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The workload wasn't that much, I installed a side leather pouch. Assuming I'd ride this to school in the morning, along with replacing the seat. It was worn out and dirty, besides. It needed a little flair to it. The biggest project that it needed was just the tune-up, and even that wasn't as bad as I predicted. 

My attention moved the second I saw a football bounce on over into the garage, sliding the white cloth off my lap that I placed there so I wouldn't get oil on myself. Did I go run and grab it. "Shit looking good...That thing has been sitting in here for years. Hope you like it." "Like it. I love it." His smile rang at my excitement towards this entire level of...Bonding I guess it would be called? I don't know the exact term, but when he opened his hands for me to give him the ball. I mutter two words. "Go long." His chuckle rang loose as he motioned for it again, so my eyes widened. Knowing I was serious did he start running. Gripping the white line in the center correctly did I throw it over, hard, making sure it had a swirling motion before he caught it. 

My stepdad who was practicing with him looked more than impressed with his hands on his hips and a smile on his face. Grabbing the extra rag in my back pocket do I wipe my hands, something I should have done before I touched the ball. But they are grown men, can't handle a little oil? I chuckled at the thought, before turning back to my project. And within the next few moments did I turn the key in its ignition before twisting the handles laid out before me. Hearing the ripping sound echo through this small barn. 
Kicking back the small little leg did I go on forward, going straight near the two men as they laughed in approval. "You wouldn't want to know how much it would have cost to fix this damn thing." "I already know." I shrugged, about to ask if I can go out seemed od. But I did anyway. "Jarod, you have practice tomorrow before the game anyway. Go with your sister." He shrugged a yes and I patted the seat behind me, his unsure face was shocked. How else does he want to ride with me? "Where to?" "Any bike stores around? Don't think mom wants me riding without a helmet." He nodded off to his dad before he held onto me. Riding off into the distance hearing him say the directions a good given before did I realize it was a must for him to direct me on where to go. Especially since I had no idea where town even was. 

Until we stopped at the store did I look at a few other things, a nice jacket to replace my old and torn one. Along with the helmet I wanted to come in for, the second Jarod pulled out a credit card I fumbled, shaking my head before taking his place. I don't want them to pay for my things, bad enough they gave me a motorcycle. So instead, he went off and picked one for himself. "Just in case you need an extra one." My eyes glared at him as he stood in line behind me. He was admiring his chose in a helmet, eyeing it the entire time I was in search for this one. 

I was off to the car when he came on back out, with my jacket already on and ready. Did I see him just throw out the bag at the garbage bin sitting on the outside. Did he pull it on over his head, now coming onto the bike without any hesitation. "Think you can get to the school from here?" Turning my head back around to him do I chuckle before heading on out of the parking lot and in the direction of where I think the school actually is. It won't be too bad in the morning, if anything I'll follow him. Tomorrow is the day of impressions, and I surely want to fuck it up. 

Speeding down the road, having the headlights on was just a wonderful, relaxing moment. Especially when I missed our house and ended up at the wrong one. But that was alright, still the first day here. 

Trying to silence down the ride as I allowed it into the garage, finally turning it off did he jump off. "That was fucking amazing. We gotta do it again!" Pulling off the helmet and wiping off the sweat did I think it's time for a shower, and then get off to bed. 
Walking back to the house after locking the garage up did we finally have an honest conversation. How everyone in the house is acting on their toes. "Mom is upset that she lost you. I don't think she'll ever get over it." "I'm here now." "For two years and then college...If you're thinking about college." Nodding did I not want to get into what I study, just because I don't want Michael feeling the need for him to give me job opportunities within his facility. To be honest, he's already done enough for me. For my mom. "Stop by room, I'll give you your schedule...Should have done that earlier." Waving it off, we were both busy. So going off to my room did I grab a pair of pajamas before heading to the bathroom across the hall. 

Locking the door.

Something that I've learned to do in the care of other people. So stripping down I went, taking hold of the hot water before me. And letting my dark brown hair become darker with the sense of added water. The scented shampoo was clearly my mother's, always had this smell. Always will, even taking a whiff of the bottle did the nostalgic reminder hit me in the back of the head.

