"Girl Meets High School-Part 1"

TJ has mixed feelings about today because today is his first day of high school. It's also his first day of school in New York. He has been in New York for at least a week, but he hasn't met anyone yet. Most of that week consisted of moving to New York, unpacking, and decorating the house.

In TJ's mind, today could be the start of something great, or a disaster. It could be both, if things go really badly. TJ was hoping for something in between, something mediocre. Something that wasn't too bad, but wasn't too good either. TJ doesn't need any more attention than he's already going to get. As a new kid, he's sure all eyes will be on him and he's dreading that.

TJ doesn't want attention, and he isn't used to having it. His parents were never really around at home. They were always at work or who knows where else. They were rich, and they loved to flaunt it. TJ knew his parents didn't care about him as much as they cared about their money. They didn't pay him any mind, and TJ didn't expect them to. His parents had always been distant. He was used to it. He didn't see them much, he saw the maids and his butler more than he saw his parents.

The one thing TJ really hates about his parents is the way they throw money around like it's nothing. His parents love spending money, and he doesn't get it. TJ doesn't think they've ever been in a situation where money could have saved them, or someone they care about. They have never been poor. Their family has been wealthy for years, and they plan on keeping it that way.

TJ has always been uncomfortable with money, even though he has a lot of it. He feels guilty for buying things for himself, which is why he doesn't buy many things. When he does buy things, he always gets the cheapest option, no matter how small the difference between prices is. TJ doesn't understand how his parents can just spend money without even blinking. It seems wrong to him. He even goes out of his way and helps others, but only when he knows nobody's looking.

TJ doesn't talk about his discomfort around money with his parents. He doesn't know how they would react. TJ isn't close with his parents. He has no idea what their opinions are, so he doesn't say anything. TJ is afraid to speak up around his parents, and he's scared of them. That's probably a major reason why he's not close with them. TJ doesn't remember a time when his parents cared about him. He has no memory of a time where his parents comforted him, or told him that they loved him. He can't remember a single moment where they said they were proud of him, or anything close to that. TJ's parents don't give him love...Well, if you call them giving him gifts and taking him places love. To him, that's not love. To him, that's them throwing their money at him to get him to stop being sad. It works, but only temporarily.

TJ knows he should be grateful. After all, his parents do give him money. They give him everything he needs, and then some. They provide him with food, clothes, shelter, and whatever else he needs. So, TJ should be happy. He should be ecstatic, but he's not. He's miserable. TJ can't be happy when his parents barely show any interest in him. He's their son, and they don't give him the time of day. He can't be happy when the two people who should care about him, don't. He can't be happy knowing the only reason his parents give him stuff is because they feel guilty for not paying him any attention.

TJ's parents make him feel worse about himself. He can't help it. He wishes they weren't so cold towards him, but he doesn't blame them. He's a disappointment. That's why they don't like him. TJ has known since he was a little kid. His parents have made it clear that he's a disappointment, and not good enough no matter how hard he tried. TJ had tried so hard, but his parents had still thought he was a failure. That was when TJ stopped trying to get his parents approval. He knew it was pointless.

TJ is awoken rudely to the sound of his alarm clock ringing. It's his first day at a new high school. It's going to be a rough day. He doesn't know anyone, and he's starting midway through the year. The school year has already started, and TJ is behind. He has to catch up to the rest of the class. TJ hopes he can. He doesn't want to get held back. He already has enough problems as it is. He doesn't want to add more.

TJ reaches over and hits his alarm clock. He can't help but groan. He is not ready for today. He has never liked school, and now he has to start over in a new school. TJ isn't happy, and he doubts he'll find anything to make him happy at this new school.

"TJ! Are you up yet?" His dad yelled from downstairs. TJ grimaced at the loudness of his voice so early in the morning. He had never been a morning person, and he doubted he ever would be. TJ doesn't want to wake up. He wants to stay in bed all day and do nothing. Unfortunately, that isn't an option.

"Yeah, I'm up!" TJ replied as he rolled over in bed, pulling his covers up closer to his chin. He closed his eyes, hoping to fall back asleep, but unfortunately for him, his dad wouldn't allow that.

