Crimson Lake

A New Dawn

'PENELOPE!'
I was awoken by a rough jolt and an elbow to the side. I fluttered my eyelids as i allowed my eyes to adjust to the harsh sunlight beaming through the car window.
'What?' I groaned, running my hands through my hair in order to fix the bedhead mess it currently was.
'We're here' Colton, my brother, said as the car pulled into a drive on the left. I pushed open my door and grabbed my bag from in the footwell.
'Well.. what do you think?' My mom said, gesturing toward the large, modern home with beautiful wild plants surrounding it.
'Its amazing Mom!' I said as i walked to the trunk of the car to grab a few more bags.
'We already had everything sent over whilst we were in Milan so your bedrooms are all set up' my Dad said, he too grabbing his bags.
After a few hours had past, it was around 7pm. I had been sorting my clothes and moving other bits to where i wanted them. I had just finished filling my closet when there was a knock at the door.
'Hey.. Colton'
'Hey, have you seen my phone?' My brother asked as he began searching in my room.
'No! What the.. stop touching my stuff! Get out!' I replied as i pushed him through the door.
'Okay, okay.. jeez! Im going. Dont be late tomorrow, if you're not in the car when i am i'll leave without you!' He said, as he looked back at me.
'Whatever, Mom would kick your ass!' I said with a giggle.
He laughed then headed for his room.

***********************************

The harsh beep of my alarm clock dragged me from my sleep, waking me with a shock. I yawned, then pulled my long, blonde hair into a loose bun and pushed myself out of bed. I changed into some ripped denim shorts and a grey, off the shoulder jumper with some black converse.
I went to the bathroom to shower, do my hair and make-up and brush my teeth. I made my bed then went downstairs to find my parents and my brother in the kitchen.
'See you later' My dad said as he left through the back door.
'See ya' I replied, walking to the island in the middle of the room and taking a seat on one of the stalls.
'Im making pancakes if you want some?' My mom said, putting the pancakes on a plate and placing it infront of my brother and I.
'Thats okay, im good with an apple' I said, taking one from the fruit bowl.
'We should probably go now anyway' Colton said.
'Have fun! Text me if you need me, and be good!' She called out as i followed my brother to his car.
I jumped in and he started the car up.

***********************************

When we arrived at school there were people everywhere. We walked in together and stared in horror at the sea of teenagers infront of us.
'You must be new!'
I whipped my head around to find a beautiful, tall, brunette girl looking at me with a large smile plastered across her face.
'Yeah, first day' Colton replied with a grin.
'Well, welcome to our school. These are my friends; Tyler, Jenna, Alexa, Sebastian, Armani, and im Brooke'
They all say hello together creating just a jumble of murmurs.
'And you are?' Sebastian asks.
'Urm, I'm Penelope and this is my brother Colton' I said gesturing towards each of us as i said our names.
'Nice to meet you' Jenna said.
'You met any other people yet?' Tyler piped up.
'No, you're the first' Colton replied.
'Well, you can consider us your friends. And anyway, i'd stay away from most people in this school' he said with a small laugh.
'Hey guys!' A blonde boy came over with a huge smile and a childish wave.
'Especially him' Brooke said in a whisper causing the rest of the group to giggle.
He attempted to laugh along with them but they all stopped immediately causing him to awkwardly look at his hands then back to me.
'Who are you anyway?' He queried.
'Im penelope, im new here' I answered.
'You dont need to talk to him' said Brooke.
'He's just a little wannabe loser that cant find any friends but somehow thinks he can just weasle his way into our group' she continued, glaring at him.
'Well i'm Kyle, maybe we..'
'Ugghh, go away weirdo. No one said you could talk to us.. or our new friends' Tyler interrupted putting his arms over mine and Coltons shoulders and leading us away from Kyle.
'Come on, guys' He said.
'What class have you two got first?' Jenna asked.
'I have Chem' Colton said.
'You're with me and Tyler' Brooke said, wrapping her arm around his and leading him down the corridor.
'What about you P?' Sebastian questioned.
'Urm, i have Psych' i replied.
'Same! You can walk with me' he said with a smile.
I grinned and began to follow him.
'See you later guys' Jenna shouted after us then turned to go the same way Brooke, Colton and Tyler did.
'So, what do you think? Like it here?' Seb asked.
'Ur, yeah its cool. I was worried i wasnt going to make friends but i feel a bit better now'
'I get that. Dont worry, my crew is the best group of friends you could have. Nobody will come anyway near you with us as your pals' he said, laughing.
'Anyway, this is our class. You can sit with me, i'll just get Kourtney to move for you.' He announced.
'Oh, you dont have to..'
'Kourtney! Any chance my friend could sit there. Shes new so she'd probably feel better sitting with someone she knows. ...please..' he ordered whilst almost disguising it as a request.
'Sure' she said, gathering her stuff and moving to the back.
'Oh, wow, thankyou so much. You really didnt have to' I said surprised, placing my bag beside me as i sat down and began taking my things out.
'Right, class. Take your seats'