Fresh Start

o n e

Aria

"Shit, shit, shit." I cursed under my breath while looking for my car keys. "I can't be late on my first day!" I cried out.

I raced downstairs and looked in the kitchen, living room, and the bathroom. I looked in my jacket that was hanging in the closet and finally found my keys. Oh thank god. I checked the time on my phone and saw that I still had time before school. I went back to the kitchen and made myself a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice.

"Good morning, pumpkin," my dad greeted me and kissed the top of my head.

"Morning," I replied with my mouth full of Fruity Pebbles.

My dad is the most important person in my life. He's a great, intelligent man. He's a surgeon and makes some impressive money, as well. My dad and I have always been close but my mom's death brought us even closer. She passed away from cancer seven years ago. Since then, it's always been my dad and I. He's always there for me and just wants what is best for me. I can pretty much tell him anything.

He can be super protective at times, but I understand where he's coming from. He became more sensitive and vulnerable since my mom's death. They were high school sweethearts and they were absolutely perfect together. I hope to find a relationship like they had one day. Her death is still challenging for me. I wish I grew up with a mom so she could've gotten me through all of the changes us females go through, but you sadly can't change the past. I know she's watching over me, though.

"Ready for your first day of being a junior?" My dad questioned while making coffee.

"Not really. I miss Summer break already. I'll never be able to sleep in or watch Netflix late at night except for weekends."

My dad chuckled while rolling his ocean blue eyes. I grinned and glanced at my phone as a message came through. I guess my friends are picking me up in five. I informed my dad and made my way to the bathroom so I can fix up the curls in my hair and make sure my make up is on point. I checked out my outfit in the mirror and saw my gray tank top, maroon high waisted jeans, a light blue jean jacket, black boots, a black choker, as well as my mom's ring. Honk.

"Goodbye, dad. I love you," I voiced and I rushed out of the bathroom to grab my book bag.

"Goodbye, sweetie. I love you, too. Have a good day and I'll see you later."

I hugged my dad and made my way to my friends. Mariana was driving while Maddy was in the passenger seat. They whistled when they saw me and I just rolled my eyes and laughed. Mariana has been my best friend since kindergarten and we met Maddy in first grade. I met Mariana when she was crying all by herself in the corner of the classroom. She missed her parents and wanted to go home. I gave her a haircut to make her feel better and she gave me one as well. Don't ask why I thought that'd cheer her up. The teacher was too late to catch us and called our parents. We were in big trouble but it was worth it.

Mariana and I both met Maddy when she was getting picked on by these two boys. They were calling her ugly and told her that nobody liked her and that she had no friends. We saw Maddy crying and we went over there and yelled at the boys. I may have also pushed them down to the ground and they may have gotten a scratch or two. Us females have to stick together. They always have my back and I love them to death. I don't know what I'd do without them.

"Damn, mami," Mariana winked.

"Let me get those digits, cutie," Maddy eyed me up and down.

"I know, ladies. I'm pretty hot," I giggled while posing like I was a model on the runway.

I hopped in the back seat and Maddy turned up the radio. We all sang along and danced like weirdos. I enjoy being myself around my girls. I stopped singing for a moment and admired the beautiful blue sky that was filled with birds. The sun was shining, there were barely any clouds in sight, a gentle breeze blew against the palm trees, and we passed a sandy beach. I adore Florida. I've lived here all my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"This year is going to be my year. I got new clothes, I worked out, I'm planning on getting me a man, and I'm going to go to all of the parties," Mariana announced.

"Same, bitch. I want to be popular and I want to make more friends. I don't want to be an outsider or someone's shadow anymore. I wanna rule the school," Maddy chimed in.

"Popularity doesn't matter, girls. It's better to be yourself than someone you're not. Stay true to who you are cause you both are already perfect."

I honestly couldn't care less about popularity or drama. I would rather sit back and sip on my tea than associate myself with snakes. I also try not to get on anyone's bad side. I don't want any problems. If you respect me, I'll respect you. If you're a total ass to me, I wouldn't fight you or anything but I will give you a piece of my mind. Years from now, all of the drama will look stupid and high school popularity won't help a person be successful in the real world.

"Yeah, yeah. Here we are. Let's do this!" Mariana cheered.

"I'm a bad ass," I whispered as I waltzed in the school.

I'm pretty confident in myself and generally a happy person. There's so much in life to be thankful for and life is too short to be sad and stress over little things. I want to live life to the fullest and celebrate it. My mom's death taught me this and you never know which day will be your last, so live your life like there's no tomorrow.