"You better not still be in bed! You're going to be late!" His dad warned, but it didn't sound like a warning to TJ. His dad sounded calm, like he wasn't bothered. Like TJ's tardiness wouldn't affect him in any way.

"I'm getting ready right now!" TJ lied as he opened his eyes again. He really wasn't ready. TJ didn't want to go to school today, or any other day for that matter. School was a waste of time in his opinion. It wasn't doing anything for him.

TJ heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Great, his dad was coming to make sure he was actually getting ready. He had never liked it when TJ was late, and he made that very clear. TJ couldn't count the number of times his dad had yelled at him for being late, and it was all because he slept in. TJ couldn't help it. It wasn't his fault. He just needed more sleep.

TJ watched as his door swung open, and his dad entered the room. He stood there, looking around the room for a minute. TJ was thankful he didn't come in before. He would've had a heart attack. There was stuff everywhere, and his dad was a stickler for organization. He didn't want him to be mad at him before school even started.

TJ pulls the cover of his bed down with a sigh. "What?" He asked, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I'm just checking in on you. You don't want to be late for your first day, right?" His dad said, giving him a small smile. TJ wanted to wipe it off his face. He couldn't stand his dad's fake smiles. He didn't even know why his dad smiled at him. It's not like he cared about him.

"I'm up, aren't I?" TJ questioned, his voice monotone. He wasn't trying to be rude, but he had never been a morning person. He didn't talk a lot, and he didn't sound happy in the mornings.

His dad's smile falters. "Don't use that tone with me, young man. I'm only trying to help you." His dad said, crossing his arms and frowning. TJ knew that look. He had seen that look so many times. That was the look his dad had every time he got upset with him.

"I don't need your help." TJ snapped, getting up and walking to his closet. His dad followed him, but he didn't care. His dad wouldn't leave him alone. He never did.

"You do. You need a lot of help. You're not the greatest person." His dad said, and TJ could feel himself shrinking. It felt like a punch to the gut. He knew his dad didn't think very highly of him, but it still hurt when he heard it.

"Well, I'm sorry for not being a good enough son." TJ spat, his voice laced with sarcasm. His dad didn't notice, or he didn't care. Either way, he didn't acknowledge his words.

"You are a good enough son. We've given you so much, and this is the thanks we get?" His dad growled, and TJ couldn't help but shrink away. He didn't want to argue with his dad. It wouldn't end well. It never did.

"I never asked for any of this." TJ said, his voice small and quiet. His dad glared at him.

"We didn't ask for a disappointment either." His dad retorted, his voice just as angry, if not angrier than before. TJ could feel his anger boiling up inside of him.

"Then why'd you have me!?" TJ shouted, glaring at his dad. His dad didn't even flinch. Instead, his glare hardened.

"To carry on our legacy, and to help us keep our company alive. Not because we wanted you." His dad stated, his voice cold and emotionless. That hurt. It hurt a lot.

"Get out of my room." TJ mumbled, turning back towards his closet and grabbing the first shirt he saw. He didn't look at the color or anything. He just grabbed a random shirt. Since he wasn't wearing one now, he pulled it on.

"Excuse me?" His dad asked, raising his eyebrows. TJ wasn't in the mood. He couldn't handle his dad today.

"Get out. I'm not asking. I'm telling." TJ ordered, pointing to the door. His dad scoffed.

"I will not take orders from my own son." His dad hissed. TJ didn't respond. He just glared at him and walked to his dresser. He opened the drawer and pulled out a pair of black pants. He then walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

He sighed, leaning against the door. It had only been a few minutes, and he was already exhausted. He wasn't going to make it through today. He would probably snap at everyone he came in contact with. TJ doesn't do well in the morning, and especially not with his dad. He continued to get dress, flinching when he heard the slam of his bedroom door close, signaling to him that his dad finally left. He was glad. He needed a moment alone.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. This was going to be a long day.

