First Day

A New Day

The bell rang indicating the period has started. I was late, and worse of all it was my first day. It was 1:05 pm on the dot, suggesting that lunch was already over and it was time for me to start the day at a new school.

'Way to go, Aaron! A great first impression you've made.' I thought.

The building looked old with ripe red bricks painting the walls as if it is claiming victory of caging almost three thousand students within its boundaries. Trees grazed the 8 ft. walls with a gentle sway of the rhythm provided by the wind. The tall windows shadowing the classrooms with their blinds closed. No one can see or be seen. Up close you could see the rust forming on the edges, it is in better condition than the previous schools I've been to.

Walking up the front stairs, I think of all the different possibilities of running into the cool kids guarding the schools from outcasts like me. The blue doors stand short before my figure, makes me wonder if the people in this town were always short or if they were out of budget and could only provide enough to make the doors so tiny. My wandering thoughts led me to think that I may be too tall.

Walking in, I see a television counting down from 3:47 to, which I would assume is, zero. Below it was a mini portable whiteboard with two hooks on the top; Written in red block letters was the schedule of the physical education class. On the left were four chairs surrounding a table. Next to it was a water fountain where three girls stood.

One of then wear a painfully bright neon pink hoodie and dark jeans. Another one wears dark mesh top over a skin-tight dress that barely manages to cover her decency. The other one, a quiet one, wears a black shirt with dress pants, too focused on her book in hand. Her perky short hair and short, chubby figure makes me wonder why she is with them. Then again, i wonder what she must have done in order to manage to stay with them.

They looked like they belonged. It was not uncommon for the populars to cluster around the front doors. They would usually wait for their friends, some they would leave behind and others they would stay with longer, for lunch they would buy from the stores across the street and eat it during class as they take up too much time during the break they are provided with, gossiping about the next 'it' couple.

The office was conveniently adjacent to the water fountain and from the looks of it, I would have to wait a bit before I enter as it seems they are a bit busy with late comers. Deciding to take a seat, I approached the chair closest to the doors away from the prying eyes of the three social figures.

More flood in through the front doors as the screen counts down to 2:00. They all wear dark colors making the snow white background painful to keep my eyes on. Turning around, I see a long hallway stretch into three grand doors which seems to lead to a gymnasium. Another takes a sharp turn were a swarm of heads rush through, not wanting to be late. Through my peripheral vision i can see one of the girls leaving; the neon hoodie girl, and the other two walking closer to me.

'Don't look at them', I think.

I can smell the strong scent of the floral and fruity perfume they wear, overpowering my senses. They stand behind me, talking in obnoxiously loud tones, piercing through my eardrums.

"Anna! I'm so scared! What if I don't get a new lock?" the short girl asks her friend who I presume is Anna.

"Don't worry Eva, you'll get one. It's not like they'll not get you one. You'll just pay and get a replacement" Anna says to Eva.

I go back to observing the busy hallway. A tall and slender girl walks towards me with strong confident strides. Her blond hair reaching till her shoulders, pink streaks peeking through. Too much makeup and not much to cover up, with her t-shirt and leggings three sized too small for her.

She approaches the two standing behind me and I discreetly turn around to see what they would do next.

"Whats up, Chloe?" Asks Anna.

"Nothing much, you?" she replies back. She ignores Eva as she in return, ignores the new member who has chimed into their conversation.

"Nothing. Just, you know, waiting for Jackson and his friends to come back. The bell is going to ring soon and I want to see him before he leaves for his next class." She says, neglecting to mention the fact that she was with Eva, waiting to get a new lock.

"That's so cute Anna!" Chloe exclaimes, "How long have you guys been dating?" She asks.

"A bit over 3 days! Isn't that exciting?" Anna squeals.

I look at Eva and I can't help but pity her in this situation. She stands next to Anna, still reading her book but I can see the frown etched upon her forehead. She shifts her balance from leg to leg, looking anxious. It does not seem that she is well liked by Chloe.

I can't help but feel mesmerized by her courage as she stands next to her ignorant friends. I walk up to her not being able to bear the look of hurt in her eyes. Although they are cast down, one can see the clear oceans of water floating about, wanting to be free.

"Hey." I say. "I'm Aaron."

"Hi, I'm Eva" Eva smiles.

"I know" I reply back.