The chipped paint on the lockers seemed to leer at me as I walked down the hallway. Northwood High. New school. New me. Or at least, that's what I was aiming for. My old life, the one where I was just plain old Emily Carter, was officially over. Here, I was "Emmy," a girl with a past, a certain flair for drama, and a carefully constructed reputation I'd yet to earn.
My palms were sweating as I reached my locker. I fumbled with the combination, the numbers blurring before my eyes. It was a simple task, but it felt monumental. If I messed this up, if I couldn't even open my locker without looking like a fool, how could I possibly pull off this charade? Taking a deep breath, I finally managed to get it open, the click echoing in the otherwise silent hallway.
As I reached for my books, a voice called out, "Hey, Emmy! Welcome to Northwood!" I turned to see a girl with a cascade of blonde hair and a smile that could launch a thousand ships. This was it. My chance to start again, to become someone new. "I'm Bella," she said, extending a hand. "And you're going to love it here." I plastered on a smile, took her hand, ready to step into my new life.
"I'm sorry i wasn't able to catch up at the secretary's office i got held up by some personal stuff. Anyways, I've been assigned to give you a tour of the school and give you a break down of the do's and don't of the school".
As she spoke i studied her wondering if she was one of the popular kids or just an ordinary girl. I finally got the chance to start again and i'm going to make sure that this time i climb the social ladder.
"Earth to Emily" Bella snapped her fingers in front of my face.
Ohh shit! I just got here and i've started with my habit of zoning out. "Sorry i got distracted" i said hoping she wouldn't think i was weird.
She looked around and let out a chuckle. "Ohhh, that's Genevieve Brown, one of the most popular girls in school and also the prettiest. She's won prettiest girl four years in a row and she also very friendly and social".
I stared at Genevieve watching how she walked. Head held high, slow confident strides, hair neatly done and there was not a ugly bone on her. "There's an award for being pretty?" I asked starting to feel so unsure of myself. I had spend hours on my hair and makeup but i was definitely not as stunning as Genevieve.
"Nahhh..... not really, but i like to call it that. It's just that the school news team likes ranking people in the yearbook there's actually a column for that. There's ranked on prettiest, smartest, nicest, most popular that kind of stuff. I'm most social"
"Ohhh that must be really nice, having your picture in the year book and all" I said already wondering what to do to get my name in there. I slammed my locker close ready to get to my first class. And Bella led the way showing me the different classes on the way.
".......And finally, your first class for the day. English!"
"Thank you so much! I would have definitely gotten lost without you" i said trying to make small talk with her.
"It's no biggie"
Ask her now! Ask her now. My subconscious probed. I took a deep breath and watched as she turned to leave. It's now or never, it's not like she gonna eat me or anything. I mean the worst she can say is no right?
"Ummmm..... Bella, is it okay if i sit with you for lunch?" I was starting to sweat a little. Back at my old school no one wanted to sit with me. They treated me like trash and always picked on me i was hoping to change that here.
"Of course!" She replied while waving at a guy "I'll introduce you to my friends. And speaking of friends, this is jeremiah" she said tugging at the guy she had waved over. "He's a pest at times but one of my good friends. Jeremiah, meet Emily. She's the girl and she'll be joining us for lunch". Jeremiah stepped forward and took my hand planting a kiss on it and making me blush almost immediately.
"Don't mind Bella, i'm no pest just a real gentleman" he said and winked at me. I was at loss for words just staring at him and boy he was hottttt!
He chuckled taking Bella's hand and pulling her away while saying he'll see me at lunch. I just hope they don't change their mind about me. Not that i would let them