~

After getting dressed, TJ had ate some breakfast before he left. Thankfully, his dad had gone to work and his mom was already gone to her work as well. The family company his dad owned was important, and apparently it had to be passed down from father to son. His dad had no siblings, and he hadn't married someone who had any siblings. That meant TJ was the one who had to take over even though he didn't want to. He didn't want to own a company that was based on money. TJ didn't have a problem with the people who worked there, but he knew his dad did. His dad was a cold man, and a cruel boss. He treated his employees like crap, and TJ had overheard a couple conversations about how bad he was. TJ's mom didn't work at the company. She had her own company, and it was a beauty salon. It was a chain business, and there was a beauty salon in almost every city. TJ didn't see the point in having two companies. One was enough, in his opinion.

TJ had decided to walk to school instead of letting his personal driver take him. Yes, he has a personal driver, and yes, it's lame. TJ hated it. He didn't need a driver. He could drive himself, and if he couldn't, he would take the bus or something. His parents had hired a personal driver when they had first moved to New York. TJ's mom and dad had a busy schedule, and they had a lot to do. They didn't want to have to worry about driving. They didn't have time to, and TJ wasn't old enough to have a license. Well, he had a permit, but he couldn't drive without a licensed adult in the car.

The walk to school was relatively peaceful. There weren't a lot of cars on the road, and it was a quiet neighborhood. TJ lived in the nice part of the city. Everyone who lived here was either rich, or was the family of someone who was rich. It was a good neighborhood. It was clean, and the neighbors were nice. TJ had seen a few of them, but he hadn't really talked to any of them. TJ had always been shy, and he has trouble making friends. He has had a few friends in the past, but none of them lasted very long. TJ always felt like they were only using him for his money. When they had realized he wasn't giving them money, they would leave. It had hurt, but TJ had gotten used to it. He couldn't trust people easily.

When TJ arrived at the school, he took a deep breath. This was it. There was no going back now. TJ walked into the school, his nerves getting worse the closer he got. TJ had to stop himself from turning around and leaving. He didn't want to be here. He was so tempted with skipping. Nobody would notice if he did. Well, except for his parents. They would be furious if they found out he skipped.

As TJ walked down the hall, he looked around. Everyone seemed so happy, and it made him sick. How could these people be so happy? Was he missing something? Was there some reason why people could be happy, and he couldn't? TJ didn't understand. He had everything a person could want. He was rich, he was good-looking, he was a great musician. He should be happy. That's how the stereotypes go, but he wasn't happy. He was jealous, and sad. Why did other people get to be happy, and not him?

TJ's thoughts are cut short when he is pushed harshly, causing him to bump into the lockers. "Hey! Watch where you're going, loser!" Some guy, who TJ assumed was a jock, yelled at him before laughing and walking away.

TJ scowled and straightened himself. What a nice welcome. If this was what the rest of the school year was going to be like, TJ was screwed. He had been at the school for less than ten minutes, and someone had already pushed him. He hadn't even done anything. Well, at least not that he was aware of. TJ wasn't the most observant person, and he did have a tendency to not pay attention to what was happening around him. It could've been a mistake, or maybe it was on purpose. TJ didn't know. All he knew was that it happened, and it wasn't pleasant.

TJ kept walking down the hall, looking around curiously. There was a lot of commotion. People were talking, running around, and it was just...A lot. It was a big school, and TJ was not prepared for it. He had gone to a private school before, and there weren't nearly as many students. The school wasn't very big, and it was easy to get lost in the crowd. This school, however, was very different.

As TJ walked, he could feel the stares of other students on him. It made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't like attention. He hated when people were looking at him, or talking about him. TJ could see the whispers, and the pointing. It wasn't a surprise. He was the new kid, and the rich kid. His parents were well known and he's sure the students have heard of them.

TJ continued walking down the hallway, eventually realizing he was lost. He didn't know where the office was, or where his locker was. TJ cursed. Of course his day would start out like this. Couldn't things ever go his way?

"You look lost." A voice from behind him said. TJ turned around, his eyes landing on a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes that held amusement in them. TJ scowled.

"Bonjour, je m'apple TJ Jameson." TJ blurted out, and he grimaced, not really knowing why he spoke in French. He was nervous because a pretty girl was standing in front of him. That was just the first thing that came to mind. He doesn't usually get this nervous around girls, so why was this one any different? TJ had talked to plenty of pretty girls before, and he's never felt like this. He chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck after seeing her confused expression. "You look really confused. Does anyone here know French?"

