The Basics || p.w

Chapter One // New School and Small Stares

After taking a few minutes to find my locker, I exchanged my things. Now that I've moved across the country, I'm realizing that this move is not like the others. Being the new girl multiple times has had a large impact on me, resulting in my shy personality. I've moved more times than I can count, which makes it hard for me to make friends. I have kept to myself most of my life, relying on music.

I caught a glance from one of the guys in a large group. He wore a varsity jacket and loose jeans. He clearly was a part of the typical popular clique. As I closed my locker I noticed him walking towards me.

"What's your name?" He asked, walking beside me. I looked down at my schedule, trying to figure it out.

"Christine," I answered, not avoiding eye contact. I usually wouldn't say anything in general, but I felt daring.

"My friends and I are having a party tonight, want to come?" He asked. I felt like laughing, and telling him I am doomed to get lost on my way home. How would I be able to find his house?

"No thanks," I muttered. The crowded hallways seemed to be emptier. I then realized people were avoiding walking by this guy.

"You're missing out then, Christine," he winked at me. He walked away towards his group, his hands in his jacket pockets. I sighed, wanting to hide.

I felt his group's eyes on me. I heard their whispers, the words that I've heard time and time again. I kept my head down, trying to be ignored.

"Hey."

I felt startled as I turned to my left. I saw a boy with red hair. He clearly was not rude, being that he seemed a bit nerdy. In my experiences, I've never met a mean nerdy kid.

"They're always like that to transfers," he stated. I nodded, a small smile on my lips. "You don't need to worry. They'll leave you alone now."

"What are they trying to accomplish?" I questioned. The boy shrugged.

"New recruits for their secret mission of turning everyone into the same person," he chuckled. "What's your next class? I can help you find it."

"Biology, thanks," I smiled.

"Great! We have the same class! Just follow me, I'll make sure you find your way," he stated. I felt a wave of relief rush over me.

"Wow, thank you so much," I responded. He nodded, continuing to walk beside me.

"Oh! I haven't even introduced myself! My apologies, I'm Andy Hurley," he exclaimed. I laughed, shaking my head at him.

"No worries! I'm Christine, Christine Vana if you want to get technical," I joked. Andy laughed, clutching onto his books.

I followed Andy into our biology class, where he looked around for someone. I sat behind Andy in the empty seat. I set my things down and heard Andy's chirpy voice.

"Joe! Over here!" Andy waved. I watched as a curly haired boy sat beside Andy with a wide grin.

I felt embarrassed, being that I know nobody here besides Andy. Andy talked to Joe for a bit, asking normal first-day-of-school questions.

"Who is this?" Joe pointed to me.

"That's Christine, she's a transfer. She'll be with us for a bit. Hopefully Pete won't scare her away," Andy chuckled.

"Let's hope not! I'm Joe," he held out his hand for me. I shook his hand with a nod, feeling better.

"Christine, nice to meet you."