Junior Year

Chapter 1- First Day

      A new school. That's what my mother's choice was. It was an awful choice. But a necessary one. I had a tough time fitting in at my old school. We thought that maybe it was just because I was a freshman, so we decided to wait another year to see if it got any better. But it didn't get better, it got worse. So now here I was, standing in front of my new high school, ready to begin my junior year. It really couldn't be that bad. The ratings for the school were so good and my mom was so sure it would be a good thing.

     I began walking along the pathway that lead up to the front stairs, I saw everyone reuniting with all their friends. It made me sad that I didn't have friends here to meet up with. It sure would've made my anxiety about starting a new school so much better. I opened the door and saw headed to the main office.

"Hello. May I help you?” An elderly woman behind the desk asks, smiling.

“Uhh, yes. I'm Avery Campbell.

The woman looked at me expectantly. “And?”

“Oh. I'm sorry. Uh, I'm new here... Can I have my schedule and stuff please?” I was so awkward.

“Sure thing. Just one moment.” She said, turning to a stack of papers beside the computer. “You said your name was-” She said, trying to remember.

“Avery Campbell.” I said waiting.

“Campbell. Campbell...” She began mumbling to herself. “Ah! Here we are. Avery Campbell.” She said, holding a pile of papers out for me to grab.

I smiled. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, Miss. Campbell. Welcome to Riverwood High, and have a great first day.” She said with a smile.

      I gave one more smile and headed out into the hallway. Looking through the pile of papers I saw my locker, my schedule, and a map of the school where someone had highlighted the route to my classes. That would make it easier. I looked at my locker number and set out in search of it.

      Going along the rows of lockers I spotted the area mine was located in. 400, 401, 402... I counted along with the numbers posted at the top in my head until I got to 415. Alright, I found it, I thought as I began turning the lock to unlock it. As I was putting my things in, the bell rang. All of a sudden there was a rush of students running to their first class of the day. I scrambled around in my bag until I found my binder and a pencil. Placing the pile of papers from the office on top of the binder I went to find my class.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

      After a very frustrating 15 minutes of searching, I finally found it. So much for the highlighted route being helpful. Room 100, Mr. Banks, Math. As soon as I reached for the doorknob the bell rang again. The door flew open and everyone came bursting out. Half day, shorter classes; I remembered. I bent down to retrieve my pencil that was knocked out of my hands as an older man- 40s maybe- stepped out.

“May I help you miss?” He asked, startling me.

“Uh, yeah actually. Are you Mr. Banks?”

“Yes I am.”

“Okay. It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry I'm late,” I began. “It won't happen again. I just have to get used to all the hallways in this place.” I smiled.

“Oh. You're the absent one. Uhh...” He looked to the side trying to remember my name.

“Avery Campbell.” I said, helping him out.

“That's right. Well, you can have your book, follow me.” He lead me over to a bookcase and picked one off. Handing it to me he said, “Where's your next class?”