Her eyes widen, and she points at him with an excited smile. "Oh my gosh, you can speak a whole different language! All I got from that was your name...." She pauses for a moment, furrowing her eyebrows. "Your name is TJ, right?" TJ nodded, letting out a sigh of relief. At least she understood what his name was. That was a start. Now he didn't look like a complete idiot.

"That's so cool! I wish I could speak a different language, but unfortunately, that's not in the cards for me." She jokes, and TJ can't help but chuckle. She was funny, and kind. He liked her.

"Yeah, it's nice." TJ commented, shrugging. His parents had him take lessons when he was younger. It had taken a while, but he learned. His teacher was a very nice woman, and TJ enjoyed learning. He had to admit he didn't mind learning French, and it came in handy quite often.

"So, what are you doing here? You don't look like you go here. I've never seen you before." She questioned, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him curiously. TJ didn't mind. At least she was interested in him. He wasn't sure he could say the same for the other students.

"That's because I don't. This is my first day. I just transferred from a private school from Canada. I got lost, and I have no idea where the office is." TJ admitted, sighing in frustration. This was a horrible way to start off his first day.

"Wow, Canada? That's a long way away." She said, and TJ nods. He wasn't sure why she cared, but it was nice to have someone show interest. "I'm Maya Hart, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Maya." TJ responded, giving her a small smile. Maya smiled back, and TJ noticed her smile was beautiful. She was really pretty, and it was a shame that she was so far out of his league.

"Come on, Canada. Let's get you to the office. You need to get your schedule." Maya said, gesturing for him to follow her. TJ obeyed, not having much of a choice. She knew her way around, and he didn't. Besides, it was better than getting lost again.

"I-I have a name." TJ stuttered, his face tinted pink. Why was he so flustered by this girl? Sure, he's not a flirt, but he usually isn't so flustered around girls.

With a grin on her face, Maya shrugs. "I know. But I like calling you Canada." TJ can't help but chuckle, a smile on his face. Maya was definitely something else. He's never met someone like her before. She was so confident and outgoing. It was a nice change of pace.

"Whatever you say, ma chéri." TJ commented, smiling wider when he noticed her blush. Maya was cute.

"I have no idea what you said, but I'm gonna take a guess and say it was something sweet." Maya stated, and TJ just nodded, his cheeks heating up.

"You'd be correct." TJ confirmed, and he swore he saw her smile widen.

"I have a good feeling about you, Canada. I can tell we're gonna be good friends." Maya declared, and TJ couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face. He couldn't remember the last time someone wanted to be his friend. Sure, there have been a few people, but none of them had stayed long. He didn't know what it was about this girl, but he was excited. For once in his life, he felt hopeful. He didn't want to let himself get his hopes up, but he couldn't help it. Maya seemed different. She was different, and he really liked her.

Maya lead TJ down the hall and stopped in front of a door. It had a sign on it that read 'office.' TJ was relieved. Finally, they had arrived.

"Thank you for showing me the way, Maya." TJ thanked, smiling gratefully at the girl. She smiled back, her blue eyes lighting up.

"Of course, Canada. Anytime." Maya replied, and with a wave, she turned and walked away. TJ watched her leave, his eyes glued to her as she disappeared down the hall.

TJ was definitely intrigued.

~

After getting his schedule and getting shown where his locker was, TJ was finally on his way to class. He had to stop himself from groaning. It was too early, and he was not ready for the day. Maya had made his day a little better, and he was grateful for that, but that didn't make the day any less boring.

"Hey, Canada." A voice spoke, and TJ turned, his eyes landing on Maya. His mood instantly lifted. Maya was there, and that meant things would be okay.

"Ma chéri. Are you following me?" TJ asked, his lips curving into a smirk. Maya laughed, shaking her head.

"No, I'm just on my way to class, looks like we both have World History. Let's walk together." Maya suggested, and TJ agreed. It was better than walking alone. At least now, he had someone to talk to.

"Alright." TJ answered, and the two began walking, their steps in sync. It was silent between the two, and TJ thought it was a little awkward.

"So, Canada, what's your story?" Maya questioned, and TJ was confused. His story? What did she mean by that?

"What do you mean?" TJ questioned, not fully understanding.

