The Brightest Stars

Annabelle

"Where do we get our schedules?" Skyler says as we walk through the hallways.

"They're at the gym. Just follow us," Kristen says as she waves at one of the cheerleaders leaning against the lockers with her boyfriend.

Skyler quietly looks around. She tries not to look at the lockers because they're full of people and groups. She reminds me of myself when it was my first day of high school. People seem to burn you with their staring eyes. But I've learned better.

AJ and Ty have left, and I catch a glimpse of Diego with his separate group of friends. Skyler looks over at a particular group. Every single one with leather jackets and heavy eyeliner.

They study Skyler from head to toe as we pass by and I notice that their leader smiles. Skyler quickly looks away. Unfortunately, Kristen notices this and says, "What are you looking at?"  Her bright blue eyes quickly grow dark.

Before any of them can react, I grab Kristen's arm and walk away faster with Skyler on our heels. I look back and see that the boys are still watching us walk away; whistling and laughing. Once we turn the corner, I squeeze Kristen's arm and say, "The first bell hasn't even rung yet and you already wanna start a fight."

My voice was a little too firm than I intended it to be, but she just shakes it off with a wide smile. "My name wouldn't be Kristen if I wouldn't at least start an argument with one of those losers. Plus. You should be getting used to it. You chose the argument class this year."

"Ha. Ha." My stomach flips at the thought of my newest decision for this year. She's right. Time to put on her armor.

In the gym, we get our schedules and the rest of our locker information. Once we get this, we decide to sit in the cafeteria and pretend to eat breakfast.

"Hey! We have Government together!" Kristen points at our schedules and puts hers next to mine. I notice that I have AP Government and Theater with Kristen. Not to mention that she's gonna be in my Colorguard class sometimes. It's a good thing I'll see her almost all day.

With Skyler, I have AP English, AP Calculus, and Theater. I wonder if I have any classes with AJ and Ty. Most likely Theater.

The first bell rings and we stand up to start looking for our first class. It only takes us a few minutes to find ours after three years of practice. Skyler frantically tries to look at each door as we go to our lockers.

Skyler brushes her hands down her jeans nervously. "I don't have the same class as you guys right now."

"Oh," Kristen says, taking Skyler's schedule. "Let's see. This room is just around the corner. Don't worry. It's not that far. Journalism? Really?"

"What?!" Skyler says. Her smile reaches her bright blue eyes. "I also like writing."

Kristen rolls her eyes at her. "Why would you want to write more when you already write in your English class?"

I give Skyler a tight hug and say, "You got this, Skyler. Don't listen to her." I quickly tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

She does that warm smile of hers and says, "Thank you, Anabelle. I think we have to go."

"No, we can just-" Before Kristen starts saying anything else, I say, "No, Kristen! It's time to go!" I start dragging her to our government class. "Another good piece of advice for your little sister is to always be on time to class." I make sure to say this loud enough for Skyler to hear.

Before we're out of sight from Skyler, Kristen turns around and yells, "Bye, Sky! See you at lunch!" We secretly chuckle when we notice that her yelling has interrupted a couple making out by the lockers.