The New [H.S AU]

Chapter 1

Boring old Sam, that’s how I will and forever be known as with nothing to contribute to the world. My life was like any other 18 year olds, go to school, do homework, go to sleep. It’s kind of disturbing how my life consists of three things, I always say that tomorrow will be different, that started 4 years ago, it never really changed. I mean, I grew taller or maybe got smarter; still debating on that… But other than that… Nothing. I live in a small town in England, very cold, very wet, and very secluded. Not that that bothers me, but everyone knows everyone’s business. Which isn’t always a good thing. If someone new moved to this little town, it’d be the only thing anyone would speak of… I am that new person, with my very delusional family consisting of my mother; some would call her a ‘MILF’ but, seriously… that’s my mum. My father; the workaholic, obsessed with sports and exceptional grades from his two children. My older brother, Josh, we don’t really talk, maybe scream; but we can’t ever have a normal conversation, not that it bothers me too much. Then there’s me, Sam, leaving my other life behind in Australia; warm, sunny Australia to live in England. I miss it already.

Ever since my family and I arrived, which has been approximately 17 days, 16 hours and 47 minutes, we have been the talk of the town. I don’t understand why; it’d be like watching the grass grow. I have been receiving odd stares and incessant whispering whenever I walk by. I wasn’t good in the limelight, so this was very uncomfortable. Josh soaked it up though; he loved attention, especially from the ladies, he just looked like a huge tool strutting up to random people and talking about himself. No one cares, Josh. My mother is enjoying meeting the residents and neighbours, always chatting up a storm. My father; haven’t seen him since I arrived in England.

The clothes my mum bought me from a local shop were so thick; never did I think to be wearing these clothes on a daily basis. Scarves, coats, boots, beanies… I really need to adapt to the climate.

I’m not going to do the cliché thing and change my looks and personality because I’m in a different country. If people like me, cool. If people don’t, oh well their loss.

My first day of school in England starts in 4 days, I’m not looking forward to more stares and whispers especially from girls around my age. Do they think I’m some animal at a zoo. I’ll just have to attempt to ignore them.

“Hey Mum?” I asked, walking down the stairs.

“Mhmm?” She replied, turning the volume of the T.V down.

“Would it be alright if I took a walk around?”

“Finally!” She said with a wide grin. Ecstatic was an understatement of how my Mum feels right now. I haven’t gone outside in 6 days. I’ve been couped up in my room dreading the day that I’d have to walk out the front door meeting the judgemental eyes of the neighbours.

Mum gets a bit worried about me and my friendships; she feels that when I get to school, I’ll be the sad looking person in the corner of the cafeteria eating alone. I dread that sometimes too.

A burst of cold air hit my face as I exited the warm house. I wrapped my coat tighter around my body. Thank God for my Mum. The air was full of dew from the recent rainfall. The grass was wet and slippery, which defeated the idea of me making a graceful impression on the neighbours. The streets were eerily quiet, with only the sounds of dogs barking and sirens from the distance. I made my way down the road where I spotted a park bench; it was wet but I sat anyway. I tilted my head backwards and closed my eyes, soaking up the sounds and smells around me. The fresh air was doing me well.

The peaceful silence was broken, I could hear footsteps walking closer to me, I didn’t want to look at the person; I just decided to ignore them. But I could feel their presence right next to me, the footsteps halted. I opened one eye deciding to take a quick peek.

“I thought you were asleep.” The boy stated simply.

I opened my other eye and adjusted my position to face the person. I looked up at him, taking in his features, brown hair, green eyes, pretty tall. I stared at him blankly for a few seconds, unable to comprehend what I wanted to say. He quirked an eyebrow at me.

“Sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“You’re new here, aren’t you?” he asked

“Yeah.” I sighed. “Thought you would have heard about me or something, people have been whispering non-stop.” It came out more conceited than I’d hoped.

“Sam?” He guessed

I just nodded my head and looked down at my feet. The boots really do help in this weather.

“I’m Harry.” He said, sticking out his hand.

“Hi.” I grasped his hand, which was surprisingly warm. His smile was kind and inviting, I seemed to become more relaxed around him.

“Where are you from, your accent is definitely not from around here.” He asked, sounding genuinely interested.

“Australia. That obvious, huh?”

“Well, you are wearing about ten layers of clothing, so yeah.” Harry said with a little smirk. I smiled lightly.

“You’re not cold?”

“Not really.” He replied. I just stared at him for a few seconds. “What?” he looked at me with a confused expression.

“You’re crazy.” I stated. He scoffed jokingly, and then looked down at his watch. His eyes widened.

“I’m sorry, I’ve gotta go. It was nice meeting you, Sam.” He sped off before I even got the chance to reply. Well that was interesting.