"What's your backstory? Why you have to move here? I'm sure you didn't choose to move here, and there has to be a reason. I'm curious." Maya explained, and TJ was a bit surprised. He wasn't expecting her to ask him such a personal question.

"Well, uh, I didn't really have a choice. My dad is the CEO of a company, and he's really important. The company needed more workers, and his company wanted him to move. My mom and I didn't really have a choice. I've been homeschooled my whole life. I've never gone to an actual school. I was going to this private school in Canada, but we had to move. I had no say in the matter." TJ said, and he couldn't believe he was being so open with her. He didn't know this girl, and yet he was telling her everything.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize." Maya apologized, and TJ could hear the sincerity in her voice. She really did sound sorry.

"It's fine. You didn't know." TJ assured her, not wanting her to feel bad. It wasn't her fault, and he didn't want her blaming herself.

"So, I have to ask. Why do you speak French?" Maya asked, and TJ could tell she was just trying to change the subject. He was glad, and he appreciated the effort.

"Well, I've taken classes since I was little. It was always interesting to me. I enjoy speaking another language. I'm fluent in a few languages, not just French." TJ explained, shrugging. Maya's eyes widened, and she stared at him.

"What? That's amazing! How many languages do you speak?" Maya asked, curiosity evident on her face.

"I can speak three languages fluently. French, English, and Spanish. I also know a little Italian." TJ answered, his cheeks tinted pink. It was embarrassing admitting that he could speak multiple languages. People always think it's weird.

"I'm jealous. I can't speak French or Italian, but I know Spanish. I live in a Spanish talking community, so I kinda had to learn." Maya replied, and TJ felt a little bit better. He wasn't the only one.

"It's not as fun as it sounds." TJ muttered, and Maya laughed.

"Sure it is! It's pretty cool." Maya told him, and TJ couldn't stop the small smile that formed. Maya was just trying to cheer him up. It was nice.

"Maybe." TJ said, and with that, the two continued their walk in silence. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, which was a relief.

As they approached their class, TJ took a deep breath. He wasn't looking forward to this. "Hey, it'll be fine. Mr. Matthews isn't that bad. You'll do great." Maya assured him, and TJ was grateful. He needed to hear that.

"Thanks." TJ said, his voice barely a whisper. Maya gave him a small smile, and with that, they entered the classroom.

Maya took a seat up front next to a brunette-haired girl, who shared a smile with her. TJ found himself frozen at the door as he saw everyone staring at him. TJ was starting to regret his decision to come here. He was not ready for this.

"You must be our new student, TJ Jameson." A voice spoke, and TJ turned towards the source. A man with brown hair and kind eyes stood in front of him. TJ assumed he was Mr. Matthews.

"Yes." TJ replied, his voice barely audible.

"Don't be shy. We're not a scary bunch, are we, class? Well, besides Maya. She can be a bit intimidating at times." Mr. Matthews said, and Maya rolled her eyes, though TJ could see the small smile on her face.

"I wouldn't call myself intimidating. I'm just passionate." Maya shrugged and the girl next to her giggled.

"You're just passionate? You're crazy!" The girl commented and Maya just grinned.

"Yeah, yeah. I get it, Riley. Now shut up." Maya chuckled and Riley laughed, a wide grin on her face.

TJ watched their interaction, and he couldn't help but feel jealous. They were so close, and so comfortable around each other. They had such a good relationship, and it was obvious they were best friends. They teased each other and had fun. TJ envied that.

"You can take a seat next to Zay." Mr. Matthews said, gesturing towards a dark-skinned boy. TJ nodded, making his way to the empty desk next to the boy.

TJ could feel everyone's eyes on him, and it made him uneasy. He hated attention, and being the center of attention was the worst.

"Don't mind them. They're just curious about the new kid." Zay told him, a small smile on his face.

"Yeah, well, I'm not really interested in talking to them." TJ muttered, not meeting Zay's eyes.

"Well, that's unfortunate, because they're very interested in you." Zay remarked, and TJ rolled his eyes.

"Trust me, they won't be." TJ replied, and Zay just shrugged, not saying anything else.

