Serenity

One

I took a deep breath as I glanced around the high school parking lot full of students chatting while heading to their first class of the day.

Some walked in small or large groups and some walked alone along the sidewalks leading up to the large building.

I would be walking alone considering the fact that I was unfamiliar with anyone here.

"You nervous?" my mom asked.

I only nodded my head as a response. I continued to look out of the car window at what would be my new school for I wasn't sure how long.

"Well look at it this way. Hopefully this will be the last time we have to pick up and move," she said. "You know I hate it as much as you do, but your dad i-"

"Yea, I know," I said, cutting her off.

I grabbed my backpack from the backseat of my mom's car, and opened my door to get out.

"Have a good day. Love you."

"I'll try. Love you too," I replied before closing the door and walking up to the entry doors of the high school, trying to avoid bumping into anyone in the crowd.

Out of all of the schools I'd had to attend, this one was the biggest. I didn't do well in new environments because my anxiety would act up in an instant.

My heart was already damn near beating out of my chest because I thought I would embarrass myself by getting lost or walking into the wrong class.

I saw a doorway that was labeled 'OFFICE' and figured I could go inside to get my class schedule. The school had an orientation day for new students, but of course I missed it on account of my dad's job. I could've already had my schedule by now and knew where my classes were. My anxiety wouldn't have been as bad as it was.

Upon entering the office, I walked up to the desk where a pale, older lady with round, black glasses sat.

"Hello," she greeted me with a smile. "What can I help you with?"

She took a sip of what smelled like coffee in the white, styrofoam cup, leaving a print of her dark, pink lipstick around the rim.

"Hi. I was wondering if I could get my schedule. I missed the orientation," I admitted.

"Sure. What's your name? I can pull it right up for you."

"Diamante'."

"Can you spell that for me?"

I spelled my name as the lady typed away on her computer with her purple painted fingernails.

"Here it is. You're one of our new students. Welcome to Lakewood," she said before printing the paper with my list of classes.

"Thank you," I said after taking the paper from her hands.

I walked out of the office into a sea of students and wondered how on earth I was going to find my first class.