I always brought this.

Turning off the water was a struggle especially since I truly did not want to go to bed just yet. So I promised myself another hour up and around. To organize or to get my class list. So rounding about to what I think is his room, did I knock. 

Him playing Xbox was expected, but him not inviting me was just rude. For a moment he looked confused on why I was with him, but the second he ran on over to his desk did I get to see his room. Football gear hanging on the wall for tomorrow, television on pause, backpack and jock jacket all ready for school. 
I'll make fun of it tomorrow. Right now I was just interested in what I have as classes. My head drove right in seeing as how I am taking a few computer classes, along with phycology. Everything else was standard, history and English. The gym was going to be fantastic. 

The small side note was the classes I had with him, his sloppy handwriting and the goofy little smiley face was another surprise on how kind he was. Only adding to the realization that he will be difficult tomorrow with his friends. 
I'm waiting for it.

*
Morning came quicker than I realized, and already did I feel the slight nervousness that will bring forth a good year or a bad one. Promising myself one month to get a few of the town before going off and getting a job was something I was willing to allow, I never was good at asking for money. Especially when my mother has funded half my life from a distance, it felt like taking it from a stranger...We were separated when I was eight. Almost ten years ago, and I want to make the effort with her. But she has little Mickey to worry about, and Michael going off every few months for a good few weeks at a time. Her life is stressful without worrying about me, and from the way my stepfather put it, that's all she's been doing since the moment he'd met her.

Pulling the covers over from my body so I head to the closet, picking through my clothes and finding one of my mother's purchased tank tops. Making sure everything else was set in my backpack did I take off to the bathroom, toiletry bag in hand. Hopefully, I will end up using the nice vanity table that she put on it, needs an added light but as of right now. I think this is fine. 

A dark smoky eye, along with the eyeliner that I've been craving since yesterday morning before working on my hair. Ruffling it up, it looked fine. The curls were decent enough, and anything I would do to it would get messed from the helmet. 

After that did I grab my helmet, slinging over my bag and had my jacket in hand before quietly going downstairs. See Jarrod eating a bowl of cereal. "Goodmorning." He greeted, reading the newspaper before him like a little gentleman. And I chuckled looking for the orange juice in the fridge, along with taking one of the fruit cups mothers told me about yesterday. "Sure you don't want a ride on the first day?" He asked politely once more, and with my mouth full of fruit did I just look on at him. His winter looking type jacket just smelled like jock to me. "I'm good." Rolling my eyes by looking at the clock, I had time. We both did, and as my mom strolled on in with Mickey did he grab on to me. "It's your sisters first day of school! Aren't we excited!" Using her childish voice did she pass him off to me due to his grabbing motion he continued to do so. Swinging my bag down to the floor beside the kitchen's island do I hold him. Mickey's little finger grab onto the fabric of my leather, feeling around as he eyed what his mother was doing. "Can you get him dressed? We're running late this morning." Nodding did I head off to his room upstairs, and immediately did I stop in my tracks. 

I didn't want to admit that I was jealous, but I was. Mad and jealous. Mad because I don't want to feel envious of the life my little brother has over mine, couldn't stop it from sparking. Not like I was never going to see this area either. So off to the changing table I went, replacing his shirt and pants. Fixing his hair, all this and that before bringing him back to mom. Who was all dressed and had breakfast set for both herself and the little boy? "I can drop him off. You two go, have a good day Aurora! Watch out for her Jarrod!" Rolling my eyes did I grab my helmet off the counter and marched down the steps, wondering where the ranger from yesterday had gone. "Dad leaves at five." Nodding did he walk me on over to my bike, chuckling at the fact he didn't have to do that. "You tell your friends you have a step-sister?" His hesitation gave me the answer I needed. Not upset with him in the least bit, that meant I didn't have to be introduced to that many people bright and early. "It might be better for you if you didn't know my friends...Not that I don't them to know you...It's just-" "Nonono. I understand." I said, sliding on my jacket and zipping it halfway up before pushing the bike on out the given distance. Closing the barn doors. There has to be a better way, investing my money in an actual garage door might be useful. But the second I started the ignition I saw him jump in fear, chuckling even after hiding my face behind the matte black helmet did I salute on off to him before riding off. 

