Falling

Kenna

First day done. The rest of the school day had passed surprisingly fast, though the classes were more than boring today. Since it's day one, all the teachers gave the same speech about what to expect, "rules of the classroom", a homework schedule, and all that other good stuff.

I couldn't wait to get out of here, but at the same time I so did not have the energy to deal with the interrogation waiting at home. I knew they meant well, but my parents could be a bit overbearing sometimes. I felt rude even thinking that, but I couldn't help it. As a teenager I had to reserve the right to at least some privacy right?

Just as I was walking to my car, I heard someone call out to me.

"Hey! Kenna wait!"

I turned around to see one of the kids I'd met today...if only I could remember his name.

"Hey...-"

"Casey," the boy said and I suddenly remembered him from homeroom.

"Sorry," I grimaced, "lot of new faces today."

"No no it's totally cool," he said, and I knew he meant it. "Hey listen, a bunch of us are going to this cafe nearby- kinda a first day tradition. Kyla and Emily were hoping you and Ryland could join."

The perfect excuse to stay out just a bit longer. "Of course I'll come, should I text Ryland?"

"I was hoping you'd ask, I forgot to get his number earlier," said Casey.

"Say no more, I'll text him right now." I replied, already typing.

*****

We all pulled into the cafe within seconds of each other. It was a cute place, tucked away in a corner of the city.

I opened the weathered red door, a bell signaling my entrance.

Immediately upon entering the cafe, the warm scent of coffee and fresh pastries enveloped me. If it were up to me, I could spend my whole day in a place like this. The cozy atmosphere, never ending croissants, who wouldn't want that?

Snapping out of my daydream, I made my way to the round table Emily had motioned me to.

"Hey! Didn't see you after homeroom, your day go okay?" She asked, a genuine look on her face.

"Yeah it was actually an okay day, me and Ryland had lunch together and almost all our classes too." I replied.

Looking around the table, it seemed to be comprised of mainly the people I'd met in homeroom.

There was Emily- of course- and Casey, the blond one; Lucas, the tall and muscly one; and Kyla, the beautiful, petite one. In addition, I noticed some more unfamiliar faces.

"You invited Ryland right?" Kyla asked me, blue eyes sparkling.

"Right, although," I looked at my phone, "he has not replied yet."

"It's okay, we hang out here all the time, he'll show up here one of these days," Lucas declared, and I laughed. For the first time, I found myself feeling like these people could really become my friends- if they'd have me of course.

I heard the sound of the bell and I turned, half expecting it to be Ryland. But no, just another teen, here for a does of caffeine.

*****

It felt like t had merely been minutes, but looking at the clock I realized hours had passed. Shit, I've got to leave before my mother comes looking for me.

"Hey guys, I've had such a great time but I've got to go, my moms gonna freak if I'm not home before dinner." I said, feeling a bit embarrassed at having to be the only one leaving.

"It's no problem! I've actually got to head out too," Kyla said, and I was grateful not to feel like the only one leaving.

"Need a ride or anything?" I asked, "I live on Eastwood street," I continued.

"Oh, um, no it's okay, I'll just get an uber or something," she said; a sudden look of something I couldn't discern flashed across her face.

"Oh. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow?" I replied, although it came out as more of a question than I'd intended.

"Definitely." Lucas stated, "don't be late to homeroom," he called out, making me laugh as I walked towards the door.

"Of course not, it's the most important part of the day," I called back, smiling as I opened the door.

*****

"Kenna, darling you're home!" My mother exclaimed, beaming at me as I walked in.

Huh? I'd prepared for the "where have you been?" and the "do you know what time it is?"

"I'm just getting dinner started! How was your first day? You must have made friends!" She said and I groaned.

"Yes mom I made friends, don't sound so surprised!"

She laughed, shaking her head.

"Of course I'm not surprised dear, I know you've always found good friends. But I know it must be hard having to leave all your old friends behind, especially Gracen. You two girls were always just the best of friends," she said.

Right, the best of friends. I thought, with a sigh. Gracen and I were only just friends until we were 15. But, as far as my mother knows, that's all we ever were.

It's not that I don't think she'd accept me for loving Gracen in a different way than she'd thought. But at the same time, I wasn't sure. I knew it would make her uncomfortable, and it never felt right to tell her- I couldn't gauge how she'd react. In fact, I'd never told anyone that me and Gracen were more than just "the best of friends." Not even my other close friends had known.

"Honey?" My mother brought me back to reality as I banished thoughts of Gracen from my head.

"Sorry, long day, I'm just a little tired," I said, covering up my spaciness.

"I understand honey, why don't you go shower and start your homework while I finish dinner? It should be done in about a half hour."

"Thanks mom," I hugged her and grabbed my backpack off the floor as I trudged upstairs.

*****

A/N: yay, finally a long(er) chapter!! I really appreciate comments and feedback, I love hearing what you think! Thanks for the support

❤️Katie