home ➝ ricky bowen

1- first day

As Alexis stepped into the cool September air on that Monday, her first day of junior year, she thought about all of the changes in her life that happened in only a year.

New state. From Nevada to Utah. Lovely.

New school. The old one held too many bad memories. She wouldn't miss it.

Alexis had never been "the new kid" before. She'd went to the same school from kindergarten to 5th grade, and then the middle and high schools that everyone there went to. She practically grew up with all those kids. And now she would never see them again. She left without saying goodbye and didn't regret a thing.

She started the walk to school. It was slightly chillier outside for September, and there were puddles all over the ground from last nights rain. It was slightly drizzling this morning; her dad had made fun of her for wanting to walk. But it was only a short walk and better for her bank account that way. Less gas money.

Across the street, the door slammed open and out walked two boys about Alexis' age. They both clutched skateboards to their sides. One boy had bright red hair, the other Alexis couldn't tell. His face was covered by a thick hoodie's hood.

The hooded boy dropped his board to the ground and a slight splash came up and hit him. "Damnit. My new bearings are gonna be all messed up," he cursed loud enough for the girl across the street to hear.

That was exactly the reason Alexis didn't skate to school this morning. Usually she did, skating was one thing she truly did love. Sure she had been treated horribly by some in the past but her skateboard never failed her. Sometimes she felt like it was all she had.

"Come on," said the red headed boy, already a few pushes ahead. "We're gonna be late."

The two boys skated off and around the corner where Alexis could no longer see them. They didn't even have time to notice her there. But they went in the same direction she was headed. She assumed they were off to East High as well.

When she arrived to school, Alexis headed into the office and picked up her schedule and locker info. After that she went to the gym for some type of "Welcome Back to School" assembly.

Everyone was sitting with friends, laughing and smiling. Alexis felt out of place already, knowing absolutely no one.

She looked around for a bit and spotted another girl a few rows down in the bleachers who looked to be in the same boat as her. Sitting alone. The other girl looked up and their eyes locked. She smiled at Alexis and waved her over.

Alexis turned around and then looked back at the other girl.

"Me?" She mouthed.

The other unnamed girl laughed a little and nodded quickly.

"Excuse me," Alexis whispered to people as she made her way down the row.

Finally she reached the girl and sat next to her.

"Hi!" She smiled brightly, "I'm Gina!"

Gina had long and beautiful dark curly hair. Her brown eyes were bright and ambitious.

"Hi," Alexis replied shyly, "I'm Alexis."

Gina smiled. "So are you new here? Cause you don't seem to know anyone."

Alexis blushed. "Yeah, I am."

Gina beamed. "Me too! And I was so scared I wasn't gonna make any friends the first day."

Alexis smiled softly back. This girl was the complete opposite of her, but she was glad she signaled her over to talk. "Well, looks like you're stuck with me."

Her and Gina made light conversation throughout the assembly. They compared schedules and Alexis realized Gina was a sophomore, so they didn't have any classes together. Bummer.

At one point, the drama teacher at East High began speaking and explained how this year's play would be a production of High School Musical: The Musical.

"Oh my god!" Gina exclaimed. "Gabriella is my dream role! I'm totally auditioning tomorrow!"

Alexis smiled at the girl. "I was thinking of auditioning too. Not for Gabriella, of course, but I wanted to try something new, you know?"

It was true. After what happened to her last year, Alexis' dad had been begging her to 'get back out there'. And she agreed that she needed a distraction. To be apart of something again. Throughout the years Alexis had participated in many different activities and extracurriculars, as she found that always keeping busy gave her less time to overthink.

"That will be so fun!" Gina gushed.

"Oh, you wanna come over tonight and practice lines?" Alexis asked the girl. Woah. She knew this girl all of thirty minutes and she was already inviting her over.

"Yeah that would be great!"

"Perfect!"

Some kid turned around and shushed the two who had gradually gotten louder and louder.

Gina turned to Alexis after he faced forward again. Their eyes met and the two laughed.

Not so bad. Alexis thought happily. First day of school and I've already got a new friend. I guess things really are looking up!

She felt Gina nudge her. She looked back over and noticed the assembly was over and everyone was leaving.

"Hey, you okay?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah, sorry. Just spaced out there for a little."