Under Your Skin

1

"Honey you'll be fine." My mother said in her "sweet" tone.

"The only person I'm gonna know is Ness, ma. Did we really have to move again?"

"We couldn't stay in California when your dad is stationed in Texas. It's too far, so yes. We did."

I rolled my eyes and she pulled up in front of the school. I looked out the window and didn't bother trying get rid of the attitude on my face. This is my 4th transfer. Every single year of high-school, I've attended a different school but I guess that's what's happens in a Military family.

"Your cousin is waiting for you, gon head."

I looked at my mom and she rose her brow.

"Rosaline don't do this."

"Yea."

I opened the door and got out, turning around to grab my bag.

"You'll be going to Vanessa's after school?"

"Probably."

"Okay, have a good first day."

"Another first day for the scrap book." I said fakely.

I rolled my eyes and shut the car door, not bothering to turn back and look at her. I wasn't mad at her, just mad at the situation.

I was tired of picking up and starting over. But I didn't have much choice.

I stopped and looked up at the school. It was pretty big. Bigger than what I was used to. Two big pillars connected the front gate, the schools name in Bronze Letters.

"Kingwood High School."

A banner draped under the sign. Home of the Mustangs.

Whooptie fuckin doo.

"Hayden!"

I looked over my shoulder and saw Vanessa running my way.

"My favorite cousin!" She squealed, her voice laced with excitement.

She looked at my face and gave me the look white people do when you smile at them.

"Not feeling it?"

"No."

"Well ok....you wanna go to the bagel cart?"

"Why not?" I shrugged and followed behind her.

We walked into the courtyard and I saw it filled with kids. Some reading, some talking. Boys passing a basketball back and forth. Cheerleaders practicing.

"Look I know it's hard, starting over. But it's your senior year? You won't have to do it again? You can go off to college and be done with it."