Alpha to be

The New Guy Might Like Me

I hoist myself into the vehicle after giving my mom a hug. John hops in after a minute or so of talking to my mother. " Alright kiddo! Are you ready for the new year?" He says in a forced cheerful tone. I look at him questioningly before answering.

"Yeah I guess." I reply, trying not to sound anxious. To be honest I was freaking out, questions of what would happen drifted in and out of my mind. What if no one liked me? What if I can't find a "group?" What if I never make any friends? What if I'm the social outcast? What if all of the football players hate me?

I'm so lost in thought I don't notice that we had just pulled into my new bus stop. I swallow down the lump in my throat and sigh. "Look kiddo, I know that this is a big change in scenery, but you'll have to get used to it." John says, noticing my discomfort.

"It's fine. I don't really care anyway." I say, leaning my head against the window and trying to act calm. I close my eyes so I can think. I try to push all of my bad thoughts and ideas away so they won't distract me. I feel a poke on my shoulder, making me jump a little.

"Your bus is here." He says as he points out the window. I stare at kids pushing eachother to get on the bus. I swipe my backpack off the floor and hop out. "Good luck, don't die!" John hollers after me. I jog over to the bus as the last couple kids are getting on. I  heave myself into the bus and look around for a seat. Most of the bus is full because my bus stop is one of the last few to be picked up. I pick one of the few empty seats that are near the middle. I plonk my bookbag down into the seat and plop down next to my bag.

At the next stop a football player struts down the isle and swings into the seat next to me. Hes so lucky, on the first day he already has his jersey. I wish I was him but I havent even tried out for the team yet. After he sets his bag into his seat he looks at me, but quickly looks away and back to his stuff. I can't help but smile at his shyness while I stifle a laugh. I want to talk to him and try to help him get rid of that shyness, but I'm to afraid that he just wont talk. I decide that it's worth a try, maybe he'll actually open up.

I lean over and tap on his seat, his head jolts in my direction. I obviously startled him, his face goes completely red as he gets this goofy smile on his face. I chuckle and wave at him. "Hi. I'm Justin." I finally manage to say to him.

"U-um...hi!" He blurts out suddenly. He clamps his hands over his mouth and tries to speak, but all I can hear is his muffled voice. His voice is nice and smooth with just a little roughness to it. I like it. His eyes dart back and forth. His eyes are a nice light blue with a hint of green. He then suddenly face palms himself, making me jump at the sudden noise. He looks disappointed. "I just realised that you couldn't hear me...um I'm Jake."

I like his name.