Just Friends

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

"It's time," my best girl friend, Clary, says.

     "Yup, we're now freshmen," I reply, popping the 'p' in 'yup'.

     Although, I had my eye out for something else. Or should I say someone? I've been worried about my childhood friend. Throughout the years we've spent together, Dakota made new friends. By friends, I mean boys and girls. Just saying the word 'girls' makes me sick.

     "So what should we wear?" Clary breaks my thoughts.

     "U-Um, I'm wearing something casual," I reply.

     "Yeah, that's not going to work out. If we want to impress the boys, we're wearing something better than casual. I may not be a fashionista, but I want to look good," Clary pauses and continues, "and you're going to look good with me!"

     I sigh as Clary grabs my arm to go shopping.

Today's the first day of Briar High School. Clary and I are freshmen, along with Dakota. I texted him to see if he's ready. Since we were kids, I've always asked him if he was ready for the first day of school.

     Dakota: "Certainly not! There are big kids!"

     I chuckle at my best friend's silliness. 

     "What are you giggling about?" Clary smirks.

     I immediately shut off my phone. "N-Nothing."

     Clary is already dressed up for the first day of school. She's wearing a plain black tee, black ripped shorts, and black Converse. Over her shoulder is a midnight black backpack. Her brown ombre, straight hair is loose on her shoulders. Her brown eyes twinkled in excitement as she pushes up her black glasses.

     Did I forget to mention we didn't buy anything at the mall? It was too expensive and there weren't any sales.

     "Get dressed, will you?" Clary asks, shoving me in my room.

     I stumble back from her push. I check the time: 5:53 a.m. Clary and I walk to school, which takes about ten minutes. And school starts at 6:30.

     Looking through my closet, I pick out a white tank top, blue and white plaid cardigan, dark blue shorts, and white Converse. I grab my sky blue backpack and swing it over my shoulder. Unlike Clary, I wear colors.

     I walk out of my room to see Clary waiting for me. 

     "You look great! Now fix your hair," Clary says as she hands me a hairbrush.

     I brush my straight, black hair and put it up in a tight ponytail.

     "You ready?" I ask Clary.

     "Heck yeah!"

Clary and I stand in front of the school. Everyone here are stereotypical. There's the jocks, popular group, nerds, etc. They're all over the place. To be honest, it was quite scary considering the fact that Clary and I are small compared to their height.

     "Coming through!" 

     My ears perk up at the familiar voice. My eyes widen as I turn around. I see Dakota skateboarding towards me, although, he looks troubled. That's when I realized he wasn't stopping.

     "Move, Colette!" I hear Clary scream out to me.

     Too late. Dakota crashes into me, sending me onto the ground with him on top of me. We landed in a very awkward position. A sharp pain hits me in the back of my head. 

     "Oh gosh, Colette, you okay?" Dakota asks, not moving at all.

     I stare into his eyes. I couldn't break away from his gaze. His eyes were full of worry and concern. Heat rose up to my cheeks. My heart starts beating fast. 

     "Dakota! Get off of her, you're heavy!" Clary scolds him.

     "O-Oh sorry!" Dakota apologizes as he gets off of me.

     Dakota holds out a hand. Although, I don't take it. Instead, I couldn't help but notice his attire. Dakota is wearing a plain white shirt, blue jeans, and black Adidas' skateboarding shoes. His brown hair is messy, as if he's gotten up from bed.

     "Colette?" Dakota's chilling voice breaks my thoughts.

     Hesitantly, I take his hand. The moment I touched his hand, butterflies flew into my stomach. I felt sick. 

     "Oh, and Colette, I wanted you to meet a friend I met. He's new in this town," Dakota says.

     I see a boy our age walk up next to him. I've never seen him before. He's wearing a black sweater with black ripped jeans. His blonde angular fringe is tucked under a black beanie. Lastly, he's wearing black Converse. Let's just say, this boy reminds me of Clary. Also, it's really hot out here. I don't understand how Clary and this boy can stand the heat in black clothes.

     I hear a gasp and I turn to Clary. Her eyes widen the moment she sees the boy.

     "You!?" The boy and Clary yell simultaneously.

     "You two know each other?" Dakota asks.

     "N-No! No, we don't! I just mistaken him for someone else!" Clary quickly says, glaring at the boy. I knew Clary was lying.

     "Um, nice to meet you..." I let my words trail off, wanting the boy to say his name.

     "Hunter. The name's Hunter. And you are?" Hunter's voice was so deep, it scared me.

     "Colette." 

     "Okay, we should go!" Clary nervously laughs.

     Before I can say anything, Clary drags me into the school. Following us were Dakota and Hunter. Dakota smirks at me, sending chills down my spine. He mouths the words, "new beginning".