Because you

Chapter 1

Of all the places my dad could find a new job at, it was Pine, Texas. Thousands of miles away from where my life was built. Going from the deserted state of Alaska to one of the most hot, humid cities in the United States. I knew absolutely no one in this upscale suburban town.

It's August, one of the hottest months of the year here. My first two days I sat in my house watching Netflix, eating sour patch watermelon. When my mom kicked me off the TV , I yelled and told her I would find my own way to move back to Alaska and expressed how much I deeply despised this town.

We both knew I wouldn't be going back for a long time. But I could still dream.

My mom concluded that my only hope of making any friends, was to get involved with a youth group at a church. She signed me up for a bunch of activities, that I depended I could get myself out of. Yeah, I saw myself as a Christian guy , but it would be awkward since everybody would already know eachother.

Or maybe I just rejected this place and refused to even try. Either way I was dragged into the youth ministry Wednesday night for Highschool Bible Study.

" Please try to initiate in any social encounters. I really want you to be happy," my mom said as she stopped outside the church. My mom was about 40 years old but she still was beautiful. I feel almost guilty for having such a bad attitude about this whole situation but moving me so far away from a place I was completely in love with wasn't right either.

I nodded , thanked her for taking me, and hopped out of the Two-Door Wrangler Jeep. The church wasn't huge but it was nice. When I went inside, I could tell the furnish was modern and fresh. There was a coffee bar, a basketball court and a lot of space. I could see people my age liking to hangout here.

Of course I was early and only a couple of other guys were here. I could feel the awkwardness in the air, or maybe it was just me. But before I even sat down they approached me with welcoming smiles.

" Hey I haven't seen you here before. Is this your first time coming to this church ?" The taller one asked me.

" First time leaving my house since I moved here a few days ago."

" Oh, that's cool! I'm really glad you decided to come today. I'm Nick."

" Will," I introduced myself, shaking his hand.

" I'm Ryan," Nick's friend said. "More people will show up , I promise. We are all just a little early."

And he was right. Quickly the space became almost cramped with highschool students. I don't think I've ever seen so many kids the same age in one room before.

Nic and Ryan introduced me to their friend Matt and a few other juniors and seniors. It's nice to know Im actually aquantinced with people my age. Lots of pretty girls walked in through the double doors but no one really caught my eye, not that I was really looking for anything right now. Some I could tell were really just here to socialize. I guess I was here because my mom forced me.

" Hey Will, I'm Emily," a red headed girl enthusiastically greeted me, catching me offgaurd." If you ever need someone to hangout with or just talk to , here's my number." I entered in Emily's digits to my iPhone , not really sure if I would text her.

She showed me around, giving me a full fledged tour. She was cute, funny and failed at subtle flirting. I really hope that all girls around here aren't like that, forcing themselves on every boy they see. Not that I didn't like her she was actually great.

" I really hope you will come back. I actually really love this place and I think you will too," she explained.

" Yeah I think I'll give it a chance, not that my parents are giving me a choice. Everyone is so outgoing and kind. I enjoyed the service too. It was really nice meeting you Emily and maybe we can go for icecream later this week?" Her eyes brightened, and I instantly felt regret because that most likely led her on, but I didn't think of it. I really liked talking to her but not in any romantic way.

" Yes definately, just hit me up whenever!" And she went off to go talk to a friend. Emily had such a bubbly personality, filled with so much energy.

I began to leave as Nic and Ryan said goodbye. They were with this extremely gorgeous girl. Insanely beautiful. I had to do a double take. Her smile seemed to light up the room, and forced my heart to skip a beat because she smiled at me.