Keep Moving Forward

Chapter 1

"There are at least eighteen ways this could have gone better. Literally. Like, I'm counting them right now, you moron." 

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The warm sun shone its golden light down on Kate's face. As she waited for the bus to arrive outside her house, she scrolled through her social media feeds on her phone and soaked in the sun rays. A text notification appeared at the top of her screen and she opened it.

"Hey, you won't believe what just happened on the bus earlier. Can't wait to see you!" 

Kate smiled down at the text from her best friend just as the dull yellow bus rounded the corner with a loud screech. She rolled her eyes at the sound and gathered up her things off of the ground. As she boarded the bus she looked around for Jess and spotted her sitting in their usual seat in the very back row. Kate stumbled over backpacks and various feet until she finally sat down next to Jess.

"Morning!" Kate said and then lowered her voice to a whisper and said, "What's the big story that you wanted to tell me?"

Jess looked around quickly and then whispered back, "Josh and Jackson kicked Maleah out of her seat again and then Josh punched her in the arm because she wouldn't move. Mrs. Wellby was so mad and now they're all separated."

Kate's eyes widened and she peered over the top of the seat in front of them to get a closer look at where everyone was seated. She saw her ex-bestie Maleah sitting a few rows ahead of them and felt a small hint of guilt creep up in her mind but she tried to push it back. Maleah turned around as if she could feel Kate's eyes on the back of her head and Kate ducked back behind the seat. Jess giggled and Kate's heart pounded. 

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The loud ringing of the bell signaled the end of the school day. Kate quickly packed her binder and notebooks into her backpack and hurried out of the science class. Jess quickly appeared at her side and began to walk in rhythm with Kate as they both exited the school building. The warm sun greeted Kate's face for the second time that day and she smiled up at it. She said goodbye to Jess who went to find her mom's car in the parent pickup line and sat down on the front steps of the school to soak in more of the sunshine.

"Earth to Kate! Helloooo?!" 

Kate looked back from the sun to where the voice seemed to come from. Leaning against the large oak tree that their high school was famous for was Ian. He waved Kate over and pulled her in for a hug as she joined him underneath the tree. 

"Hey, girl! How was your day at school? Actually, don't answer that and come with me to Maurice's to tell me instead."

Kate pretended to think about his offer for about ten seconds and then quickly and happily agreed to go with him. The pair walked over to Ian's white Ford Fusion and drove to the nearby cafe. The smell of the deliciously famous coffee wafted outside which made them walk even faster to get inside. As they entered Maurice's, Kate's mouth fell open and she froze at who she saw standing in the line.