Just Hiding

New Kid

I walked through the hallway of the crowded school so nervous I thought I might faint. But I knew I couldn't, that would just draw more attention. My locker was at the end of the hall near a door. A tall girl was two away from mine. Tears started to fill my eyes. I put my head down and hoped nobody noticed. My best friend in Michigan was tall, too. Even the smallest things would upset me now. I opened my locker, put my books and binder in, the usual drill. Just as I hoped nobody would notice me, a muscular boy crashed into me. He muttered a half-hearted, "Sorry." And trotted off laughing. A few people were looking at me now. I was sure I was the color of a tomato, but I just walked away. My first class was math. I was doing good, even if I didn't love it. But then, the teacher said the words every shy new kid hates. "We have a new student." I hated being singled out. After class, a girl with dyed red hair came up to me. "You're the new chick, right?" She said, smacking her gum. "Oh, uh, yeah." I awkwardly said back. She made a motion with her hand to follow her, so I did. I figured she was a safe bet. Her name was Rihanna, and she was actually really sweet. In fact, she continued to be my one true friend.