Everything Started Here With You

The Beginning pt.3

When Sha'Kera Met Lexi...

I don't know how I even got into that elite school. I had always assumed it was for the people whose families were loaded. My parents were dead. How could I possibly be able to attend it? Then again, my adoptive parents had money like no tomorrow. Of course they would want me to get the best education in New York. But, why send me all the way to Manhattan for that?

"So...your first day here, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Don't want to be here, do you?"

"...No."

"Nice."

I frowned at the girl sitting next to me. Her honey gold hair flashed in the bright afternoon sun. I had already attended nearly half of my classes and I can say that it wasn't that bad. I just hated how it seemed like I was the only new kid today. I hate being the new kid. Thomas might like it, but I don't. Not everyone likes me.

"It'll get better soon," she said. "What's your next class?"

"Uhh..." I looked at my schedule, blinking at it due to the blinding sunlight. "Math. Something I'm not really good at."

"Everyone is like that until they take the class," she said. "I'm Amber Collins. I've heard a lot about you from the junior and senior girls."

"Not good, right?" I asked.

"Some of it, but most of it was good. Many of them are jealous of you."

"Really, why?"

"Because, most of the guys they want aren't interested in them anymore. There's you, then there's Lexi Roberts. Somehow...you both have been popular on your first day here. Although, I would say Lexi left a greater impression."

"Lexi...Roberts?" I thought for a second. I think I've heard of her. Maybe under a different last name. "Are you speaking of the Jordan Daniel's long lost daughter? Ian's twin sister?"

"You know Ian?"

"Yeah. We're like best friends."

Amber smiled and looked across the courtyard. I looked that way too to see a group of guys and a girl heading over to us.

"That's her now. With Ian and her boyfriend, Asher. Such a cute couple." Amber stood and took my arm. I tried to pull back, but she had a strong grip. What was she, a MMA fighter? "Yoo-hoo! My dear Lexi."

I seriously wanted to put my head in the ground at this moment. This was getting out of hand. Amber really didn't have to do this. We barely knew each other and she's already introducing me to people who probably don't care if I exist. Like Ian.

"Hey, this is Sha'Kera. She's new here," Amber declared. "I heard you already know her, Ian."

"I...do." Ian scowled. I knew he wished I wasn't here. What? It's not like I was going to waste my time here pestering him. "I have to go. See you in the gym."

"Byeee," the girl next to him said. I wanted to scowl at her happiness, but that meant she'd think I didn't like her. I didn't not like her either. "I do remember you, you know?"

"Y-you do?" I asked.

"Yeah. Alexander Johnston's girlfriend," she said. "Remember after he dumped you, we got him back by keying his car?"

"Oh..." I thought for a moment. We keyed his car? I don't think I'm that mean. Am I? "Oh. I remember. He only laughed at us and went to get a paint job. It's been so long."

"It's been about a good...year and a half. I mean, it hasn't been that long." Lexi smiled. "Gosh...you look much older than fourteen. You must be super smart to be a sophomore already."