like I'm writing a book. It's like an infinite conversation with me.

ANYWAYS.. I need to stop distracting myself from school tomorrow. As I eat this pizza, I need to write down a list of things I want to accomplish this year.

- Make friends with one new kid

- Get a job and save money to visit my internet friend

- Make a boyfri- HAHA I'M KIDDING

- Have good gra- I NEED TO STOP

"I'm proud of this," I whispered to myself, "I'm going to accomplish none of these."

"Who are you talking to?" I heard a guys voice.

"Listen, I may be short, but I can fight you," I said, realizing I'm making a fool of myself.

He laughed. I looked up to see someone from school, but I hardly knew him.

"Lilly, right?"

"Ahh uhm this is awkward.. I have no idea who you are."

I don't even know what's wrong with me. I'm not drunk, I am just more talkative outside of school.. I guess, more myself.

"I'm Ashton," he smiled and sat down next to me, "what is this?"

Ashton took my note book and started reading it.

"This isn't going to be one of those crazy love stories where they meet at a pizza place, realize they like the same type of pizza, then fall in love, alright?" I'm great. I settled the score. I need a award.

F-R-I-E-N-D-Z-O-N-E-D

"Actually, sadly for you Ms. 'Make a boyfriend," he set my book down and looked at me, "I prefer pepperoni over plain cheese, but nice try."

We laughed and Ashton started looking through his phone. I started looking at him deeply. This kid is hot, holy mother. Why is this idiot talking to me?

Then I realized, he is hot. I ruined everything oh my god. I'm so annoying, no wonder he is looking at his phone. He feels bad for leaving so soon so he is distracting himse-

"Do I have something on my face or..?" He replied, referring to me starring at him.

"Oh.. Uhm.. No.. I mean you have eyes and a nose, maybe something in your nose, hopefully you blow it and keep it clean, or your eyes.. And so much is on your.." I stopped to see him laughing at me. Why am I so stupid? "I'm so sorry I need to chill"

"Haha no I find it cute."

"But we don't like the same type of pizza," IM DONE WITH MYSELF I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY I SAID THAT.

"I said I preferred pepperoni, I like cheese," Ashton winked then grabbed his stuff and left.

I don't even know what happened. My mind just froze and did things. He didn't ask for my number or anything so I'm probably never going to see him again.

First day of school

I got up and put on my ugly, itchy uniform. I wish Australian schools didn't have uniforms or school dress codes. It stops some bullying and saves money, but it's forced and I just want to dye my hair pink and be punk-rock.

I straightened my long, blonde hair while applying mascara. Yesterday, at the pizza place, I didn't look good at all. So maybe Ashton won't even recognize me.

Even though he knew me and probably will know me because we've been in school toge- why am I even thinking about him? I shouldn't care if he knows me or not. If I think about him one time today, I'll have to go up to a random person and talk to them.

I got a message from my internet friend, Jamie, wishing me a good luck at school today. I love her so much, she's like a sister to me. Jamie lives in Brisbane, while I live in Sydney, so visiting her won't be too hard, but I still have to pay for everything.

I walked to the bus stop to ride closer to my school. Unlike American schools, I have to ride a public bus in order to get to school. My parents both work in the morning, so I'm stuck by myself until I can start driving.

I walked into first period and sat down. This is where I become more quiet. Social anxiety gets the best of me. I sit in the front because the popular kids sit in the back.

I was writing down my name and the date while I waited for the bell to ring. Someone sat by me but I ignored it because I thought all the other seats were taken.

"You really know how to take care of yourself," Ashton said.

Wait.. Ashton? He has never been in my class before, I don't even know what to think.

"What are you doing here?" I said a lot quieter then he was used to.

"There is this law that states I need an education to get a good job so I'm sitting in a class to help me with that plan," he said in a funny tone.

I couldn't help but giggle. Ashton keeps making me happy, but why me?

"We should hang out after school, you can be yourself then."

That was the first serious thing I heard him say since we officially met. I felt something in my chest. It was a nice feeling but I couldn't concentrate. My eyes always wondered to Ashton, listening deeply to what the teacher was saying, then to the teacher. No matter what I did, Ashton was my number one thought.