The air that seeped through the leather felt lovely, as did the speed I was going down this very long road. Until I entered in the town, cutting through to get a feel of the area as a whole. But the moment I look on up from my position, holding the bike up with one foot to secure the stability. Do I see two young men, probably my brother's friends cursing and yelling towards me? Not considering the fact that I'm a woman. 

As a smirk riles underneath my helmet do I twist the handgrip to sound of the roar of my freshly cleaned engine do they do the same for their truck. But what they missed was the light turning green and I went full force on the wheel. At a straight shot towards the school, of course, the truck followed me, the ugly jackets were a dead give away when I saw just one already. 


Not many cars stationed here either, so it was off to the parking lot. And already was I getting stares, from the crowds of people going off to school. Folders in their hands. 

It's Fall, can't even use the new student card when the semester has already begun in the past few weeks. 
Great.

Taking one of the first parking spot near the set of bikes was the only option I had, not wanting to get in trouble. But that already signified the group I'd be placed in. A bunch of people smoking right in front of the school and not giving a single thought about it. Out of the seven people within that circle, two of them were girls. Stopping my bike, kicking the stand down, did I look on around, spotting my brother near some girls, that I can already say I hate did I see the angry jock man who came on over towards me. "Who the hell do you think you are riding around like that." A quick look back did I see the gang of bikers come on over, the cigarettes still in their hands as they looked on off to these three guys. Standing his ground did he just stay put, and in one motion did I take off my helmet and give them a kind smile before getting off my bike. His gawk and the wide open mouths of the three men had the rest of the group chuckle. Along with myself.

Not saying one word do I grab my backpack and head off into the school, getting appropriate nods to whomever these people are before me. 

The steps themselves were challenging enough, greeted by cheering girls who wore too bright of a color. Strolling on inside did the hallways seem cluttered as well, but I found my way towards the main office. The glass door and the windows seemed inviting, but the heat wasn't the best. The fan with the little strings attached continued to dance as it oriented to each corner of the room. "Goodmorning, how can I help you?" Stepping towards the front desk and placing my helmet down did I give her a warm smile. "I'm the new student, Aurora Blake." The reaction I had gotten from the two secretaries was enough to make my head spin, the hurried on over the forms and a school map. Guessing that there wasn't much new student activity that this was the first as in awhile.

"Basic layout, nothing to really worry about. If you have any questions, come see us. We'll point you in the right direction." Smiling and nodding throughout the entire lecture, dotting the classes in my schedule. It followed through like most schools, library, gym, and cafeteria. So I left as confident as ever, going to the locker I was provided did I set down my helmet and my leather jacket. This school was far too hot, and the odd thing was...It's October. The middle of October.

The bell ringing signaled for everyone to scatter the entire hallway, leaving me at my locket for the small moment to gather where my classes are. Not wanting to have a map in my face the entire first day. That is the strong scent of cigarettes laid waste to my nose, and what I wouldn't kill to have one. A good four of them from outside had stripped through the oncoming crowd, easily be avoided by the little underclasses man as they approached me. The guy leaning against the locker behind my open door, and the two girls from the group as well. "Ya know where yer goin?" Before I was about to respond did the guy grab my schedule from my hands, grunting ever so often when he found something interesting. "On the second floor most of the day princess." He handed it off to the girls, and while I was confused on what they were doing. They shared a good laugh, assuming we have class together might be the issue I'm facing at the moment. "We'll take you." The two girls said, nicking their head forward as they lead me to class. 

