jock

2. the invite

A/N: above is Alex Henderson
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Four of my classes had already come and gone by the time it was lunch. Of course, I had to go through the awkward walk of shame on trying to find a table. My mom had packed me a lunch like she always did on the first day, but I didn't have an appetite. At least, not one for a peanut butter sandwich. Whether it was the way I stood in the doorway of the cafeteria, or the longing look on my face for a place to sit, a guy took it upon himself to take me under his wing.

"I'm Alex, top of the social food chain," he held out his hand for me to shake, but I was puzzled by his introduction. "Top of the social food chain?" I repeated as our hands connected for a moment. His hand was cold, a bit clammy too. It caught my attention, my tongue running across my lip from the craving. I pulled my hand back before I could do something, pulling at the sleeves of my shirt. He nodded his head before leading me over to a table with multiple people already sitting down. "My dad is a CEO of one of the businesses down here. Mom is on the school board. I wouldn't say myself that everyone fears me, but I'm definitely popular," he snorted so nonchalantly, as he didn't care of the fact that he was letting everyone know he was wealthy. The thing about high school is that there's too many cliques. You've got the typical jocks, stoners, outcasts, kiss asses, nerds, and so forth. At least, that's how it should be. Here at this school, the only cliques that I have noticed were the popular kids, the rich ones, jocks and cheerleaders, and then some nerdy guys. Nothing about this school screamed clique diversity.

"So, where are you from?" He asked through a mouthful of what seemed to be a brownie, catching the attention of some of the other people at the table. "Pennsylvania," I responded, glancing down at my hands. Talking about my hometown made me emotional since there were so many reasons I wanted to stay, but so many as to why I had to leave. "Really? How's the hot weather treating you," he scoffed lowly, a few laughs erupting from the others. I just managed to fake a grin, pushing some strands of hair behind my ear.

"Harry! Sit with us, yeah?" Someone shouted across the cafeteria from a table close to ours. I turned my head to see the infamous Harry, taking in every detail I could. His complexion was exquisite; he was every girl's definition of "dreamy". My eyes glanced down the side of his face, admiring his strong jawline, and the veins that were showcased on his neck. I was mesmerized. I realized I was staring too long when Alex shook my shoulder, taking me out of my trance. "Liking what you're staring at? Trust me, I'd stay away from him." He spoke low enough just for me to hear. "Between you and me, he's not the best guy out there. I would know, he screwed over my sister." At this new information, I was curious as to what he has done. Then again, a senior covered in tattoos doesn't scream model citizen.

As the thirty minutes of lunch passed, I had learned everyone's name that was seated at the table. This particular group were the "rich ones", but still maintained popularity. I was glad to have a group to fit in with, even if I didn't meet the criteria. Warming up to these people, I let down the wall I built up to kept myself from making friends. I was actually enjoying myself for the first time all day. Even if they were labeled as snobs and rich, these kids were some of the nicest people I could meet.

Alex had introduced me to his younger sister, Valerie. She was a grade lower than us, and absolutely stunning. I admired her confidence to sit with all seniors, especially when she seemed to have her own posey. While everyone seemed to be laughing at joke that Ryan, the next most popular guy at our table, had said, I could feel eyes on me. Becoming curious, I glanced towards the direction I could feel the stare from, noticing it was the same table Harry had sat down at. My brows scrunched together as I saw him staring, not blinking once when we made eye connection. Shaking my head, I turned away. Moving my hair from in front of my ear, I tried to make out any conversations at that table.

"Why are you staring at the new girl?" "Do you know her?" "What's your deal today?" Most of the talk I heard was addressed to the very observant Harry. I couldn't bring myself to hear what he had to say, so I excused myself from the cafeteria before I could find out. Being around so many people does drain me, too. I wandered the halls for a bit to familiarize myself with them until it was time to go to the next period.

The school day couldn't have gone by any slower. I was beyond excited when the last bell of the day had rung. I gathered my bag, and rushed towards my locker. While I was getting the jacket I had stuffed in there earlier, masses of bodies rushed by towards the front door. By the time I was finished putting my jacket on and grabbing out my keys, a group of the 'popular kids' strolled passed me.

"Hey, isn't that the new girl you were talking about?" This particular question made me turn my head, eyeing the group some. When I tried to focus on the conversation, all that rang out in my ears was the clambering of heavy boots. I knew exactly who it was. The arrogant, hot-head that I had to encounter three times a day. To my amusement, there was no response. Scoffing under my breath, I began my journey from the school lockers to the senior parking lot.

On my walk to my car, I scanned my surroundings and tried to take everything in. The students here all seemed to know one another– even under class men. It was refreshing to be in a place that was so connected, but also frightening. Only to imagine how quickly gossip spreads irked me. Reaching the middle section of the parking lot, I spotted the navy blue Kia Rio I owned, and sighed in contentment that I was going home. I sat on the hood of my car for a moment, glancing around. This was my new life. Trying to survive in an elite school with spoiled students isn't going to be easy.

Rummaging through my bag, I grabbed the case of cigarettes and my lighter. It's not like they affected me in any way, shape, or form, but they stopped the cravings. I knew I wouldn't be able to get something until later tonight, so I needed to suppress all of it. "Wow, the new girl is a smoker? Didn't see that one coming." I glanced up to see my new friend Alex, which made me grin. "Not a fan?" I asked, bringing the lighter towards the cigarette that hung from my lips. "A survivor, more or less," he responded cheekily. He shifted his stance, watching as I took a drag and exhaled the smoke, tapping away the ashes. "What can I help you with, golden boy?" I chuckled, seeing as he was slightly uncomfortable.

Even though Alex was one of the top students in our class, an heir to a business company, and one of the most popular kids in school, he carried selfless and respectful morals. He was a good guy trying to please his fans. After clearing his throat, he grabbed out a piece of paper that had scribblings all over it. "Here is the address to my house, and my phone number." His hand outstretched toward me, shaking the paper in my face. "What do I need this for?" I asked, taking out my phone and programming the information in under a new contact. "This is your official invite to my party tonight. And yes, it's a school night. Just say it's a study group if you're worried about your parents."

I scoffed slightly, flicking the butt of the cigarette towards his shoes playfully. "Don't worry about my parents. We'll see what happens." With that, I hopped off the hood of the car, and got inside. I backed out of the parking spot, waving goodbye to Alex. I glanced at him in my rear bore mirror and saw him grin.

I may be the new girl, but I'm definitely not shy anymore.

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A/N: HOPEFULLY things are making sense! I'll try to get two more chapters up by Tuesday, and yes there will be more HarryxMelanie action. In the next chapter, it'll be revealed what Melanie is, if you haven't figured out already ;)