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The New

Chapter 05: The New
Adeline

Sitting down at my assigned seat, it wasn't hard to feel the tension in the room.

The majority of the class was on edge, and I had no idea why.

"Easton baby. Talk to me."

Oh, now I know why.

Taking a quick glance at the other side of the room, Easton was looking straight ahead, his expression blank. Brianna was trying to get him to look at her, pretty desperate if you ask me.

I shrug, not caring about what was going on with him.

The chemistry teacher comes in soon, pointing to the empty desk a few seats away from me.

"You can sit over there. And there is no eating in my class. I hope you had a good first day so far." Mr. Adams tells the student and she walks away, smiling at the people around her.

"That's Adeline, the freak. Stay away from her." Brianna calls to the girl, making her roll her eyes.

"Okay." She responds, looking back to the front of the room.

Great, a new bully.

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"Hi."

"Hello?"

"Hey there, shorty." The voice yells again and I stop, turning around to look at her.

"Are you talking to me?" I ask, tilting my head.

"Yes." She runs to catch up with me, towering over me. "I'm Marma. Marma Lucia O'Neal."

Marma holds her hand out for me to shake and I smile shyly, taking it in mine.

"And you? Adeline, right?"

"Oh, yes. Adeline Sarang Fawn." I greet, feeling myself smile even more.

"Sarang? Like love? Where are your parents from?" Marma laughs, following me down the hall.

"My mom's great grandparents are Asian. She wanted to keep their memory alive." I explain, stopping in front of the bathroom. "I'm not trying to be rude but why are you talking to me? Did you not hear what that girl told you?"

"I don't listen to what barbies say. I want to be your friend. Do you have lunch now?"

"Oh yeah. I was just going to, uh, wash my hands." I think, taking a step back in embarrassment.

Marma follows behind me as I walk into the restroom, turning the faucet on.

When I finish, she links our arms together, bringing me to the outside eating area.

"Do you buy lunch? We can go back inside?" She rants, looking at my empty hands.

"No, I'm fine. We can eat in that corner."

The outside area is normally empty enough around this time, except for when it's really nice outside.

I take notice of Brianna and Easton on the other side of the property, surrounded by their friends. Marma sits in front of me as my back faces the group.

"Why is that guy looking at us?" Marma questions and I raise an eyebrow. "Um, blue tips, fluffy hair. Hella cute?"

"He's probably planning something." I mumble, taking a sip of water. Marma continues to look behind me as she makes a dirty face. "Stop staring."

"The fuck did you do to him? He looks like he walks to eat you." She laughs, still not breaking eye contact. "Oh shit, he likes you."

"Marma. I know we just met, but you play too much." I tell her, tapping her hand. "Stop staring now."

"He's coming over here."

The next thing I know, I feel Easton's presence behind me as he grabs my water from my hand, pouring it over my head.

"Oh hell no." Marma shrieks as she stands up, rolling up her sleeves. "Apologize."

"I don't do apologies, girl." Easton shrugs, putting the bottle in my hand and I stay still, in shock. "My doll knows how I play."

"Yeah new girl. The fat girl is just going to run away and shake the ground." Brianna yells, cackling as their friends do the same.

"Adeline's prettier than you'll ever be." Marma scoffs, sitting back down. "Move before I beat your ass."

I hear Easton scoff as he pats my head, finally walking away.

"Thank you." I mumble, holding my head down.

"I got your back. You're my new best friend."

I reach up to pull the clip out of my hair, allowing my hair to frame my face as I smile.

A friend actually sounds great.

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"Addy bitch! Give me your number, I'll call you later?"

"Sure. Give me yours, too."

"Do you want to hang out this weekend?" Marma asks as she types her number in, me doing the same.

"I'll ask my mom. We can go to the mall." I giggle, handing her phone back.

Marma had saved her name as 'Marmalade 🍯' and I laugh, happy that someone other than my family had my number.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Addy!" She waves, walking to the bus stop.

"Bye, Marma!"

"Get in." A gruff voice catches my attention as they honk their horn and I turn, looking at my brother. "New friend?"

"Mhmm. Her name is Marma. She's so cool." I smile, sitting in the passenger seat.

"I'm happy to hear that." Kaleb grins, driving down the road. "A couple of my friends are coming over later. That's okay, right?"

"Of course! Buy me a pizza." I deadpan, leaning my head against the window.

"The usual?"

"Well duh."