Not So Perfect

Chapter 3 - First Day

Monday! I wish I could avoid this day. I woke mentally preparing myself for the first day. I showered and sat in my closet deciding what to wear. Aly poked her head in my room asking if was ready yet. I needed to pick something to wear soon. Aly said that she would drive me to school today.

I decided to wear cut off denim shorts and a white tee and made my way downstairs. Aly was making pancakes. She poured maple syrup over them and set the plate in front of me. She knew my love for maple syrup. I grinned at her and began eating.

“Do you want me to pack you something?” Aly asked.

I shook my head saying, “No, I’ll eat something in the school cafeteria.”

She nodded and sipped her coffee. “What time does school start? 8:15?” she asked again. I said yes with a mouthful of pancakes. I know, not very lady like.

Aly dropped me off in front of school saying, “Have a nice day.”

“You too,” I said. I, however, was not very sure that I’ll have a nice day.

Waverly High School was written in big bold letters at the entrance. The building looked was made of stone. It looked quite old. I wearily walked past the iron gates. I wanted to go back to Miami. I didn’t want to attend this school. I should have joined my old school. At least I had some friends there.

I entered the closest building and struggled to find the office. I was considering asking someone when I saw the board saying office. I heaved a sigh of relief and walked in. I saw a middle aged lady sitting at the desk next to a door. She smiled at me.

“You must be Chloe Brooks.” I nodded. She rummaged through some papers on her desk and handed me the time table. I muttered thanks and pushed open the door to walk out.

“Have a nice day,” she called out. I could hear the smile in her voice. I honestly couldn’t see what could be so nice on the first day of school. And I was the new girl.

I stood outside the office wondering about the nice day to come. I saw someone with sandy brown hair walk past me. The person did not see me. I recognized that sandy brown hair. It was him. Ice cream boy! Maybe New York was not so big after all.

Aly was right. I didn’t feel so bad about school now. I went through my time table. I had literature first. Confidently, I began walking to the flight of stairs. I realized then that I did not know where my class was. So much for my confidence. I should have asked the lady in the office. I looked around and saw a red haired girl hurrying towards me. Or the stairs.

I stopped her by blocking her way and before she could say anything or push me out of her way—which  I’m sure she would have—I said, “Excuse me, could you tell me where the literature class is? I’m new here.”

“Of course, it’s on the first floor. I’m heading to literature too. I’m Mia,” she said, holding out her hand. I looked at her strangely. She noticed my expression and laughed, saying, “We New Yorkers can be civil too you know.”

I smiled at her. “Chloe Brooks,” I said, shaking hands with her.

“So this is your first time in New York?” she asked.

I didn’t get a chance to answer her question as we had reached the classroom. Mia went inside and sat in of the empty chairs. I was stopped by the teacher. She was wearing black formal pants and a navy blue blouse. Her hair was in a tight bun. Smiling warmly she said, “Ah, Chloe why don’t you introduce yourself to the class?”

I didn’t want to. It’s not like I could say that though. I stood in front of the class and introduced myself. Most of them looked uninterested. I went and sat in the only empty seat available.