Always// Jacob Sartorius • Mark Thomas • Blake Gray • Hunter Rowland

Chapter 1

Today was the day. Today was the end of summer. Today was the start of school.

I live a pretty average life. I have my group of friends, who are awesome. They've always had my back. First, there is Veronica. We call her Vee for short. She's been my best friend since 1st grade. Secondly, there's Katherine. Her name is too long, so us lazy people call her Kat. We met in 3rd grade when she moved from Oklahoma. And of course, the best for last. Lilia Watson. Her mom and my mom went to high school together, and then parted separate ways for college. They eventually found themselves in the same place at the same time. Lilia has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Then there's my crush... Liam. I've liked him for about 2 years now. We aren't really friends, but he talks to me every now and then. If I ever tried to ask him to hang out or anything, I'd be laughed at by Stacey and her friends. Stacey is the queen of this school. She and Liam were a thing once, but they broke it off last summer. No one knows why. Now that you know a bit of my story, it's time I get ready for school.

6 am comes early every morning. I'm always tired but never go to sleep at night. I slowly roll over and turn off my alarm. I check my notifications and respond to my texts. I get out of bed and hop in the shower. Once I get out, it's around 6:45. "EMMA, BREAKFAST IS READY!" My mom yelled from downstairs. I ran downstairs, only to find my brother had ate my breakfast. "ETHAN SERIOUSLY? THAT WAS MINE!" My mom didn't do anything. "MOM ARE YOU SERIOUSLY JUST GOING TO STAND THERE?" She turned around and gave me a look. "Watch your tone. I'll make you more." I rolled my eyes and walked back upstairs.

I figured I would go ahead and do my make-up while I was waiting. I put on foundation, concealer, mascara, and a bit of neutral eyeshadow. Since it was August, it wasn't really cold. I threw on some shorts, a t shirt, and some tennis shoes. When I checked my phone it was 7:45. Shit, the bus was here at 8! I brushed my hair out and straightened it as fast as I could. I grabbed my phone and my backpack, and ran downstairs. "Mom, I need to take my breakfast on the bus, I'm running late!" She handed me my breakfast and I ran out the door.

The bus should be here any minute now, it's 7:59. Right as I was about to check my phone, the bus arrived. I walked on the bus and immediately saw Stacey. "Looking a little rough today, are we?" Everyone laughed. I hurried past everyone and sat beside Lilia. "How's it going?" I rolled my eyes and rested my head against the window. "Terrible. I wish I could just live in a world with no Stacey or any of her friends." She looked at me and frowned. "I feel you. At least you didn't have socks thrown at you this morning." "I'm so sorry." I ate my breakfast and talked to Lilia, Kat, and Vee the whole ride to school. I just wish I could figure out why Stacey hates me. Then maybe I could stop it.

We arrive at school and everyone's talking. I looked to Vee and she shrugged her shoulders. We were walking to our lockers when a girl ran up to us. "Did you hear? Jacob Sartorius is transferring here!" I laughed. "Great! Now we have a famous lip-syncer who goes to our school!" Kat muttered something to me. "That f boy is going to mess Stacey up. He'll be on her and off as soon as you can say Stacey." I walked to my first class, which I had with Vee. It was a pretty normal class, until about half way in. The door opened and there was Jacob. He introduced himself and the teacher showed him his desk, which was right beside mine. He sat down and looked around him. "Hey, I'm Jacob. Guess I'm sitting beside you now." I looked at him with a fake smile. "WoNdErFuL." He looked away with confusion. "Poor boy doesn't understand why not everyone likes him." I said to Vee. She laughed. Lunch came pretty fast that day. We all sat down where we normally sit. "Hey. Is it ok if I sit with you guys? You're kind of the only person I know." He looked at me. "First of all, you don't know m-" "Sure, you can sit with us!" Lilia said. She looked at me and mouthed, "Be nice!" I rolled my eyes and continued eating food. I hope Lilia didn't expect me to engage in any type of conversation with this dude. "So how are doing so far?" Vee asked Jacob. "Eh, so so. I haven't really met anyone. Some girl walked up to me and introduced herself. I didn't really catch her name because she was talking a mile a minute." Kat looked at me and smirked. "Oh! That must be Stacey! She's such a lovely person!" We all snickered. "She kind of acted like a snob, but that's just my opinion." Jacob said and returned eating. We returned to classes and Jacob was in all of mine. The day went on and was miserably long. Jacob kept talking and making friends with my friends. He tried talking to me but I shut him down every time. They eventually all got his number, and told me he was actually pretty cool. I glared at them and crossed my arms. The school day finally ended at 3:00. I rode the bus home and hardly talked to my friends. They were too busy texting in a group chat with Jacob. I got home and went straight to my room. "MOM I'M DOING MY HOMEWORK." I sat on my bed and pulled open my math homework. Ugh. I was halfway done with my math when I got a text message. My friends had added me in their group chat with Jacob.

*GROUP CHAT*

Vee: heyyy girl i added you

Me: take me out

Kat: noo why?

Me: i'm doing my math homework

Jacob: i can help, i already did mine

Me: no thanks

Lilia: i said be niceee!

Me: take me out

Lilia: nope

Me: ugh i'm putting this on do not disturb

I really can't believe they added me in. They know how annoying I think Jacob is, yet they are all starting to like him? Unbelievable. I finished up my homework and decided to watch a movie. I put on my PJ's and opened Netflix. I grabbed some chips from the kitchen and went back to my bed. I pressed play on the movie when I heard a knock on my door. "What do you need?" I said, obviously irritated  with those whole day. "Damn, she's salty." I heard a muffled voice say. What was that who I thought it was? Lilia opened my door and walked in. "Girl did you seriously forget?" I just stared at her in confusion. "It's Monday movie night?" Vee said, walking in sitting on my bed. Kat and Jacob walk in behind them. "What the hell are you doing here?" I said looking at Jacob. Lilia pulled me aside and whispered, "Emma, he's been through a lot. A lot that the media doesn't know. He needs some friends. It wasn't my idea to bring him, but I couldn't say no. I'm really sorry he's here." I looked over and Jacob who was just standing there awkwardly. "Sit and watch." I had a queen bed, but it was still uncomfortable with all five of us on there. I sat on the far end of Jacob so I wasn't any where around him.

I started hearing gaming noises come from the other room. "ETHAN TURN IT DOWN." "Is that GTA 5 I hear?" Jacob said looking at me. "I have no clue." He got up off the bed and looked at me. "Is it ok if I go check out what Ethan is playing?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Be my guest." He walked out of the room and we continued the movie. It was so much better with just the 4 of us. It was around 8:30 when the movie ended, and we decided to play a game. After that, it was 9 and time for them to go. I hadn't really seen Jacob since he left the room. I stopped hearing gaming noises about an hour ago, so I guess he left then. I decided it was time to get ready for bed. I know it's only 9, but I like getting ready for bed early and just laying in bed for a while. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I headed back over to the bed and remembered I still had an essay to write! I sat on the bed and opened my computer. Let the writing begin...

**

Word Count: 1542

Hey guys! It's Emma here! 🎉 I know this first chapter kinda sucks, but I promiseeee in time it will get better. Just stick with me 🤪

Q: Whats your favorite song?

A: I don't really have a favorite song right now, but I like "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man!