The Crashing of Opposites

Chapter 1

Jenna

As my family and I drive through the dense woods to get to our new house, I drift into thoughts about the friends I have left behind- people who are now thousands of miles away in Hong Kong, people I never thought I would have to say goodbye to for good.

The feelings of loneliness are soon replaced by the anxiety of having to make new friends at an American Highschool. I've never been good at socializing- not entirely my fault. People make up their minds just by taking a look at me. You know how we like to get an idea of a person's personality just by their outfit or facial expression. I probably come off as a 'fun-but-will-murder-you-if-you-look-at-me-wrong' type,  thus people refrain from approaching the seemingly cocky yet nerdy girl.

Also, ever since I watched movies like Mean Girls or Easy A, I've dreaded the thought of having to place myself in a similar situation where rumors spread like wildfire, where nothing is more important than the clothes I wear, the friends I make or even the food I eat. Salads can suck my flat ass.

''We are here!" my mom announces from the passenger seat as if we have arrived at Disneyland- a sigh leaves my mouth as the thought crosses my mind, I'll miss that magical place.

My sulking is soon gone and my tired eyes grow wide in awe at the sight of my new house- an ivory white, 2-story high mansion with windows twice as tall as me- well to me they were huge because I'm a pretty short girl (5.3 ft) compared to the Americans I have seen so far.

I did not expect my parents to afford anything this fancy in a neighborhood that seems to consist of houses that look like they belong in a magazine. We aren't exactly poor, but in Hong Kong we weren't that well-off since we lived in a cramped 950 feet apartment- yes that tiny.

"I'm choosing my room first!" My 5-year-old brother squeals as he runs into the house while I help my parents with the luggage.

The inside of the house is even prettier and spacious than I thought possible. The antique-looking furniture is a good contrast to the interior design of the house. To the left of the entrance is an open kitchen with a white-wooden island surrounded by comfy black high chairs. To my right is the biggest TV I have ever seen adorned with beanbags and a large marshmallow sofa.

"Go, unpack your stuff and help your brother." A stern voice breaks me out of my mesmerized trance. I look back at him and nod, then proceed to run upstairs after my brother, already ready to get out of his line of sight, the house trip can wait. 

There are 4 rooms upstairs and 2 right in front of the stairs and 2 on either ends of the hallway. I can see my mom unpacking her stuff in the room at the right end, with a quick nod to myself, I decide the one on the left end would be my best option.

There is no explanation to describe the happiness I feel right now, there's a queen-sized bed in. right next to huge glass windows with the view of the ocean! Holy Shit. At least there'll be one thing to look forward to when waking up.  What makes the moment even better is the realization that I have my own washroom with a bathtub!  After a quick assessment of the rest of the room, I open the glass panels to my balcony, overlooking the garden and just stand there gaping like a fish out of water- we have a swimming pool and a barbeque area with huge chairs surrounding a small table! Can this get any better?

"Hey honey, do you like it?" I stiffen a little hearing her voice but let out a breath relaxing my nerves- new house, new beginnings, right? Turning around and resting my elbows on the balcony railing, I try to make my posture seem as relaxed as possible and add a smile when I  see my Mom's expectant expression. 

"I love it! I can't believe we could afford this." 

"Actually, it was a gift from your dad's boss. Anyways, you should get some sleep now, I'll drive you to school tmr." Simple and short, just the way I like it. 

My insides turn with anxiety again at the thought of a new school. After saying our goodnights, she leaves and I take a shower with my coconut shampoo and body wash, shave my legs and choose an outfit for my first day- I am kind of excited to not have to wear a uniform anymore but nervous that I would have to improve my sense of fashion because honestly, I know nada about clothing.