My first day of school is today and I've never been more terrified. I have everything I need, but I've had bad experiences with school.

It's 7:00AM and I awake to the most annoying beeping sound I've ever heard. Hitting my alarm off, I get dressed in black jeans, a beanie, a grey polo shirt, and a black jacket.

Finally ready, I run downstairs and into the kitchen for some breakfast. Jenna was up and cooking fresh pancakes and eggs for me. I happily ate it before we headed out the door.

"Have a great day honey! I love you!"

Tyler put his shoes on and drove me to school.
"Are you ready for today?" He asked.

"Not really...but maybe things won't be too bad." I shrugged.

After we arrived, Tyler parked and I got out of the car. He waved goodbye, and I waved back, watching his car leave as I try to stay calm. I walk into the building and immediately get a sense of the cliques. There's the Jocks, huddling around and pushing each other. Then there's the cheerleaders, twirling their hair and starting me down like I'm some alien. Then the nerds, who are too busy playing video games to notice me, and lastly, the art/emo kids. They aren't hard to pick out, since either they're really flamboyant or really quiet. But for the most part, they stick together.

As I walk down the halls, I finally reach the office and go up to the desk.

"Marie Joseph" I say.

"Ah yes, you're the new student, correct?" The receptionist says. I nod.
"Okay, well I have Shaun here to show you around. Have fun on your first day!"

A boy with short blonde hair walks with me out of the office. He's very muscular, tall, and wears a lot of sportswear. Obviously a jock.
"So, what's your name kid?"
"M-Marie J-Joseph."

He looks at me and glares.
"Nice to meet you, M-Marie J-Joseph. I'm Shaun, and I'll show you around. But don't get used to being around me, got it?"

I nod nervously. Great, first day of school and I'm pretty sure I already made an enemy. Awesome.
He shows me where the basic lockers, classrooms and bathrooms are as well as the gym. When we got to the art room, I was very excited to see everyone's work, so I went inside for a bit to look at the small gallery when I suddenly bumped into someone.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" I plead, looking at the girl next to me.

She was a bit taller than me, and looked very basic for the most part. She was ginger, wore too much mascara, and had her hair up in a bun. She was slightly taller than me, and had her posse of friends behind her, with faces of disgust.

She gave me an evil glare, smiled, then poured her paint on my shirt.
"Whoops! Sorry, when you bumped into me I "accidentally" spilled paint on you. I'm SO sorry." I've never heard so much sarcasm in one sentence.

Before I could leave she passed me and whispers in my ear.
"I hope I made it clear that I'm not someone to be fucked with, newbie."

I turn around and head out the classroom, to find Shaun taking a photo of me and my mess of a shirt.
"Haha! You totally deserved that newbie. Now that you know your classes, don't ever associate with me, is that clear?"

I can't believe this is happening.
"Crystal." I said, exaggerating "s" and "t".
He walks away, joining his group of friends and showing them the photo I assume. I sigh and go to the bathroom to clean myself up. I jump when someone comes in.

She was about my height, maybe shorter, and had both sides of her head shaved. Her hair was dyed purple, she wore a black v-neck tank top with tight black leggings that had mesh on the sides. She wore purple lipstick, had her nails painted black, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Did they get to you too?" She asks.
I give her a look of confusion.

"The ginger, Lydia? The jock, Shaun? AKA the grade-A assholes of this school? I'm talking about the paint."

"Oh. Yeah, but it's okay I guess, I'm just easy to pick on." I give her a smile.

She puts her hand out.
"I'm Leon, I use he/him pronouns."

"I'm Marie, she/her pronouns."
I finished cleaning off the paint as we made small talk. The bell rang, we exchanged phone numbers, and went to our classes.
(Y'all don't wanna hear about her specific schedule bc that's boring so there's gonna be time jumps)

Most of the day was good, lunch was kind of awkward, but normal to me. I found an empty corner of the cafeteria, put my headphones in, took my sketchbook out, and ate my lunch in peace. Eventually, Leon joined me. We talked about how my first day went, what I liked to do, and what music I listen to.

"You seem really chill, Marie. We should hang out sometime, aight?" I nodded to him before he left, putting my music back on before my next classes started.

When the bell rang for dismissal, I walked out and was tripped by someone.

I wonder who.

"What the fuck?!" I yell.
"Might wanna watch where you're going, freak." Lydia chuckled and started walking away.

"Might wanna see a dentist, 'cause he could clean the shit coming out of your mouth." Her posse gasped in shock, the people around us "ooh"ed and started laughing at her.
I stood up, proud, but she came rushing up to me and grabbed my wrist. I winced in pain as her nails dug onto the top of my hand.

"Don't you fucking disrespect me again, whore. You'll regret this. I'll make you miserable." She was finally out of my sight.

I felt good for saying that, but I may have made a mistake.

I waited outside for Tyler to pick me up, and he finally arrived, practically interrogating me.
He asked;
"How was school? What classes do you have? Did you make any friends? How old are they? Are people there nice? Was there any issues? Do you have enough supplies? Do you want me to contact any teachers for anything?"

He worries too much. But he has the right too, I understand why. After finishing his questionnaire we arrived at home to the smell of cheesy enchiladas.
I of course left out a few details. I didn't want him to worry.

"Hey sweetie! How was school?" Jenna said.
"It was good! Dinner smells great, mom."

It really smelled like heaven and I couldn't wait to eat it. I sat at the bar while Tyler walked in and kissed Jenna hello. We finally ate dinner and I went upstairs right afterwards. I took a shower and had the night to myself. I texted Leon for a bit, and we have a lot of common. He also likes alternative music, he loves food, and he's into art. I was happy I finally made a friend after being so lonely all this time.
But how long will this last?

I fall asleep fast, exhausted from the school day.

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A/N: thank you for reading!