The bell rang and Mr. Matthews started class. TJ did his best to focus on the lecture, but he couldn't stop himself from stealing glances at Maya. He was mesmerized by her. She was just so pretty, and it was hard to look away. He wasn't sure why she had this effect on him, but he was intrigued. He'd never felt this way about a girl before. He didn't even know her, but there was just something about her. Something that drew him in, and made him want to get to know her better.

****

A brunette girl sitting in front of TJ gestures to the board. "What is this?"

TJ tilts his head to the side while looking at the board, just then realizing that something was written on the board. "'We were kings. Now we're patriots.'" Cory read off the board.

The brunette-haired girl in front of TJ furrows her eyebrows. "Why does it say that? It's cryptic. You can't teach us cryptic. What are you trying to get away with, huh?"

Cory stares at her with a blank expression, obviously not knowing what to answer. He then looks at Riley with confusion. "What's her name?"

Riley looks over to her right at the brunette-haired girl with a small smile and repeats the question. "What's your name?"

"Marly." Marly responded.

Riley looks back at Cory and tells him that. "Marly."

"Marly sees right through me." He complained.

"Just keep teaching us about our lives, and she'll come around." Riley reassured him.

Cory nods, facing the class with a smile. "Abigail Adams was the wife of John Adams and the mama of Johnny Q." He chuckles. "They were quite the historical triangle."

"Ha." Riley sarcastically said.

TJ looks over at the group of students beside him. Maya stares forward with an uncomfortable expression on her face. "Triangle."

"Ha." A boy in the back spoke in the same tone Maya did. For some reason, he reminded TJ of a cowboy. He just gave off that vibe. He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as he looked at the three students. His eyes widened in realization as he connected the dots, figuring out they must be in a love triangle. TJ felt his heart drop. Of course the girl he was interested in was in a love triangle. He really couldn't catch a break.

"And I'll tell you that the one thing they understood about this brand-new nation was to stick together because every direction they turned was brand new, undiscovered country." Cory explained.

"I am an Abigail Adams Patriot." Riley announced with a proud smile.

"How? We don't even get to walk in the hallways." Said the boy who reminded TJ of a cowboy.

Riley turns to him with a slightly annoyed expression. "Lucas, these seniors are older and have more experience than us. I think they're trying to help."

TJ was glad he could finally put a name to a face instead of having to call him cowboy. "Riley, they're making fun of us, and we're letting it happen." Lucas told her and a look of realization formed on Riley's face.

"That's the problem there." TJ speaks up. "If you keep letting them walk all over you, then they'll never stop."

"He does have a point." The boy sitting beside Riley spoke.

TJ looks at him with a small smile. "Thank you..." His voice trailed off since he didn't know the boy's name.

"Farkle." The boy informed him, returning the small smile.

TJ looks at him with confusion. "What?" He never heard that name before. It was unusual.

"My name. It's Farkle." Farkle responded.

TJ raises his eyebrows, shaking his head. "Farkle's your name?" He sympathetically smiles at him. "Dude, I'm sorry."

"Don't feel too bad." Farkle shrugs. "You're the one with two letters for a name."

TJ was about to correct him, that it was just a nickname he preferred to be called, but he decided not to. He chuckles. "Yeah, okay."

"But most of all, these patriots knew to remain loyal to each other because their survival depended on it in a dangerous, new land." Cory continued.

"Riley, we don't even know our ways around the school yet." Lucas reminds the brunette-haired girl. "Why would we just park ourselves in a hole?"

"Okay," Riley furrows her eyebrows. "So you just want to throw us into whatever goes on in this place and see what happens?"

"Yes," Lucas replies. "Because you know what I call that? Normal."

"He's right." TJ agrees. "I mean, isn't high school all about figuring out who you are and what you want to do with the future?"

Cory points at him with a slight smile on his face. "I like you." TJ smiled slightly, happy to know that the teacher liked him.

"Let me see if I get how you teach." Marly looks at Cory with an amused expression on her face. "My boyfriend and I get into a fight-"

"Aww." Riley frowned.

Marly looks at her with annoyance. "I was talking about you."

Riley looks at her with surprise. "Uh, me? Why?" She looks at Lucas with concern. "Are we fighting?"

