Metawin

1. Beginnings

Queenie Wilson surveyed her new classroom with an experienced eye. Already she had separated most of them out into people to talk to and people to avoid, but now she was looking for her latest catch.

Her eyes landed on Merit Corra, the smartest and most respected guy in class. He also happened to be the best looking among them. Merit had caught her attention when the teacher had called on him to answer a math problem and she instantly decided he was the guy for her.

Taking her cell phone out and using it as a cover, Queenie watched Merit. He really was handsome, much better than the guy in her last school. He had straight black hair and lovely blue eyes. His clothes were simple with a black and white color scheme, but it fit him.

Right now he was smiling and helping someone with a study problem. That was a plus, he seemed to be nice as well as good looking. Honestly, why wasn’t he a part of the student council or at least the class president? She liked it better when they had some authority around the school; it always sounded better when she told her parents about him.

The guy left Merit’s desk and headed back to his own. Now was her chance to go talk to him uninterrupted. She took two steps and then brought her cell phone up again. Who was that talking to her man?

The girl had long red hair, was that bright of a red even possible without dye? Even her bangs were long, hiding one eye, but the green was clear from across the room. The girl leaned against Merit’s desk, who did she think she was? Her clothes were also black and white, obviously trying to match with Merit’s.

Queenie’s fingernails bit into her palms. The guy that she had set her eyes on wasn't already taken, was he? She needed information, now.

She went up to one of guys who was making eyes at her and smiled at him. “Hello, I’m Queenie Wilson.”

“Call me James,” the guy said. He had gel in his hair to spike it up and his tshirt had some sort of design on it. “What can I do for you? Want me to show you around the school? I know about places you wouldn't believe.”

Queenie twirled a strand of hair around her fingers and fought to keep the distaste from showing. “Maybe later. But, I was wondering if you’d be willing to tell me about our classmates. A who’s who sort of a thing.”

“Who’s who?” James put a finger to his lips. “I’d imagine that we’re pretty normal. You have the popular clique, I don’t really know why you’re bothering with me instead of them.”

“I can get better information out of you.” She tapped her acrylic nails against the desk; she still hadn’t found the in for that group.

“You have the geeks and proud to be,” James said, pointing to a different side of the room. “If you don't mess with them, they won't mess with you.”

She raised her eyebrow, was he serious about that? “What do I need with a bunch of geeks anyway?”

“I don’t get what you want at all,” James muttered under his breath. “You have the various sports groups scattered throughout. I think we have the highest number of baseball players, funny enough.”

Queenie hummed and tapped a nail on the desk. Some of them were handsome, but not quite on the level of Merit. “Anyone else of note?”

“And then there’s us on the outskirts of the groups,” James said. He smirked at her. “You shouldn’t trust us. You never know what we're about to do.”

“Cute,” Queenie said. She pointed over to where Merit was sitting. “And what about him? Which group does he belong to?”

“Merit?” James chuckled. “I see your angle. Merit’s on the outskirts as well.”

Queenie raised her eyebrow. “Why would a guy like that not be in one of the popular groups?”

“He’d be accepted if he was interested,” James said. “He’s nice and friendly to everyone, but there’s only one person that he allows close.”

“That girl.” Queenie narrowed her eyes. “Who is she?”

“Sloan Parris, another girl who’s on the outskirts,” James said. “She has a bit of a scary reputation, the bad girl of our class, but she only hangs out with Merit.”

“Why are they together?” Queenie asked. “They look like complete opposites of one another.”

“They actually suit each other rather well,” James said.

Queenie hummed. There was no way that an outcast would be good paired with a respectable guy like that. “Are they romantically attached?”

“I wouldn’t try to split them up.” James tilted his head towards the two. “They might not be boyfriend and girlfriend, but there’s no room for anyone else.”

“We’ll just have to see about that,” Queenie said. She took a deep breath and approached them. James trailed behind her, but she just ignored him. “Hello, I’m Queenie Wilson. It’s nice to meet you.”

Merit smiled at her, were those dimples on his cheeks? His blue eyes were lighter than she had thought. She would have to be careful not to fall for real. “Merit Corra. Welcome to Metawin.”

“Sloan Parris.” Sloan sized Queenie up and then seemed to dismiss her.

“Thanks,” Queenie said. “I just moved here, but I think that I am going to enjoy myself. This is a nice small town.”

“I’m surprised that you aren’t complaining how it’s too small,” James inerjected.

Why did he have to tag along? “I’ve been in smaller places. At least this town has a movie theater and a mall. Besides, I’ve found that the people are more important than the size of the town.” She batted her eyelashes, but Merit didn’t seem to be biting.

“Have you been in town long?” Merit asked. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

“Not too long, we got here early.” Her dad had pointed out all of the local attractions on the way to school.

“Are you prepared for tomorrow?” Sloan asked.

Was she making fun of Queenie? “What’s happening tomorrow? We don't have a quiz or something, do we?”

“Not a quiz, but you’re in for an interesting time.” This time she was sure that Sloan snickered at her.

“How about an escort to school tomorrow?” James asked.

Queenie turned; why was he still there? “I can make it to school myself. I have an excellent sense of direction.”

“I was thinking that maybe the three of us could pick you up,” James said. His eyes flickered over to Merit. “But, if you’re not interested in making friends...”

“That is a whole other matter,” Queenie said. She pasted a smile on her face. She might have just opened herself up to some hazing, but she couldn't believe that Merit would be the type of person to do that. She tilted her head in a confident manner. “I’d be happy to accept your offer.”

“Good, why don't you text me your address?” James asked. He motioned at her phone. “I’ll enter in my number.”

She wrinkled her nose, but James had made it clear that she wouldn't be able to get close to Merit without him. She handed her phone over to James. When he was done, she texted him her address. She as more reluctant to give out her number than her address. They never stayed in one place for very long but she had kept her number the same.

James’s phone buzzed and he grinned. “Thanks. We’ll swing by tomorrow morning.”

The teacher for the next class entered the room and Queenie was forced back to her seat. Things hadn’t worked out how she hoped, but she had made some progress. Right?