Party Animal (Novel By Camille Ricen)

"Oh so you're the new girl?"

Chapter one

My head was bobbing back and forth as the speakers in the car vibrated from my music being blasted at top volume.

I sang along to my favorite song by Paramore to keep my head clear and my nerves under control. Starting at a new school really stinks, especially since it's a dreaded Monday. Those are always the worst.

As I pulled up to the school parking lot, I felt my neck start to cramp up from my jam session. Immediately regretting it, I rubbed the skin in attempt to relax some muscle as I stepped out of my vehicle into the open, cold air. It never was this freezing in Texas, which makes me wish I had brought a heavier coat with me.

I pushed open the large door, after making the mistake of trying to pull it open when it clearly had a large sign that said 'PUSH'. We're not going to talk about it.

I walked down a short hallway to the pit if my doom. Not really, but I noticed the front office where I had to check in.

After entering, they asked me for my name and for me to fill out a few forms. I cringed. I always made my mom do that kind of stuff for me.

I returned the clipboard filled with paper back to the lady sat behind a large, wooden desk. She thanked me and in return handed me, this time only a single sheet of paper which had my schedule inscribed.

I thanked her once more before heading out to start my adventure.

***

I checked my schedule one last time to make sure I had the room number correct, before pushing open the door. I felt my hands start to shake as I saw a room full of eyes riveting towards me.

"Welcome, Ms. Dale." A tall, older looking man - who I assumed was the teacher - spoke with a rich english accent.

"Good morning," I replied with an unsteady smile. "You need to sign this." I handed him my schedule and after a few seconds, he handed it back with his signature marked in red ink. Which to me, looked like a bunch of red squiggles.

"Please, take a seat next to Christina." He motioned towards a girl with black hair, accented with purple highlights. Headphones were placed snug in her ears as her head rocked slightly back and forth to her music.

"Christina?" He tried to retrieve her attention. "Christina!" He tried again, her face appeared dazed and unaware. "Christina Applebee!" Her head had stilled as she pulled out a single headphone.

"What?" She asked nonchalantly.

"This is the third time I have caught you listening to your tunes."

"My tunes?" She snickered.

"Yes your tunes!" He stressed the word. "And I suggest you bring your phone to me or it's another detention with Ms. Walker." He threatened with his posh accent.

"No, not Ms. Walker!" She protested, her words dripping with sarcasm.

"Bring it here." She pushed her chair back with an ear piercing screech and slumped over to the teacher's desk, plopping her phone onto the wood. She made brief eye contact with me, popping a gum bubble between her dark red painted lips.

"Please have a seat, Ms. Dale." I nodded my head, shuffling to my desired seat next to Christina.

"Name's Chris." She spoke without removing eye contact from the front if the room.

"Becca." I aimed a smile towards her. "I'm glad I've met someone already."

"Oh, so you're the new girl?" Her head pivoted and now faced me, where I could catch a glimpse of her dark green eyes.

"Yes." I answered simply.

"A clean reputation means you can get away with things." She smirked. "Let's be mates." She hummed a laugh.

Her appearance didn't exactly match mine, but her sense if humour was intriguing. I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but after I nodded my head as answer to her statement, I can tell there's no going back.