Taking in their appearance were they wearing more makeup than myself, more so than I would have guessed beforehand. "Got yourself a nice bike. Trevor was eyeing it." "Earned me a lot of stares." A nod in agreeance was all I needed, and they soon stopped in front of my class. "I'm Karen, but K's fine too." "I'm Rachel." Smiling at them did they each say which end of the hall they had their classes, and as the second bell had rung. I sprung up and introduced myself. "Blake." Surprised, to say the least, was what I expected, especially since they were much kinder than I would have predicted. And Jake, he strolled on off. Getting another smoke in before the period? Probably.

The teacher greeted me, signing the pass I had to get from all my teachers the first day before he said I could sit anywhere I'd like. And again, did I find the group of stoners helpful in this equation. "Oh look. It's another one of them." One of the girls before me whispered, making me chuckle towards this petty little bitch before me. The blonde hair gave it away of who she was as a person, but the killer is when she said it. 

Grabbing the flimsy notebook did I try my best to follow along, but my mind continued to butter up each minute that the clock countered. Eight classes, six a day. 55 minutes each. So help me god could this not go any faster. "Gotta name?" The boy beside me asked. "Blake," I said, still looking up at the teacher and copying him down word for word. "The man rambles the same shit every day, don't stress yourself." Smiling at the advice did I believe his words, so that left me nothing to do as the teacher continued to go on and on about such different topics. 

Getting off of the issue at hand was what this man was known for, I'm assuming. Because each time he started a new story, something would make him take a turn in a different direction. 
Sitting back in my chair did I begin to doodle. Until the man poked me once again. "Where ya come from?" "Connecticut." "Where's that?" "Under New York." He chuckled at his dumb question, it's one of those states that no one remembers. Everything else is just known. "What made ya come here?" "Family." His nod and little cheek biting had me wonder what he really wanted to ask me. Or talk to me about, my mind wasn't paying attention to Psychology anyway. So I turned on towards him, greeted by a smirk and his head jerking back the little ways. "You have any problems with them sports fanatics. You tell me?" Rolling my eyes did I just explain I can handle myself. "Nah Nah. I ain't kidding you." "Alright, Ponyboy." He chuckled at the literary joke, it did sound like the greasers and the preppy kids pitched up against one another. 

But even in that regard did I feel categorized, just wanting to finish my school year and not worry about fights or anything more important than getting into college and majoring into this study. "Ya meet Karen and Rachel?" "Yea. They walked me to class." "Sweet girls those two." Nodding in agreeance did I see a few stares wonder on back towards us. We were sitting in the back and it was obvious for them to be noticed by us. "They're trying to figure you out." "They see that big idiot running at me because I won that damn little race?" His chuckle rang for a good minute as he shook his head, holding the brink of his nose before responding. "Thought you were a guy too. They don't ride."
"Shame."
"Where'd you get that beauty?" As the teacher looked on over towards us, making us pause the conversation, but the second he turns his back towards us do I answer the question honestly. "Sorry. My name's Shawn." This was going better than expected, we shared riding stories. And he was a good guy, tomorrow would he introduce me to everyone, instead of me running into the building like a scared little freshman. 
I wasn't even on school property did I make an impression, angering my brother's player and then making myself friends. 

The class was over and I just slid the notebook down into my bag while walking on out, meeting the two girls. Joining Shawn and I. 

"Incoming." Peering on over to my right did I see the jocks come on down, my brother among the rest. He was the team captain, and I think I angered his best friend. Chuckling at the thought did Jarrod make eye contact with me for a moment before passing it off to my given friends. 
Not going to the game tonight. The signs posted all over the wall didn't mean anything to me. Maybe homecoming. Just because he is technically family. "Hey new girl, ever get tired of these punks. Can always hang out with me." Was all he could come up with as he walked backwards, trying to continue the conversation. But my eye roll was enough to make him angry. "Asshole," I muttered, sticking with the group did Shawn walk on off in a different direction, and lucky this time around did I get to see Rachel in this class. Law. Funny enough for the both of us, and humorous to the rest of the class.

Little did they know. I've been battling cases for a good long while up until this point.

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Date Posted: 12-20-17 // Time: 4:30
Word-Count: 3795

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