"Oh, I don't know. Let's go to the weird, undefined area between the two floors and talk about it." Lucas sarcastically answered. TJ didn't know them, but he could already tell that their relationship was complicated. It was a love triangle after all. He couldn't help but envy Lucas. He somehow got Maya to like him, and now he was stuck in a love triangle. TJ would be lying if he said he wasn't jealous. Maya was beautiful, and anyone would be lucky to have her.

"We are fighting." Riley realizes. She looks at Maya with determination, hitting Maya's desk with both hands. "You have to fight with him as much!"

Maya furrows her eyebrows, clearly confused why Riley wanted her to fight with Lucas. "But I don't know what he-"

"Do it!" Riley exclaimed.

"Okay." Maya got up and stood in front of Lucas. She pointed at him and then repeated huh-hurr over in an angry tone before she sat back down. TJ couldn't help the smile that tugged on his lips. Maya was adorable. But he couldn't help but worry about this love triangle.

"What did I bring myself into?" TJ muttered under his breath. He was not expecting this when he first arrived here. But he knew one thing for sure, he was already falling hard for the blonde beauty, and he hoped he wouldn't end up with a broken heart.

"Who misses middle school?" Cory asked the class with an upset expression on his face as he raised his hand. Everyone, including TJ, raised their hands.

****Soon school was over, and after he put away his books in his locker, he noticed Maya, Riley, and their group of friends in the hole Lucas was talking about. Closing his locker, he walks over to the railing. He leans his arms on top of the railing, looking down at the group of friends. He slowly nods, pressing his lips together. "When you meant hole, you really weren't lying." He said to Lucas.

"Yeah..." Lucas looks at him with furrowed eyebrows, tilting his head to the side. "Seriously, who are you?"

"I'm TJ Jameson. I just moved here a week ago from Canada." TJ shrugged his shoulders.

"And he knows French." Maya grins. "And Spanish and a little bit of Italian." TJ was taken back by the fact that she remembered that. He didn't think she'd remember something like that. But a soft smile made its way on his face as he realized Maya paid attention to him, and took note of the things he said.

"Ooh, interesting languages to learn. I don't think I met you yet, I'm Smackle." A dark-haired girl with glasses introduced herself, smiling at TJ.

"Smackle is Farkle's girlfriend." Riley clarified.

"Is her name Smackle, or is that just a nickname?" TJ wondered. He thought her name was unusual like Farkle's.

"My real name is Isadora, but I usually go by my last name Smackle." Smackle explained.

"Ah, I see." TJ nods. "Well, it's nice to meet you."

"You too." Smackle replied with a smile on her face.

"How have the seniors not told you to get down here yet?" Farkle questioned, looking at him with confusion.

"Probably 'cause I haven't run into any seniors yet." TJ replies with a shrug. "Well, besides that one guy who bumped into me when I first got here. That was an unpleasant experience."

"What if there's a good reason the seniors wanted us here?" Riley asks Lucas, who sat on the steps. "What if it's to teach us something?"

"The good reason is most likely because they don't want you here. Seniors usually never like freshmen. Have you guys not watched any coming of age movie or tv show?" TJ looked at the friend group in disbelief. He didn't expect them to be so naive.

"We have." Riley nods. She sighs. "Just never realized it would be like this."

"What if you just have too much faith in people?" Farkle suddenly asked Riley, causing her to be taken aback and TJ could see the hurt that flashed in her eyes.

"What if I have exactly the right amount of faith in people?" Riley fired back at him.

"Bird." Maya points in a random direction, causing Riley to gasp quietly and look in that direction with an excited expression. Maya sighs and looks at everyone else, pointing at Riley. "How am I in a triangle with that?"

TJ looks in the direction Riley was looking at, seeing that she was just looking at the wall of lockers. He shakes his head while he looks back at Riley. "Riley, you're just looking at lockers." He chuckled.

Riley frowns upon realizing that. "Oh."

"Okay, you know what? That's it. I'm gonna go look around. Come on, Zay." Lucas got up and walked up the steps, and Zay followed him. TJ watched the two of them leave, a small frown forming on his face.

Riley frowns, watching them leave. "They left?"

"Maybe they had the right idea." Smackle responded.

Farkle nods. "Yeah, I don't know what we're supposed to be learning down here."

