~°Flashback°~

Someone New

Their first day back to school went about the same as they expected it to. Vulgar chants from the American-born students and various objects thrown at them in the halls. Alex ended up having to be patched up during lunch after someone broke a soda bottle over his head, and William had to be sent home after someone nearly broke his arm.

“This is absolutely ridiculous. We’re barely different from them,” Mitchell groaned. He softly touched at the scratch marks on his cheek, wincing when his fingers made contact.

“They're just jealous of our accents,” Alex joked, putting a small smile on Mitchell's face. Michael forced Mitchell's hand away from his face and lightly brushed over it with a piece of cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Mitchell didn't move his face, but punched the ground when the pain shot through the wound.

“Hey, you're alright. You've had worse. It's just a little scratch,” Alex reassured. Mitchell rolled his eyes and adjusted his seating position.

“Doesn't mean it don't hurt,” he mumbled. They sat in silence for a few moments in their place behind the gym, only to be interrupted moments later by someone they didn't know.

“Hey, are you three alright? Where's your friend? The tall one?” she asked, her books held tightly in her hand. She was clearly American born. No accent, tidy clothes and new shoes, and her blonde hair was done up with a beautiful pink ribbon. She seemed nice enough, but the three were still cautious.

“Sent home. Almost had his arm broken. As for us, what does it look like?” Mitchell sassed. The girl was taken aback by the bite in his voice.

“Well I was just wondering. It's no fair what they do to you guys. You ain't doing nothing wrong,” she replied, sitting next to him.

“Wait, so... you don't hate us?” Michael asked, a bit surprised.

“Of course not! In fact, I think you guys are kinda neat. Your accents are pretty cool, and you can speak other languages right?” she inquired, somewhat intrigued.

Mitchell mumbled something in Italian, smiling. His words were in unison with Michael and Alex's Russian exclamations. The girl smiled to herself.

“Wow, that's really neat! Now, You two are Russian, and you're Italian?” she asked. The three friends nodded. “Sweet. Hey, I'm sure that you don't have too many friends outside of yourselves, judging by how everyone around here treats you, but I'd like to be your friend, if that's alright with you,” she finished.

Michael, Alex, and Mitchell all exchanged glances, and considered the offer for a moment.

“What's your name, kid?” Mitchell asked her.

“Sophie Hall,” she answered, giving a confirming nod.

“Well Sophie Hall, welcome to the group,” Alex grinned.