They left, and then it was just Maya and Riley. Riley picks up her backpack she had set down and puts it on. She stomps her foot, turning to face Maya, and exclaims, "Okay, everybody, follow me!"

Maya cringes at how loud she is, and then Riley goes up the steps. "She seems like a hand full." TJ commented, turning to face Maya while she walked up the steps.

"Yeah, she is, but I love her.. She's my best friend." Maya smiled, stopping when she was right in front of him.

"I can tell." TJ smiled back at her. He couldn't help the butterflies in his stomach. She was so close. She smelled nice. Like vanilla and sugar. And her eyes were just as blue as the ocean. It was like he could drown in her eyes, and he'd die happily. He didn't even know her, but she captivated him. There was just something about her. Something that made her so intriguing.

"Undiscovered country in every direction." Zay spoke dramatically as he and Lucas leaned against the railing, looking around the hallway.

Maya tore her gaze away from TJ reluctantly after she realized they were staring at each other too long. Then her eyes lit up when something caught her attention. "Riles!"

TJ watches as the girls walk over to a seat near the window, and he notices it is similar to a bay window. Riley smiles while they sit down. "I think this may just turn out fine."

TJ raised an eyebrow when two cheerleaders walked over. "You're in our spot." The brunette-haired senior told them.

The blonde-haired senior beside her points at the seat. "This is where we sit."

Riley and Maya get up and stand near Lucas and Zay. The two cheerleaders then sit in the seat by the window. "In the window? And you guys talk about life?" Riley inquired, looking at the cheerleaders with a smile.

"I don't think that's what they do." TJ responded, now standing beside Zay and Lucas. He didn't know these cheerleaders, but he had a feeling they weren't good news.

The brunette senior shakes her head. "No. We sit in the window..."

"And go like this." The blonde senior finished the sentence. They both flipped their hair over their shoulders while crossing their legs. Riley and Maya stared at them with wide eyes, and their mouths were open in an 'o' shape.

"Hi." The blonde senior smiles at the boys behind Riley and Maya. Zay smiles back at her, and TJ rolls his eyes at him. "What's your name?" The brunette senior asked them.

Lucas steps behind Riley and Maya, wrapping his arms around them. "Lucas. And these are my..." His voice trails off, not really knowing what to say next. He looks at Riley. "How would you like to be called?"

"Uh, girlfriend." Riley replied with a nervous smile.

Lucas looks over at Maya, asking her the same question. Maya glances at TJ, feeling butterflies in her stomach when he smiles at her. She sends him a small smile before she looks back at the cheerleaders, hesitating to answer. "Uh...Girlfriend equally as much." She responded, unsure of what she just said. But the cheerleaders didn't notice and were now focused on TJ, which caused his cheeks to heat up.

"What's your name, pretty boy?" The blonde-haired senior smirked at him. TJ could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks. He wasn't used to people complimenting him like this, especially a beautiful girl like the cheerleader.

"This is my buddy, TJ." Zay speaks up, introducing TJ and wrapping his arm around his shoulders. He smiles at the two cheerleaders. "And I'm Zay. I'm completely available, so is TJ, by the way."

TJ raises an eyebrow, looking at Zay. He was not expecting him to say that, and he also didn't like how he was practically setting him up with the cheerleader. He didn't know them. They weren't his type either. Not like Maya. She was perfect in every way.

"TJ, huh?" The blonde-haired cheerleader smirks. "Interesting name."

"Thanks..." TJ said hesitantly. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. "I'm pretty new here. Just moved a week ago from Canada."

"Well, if you need someone to show you around, let me know." The cheerleader smiled.

"Yeah, no, that won't be necessary." Maya quickly spoke up. She didn't like the way the cheerleader was talking to TJ and the way they were looking at him. She felt jealous but she shouldn't be. He wasn't hers, and he could talk to whoever he wanted. She shouldn't be feeling this way. But she was.

TJ could see the jealousy on her face and it made him have hope that maybe she likes him too. But he decided not to say anything. "Thanks, but I'm good." He smiled politely at the cheerleader.

The blonde-haired senior furrows her eyebrows in confusion, not expecting him to turn her down. Usually the guys are all over her and her friends. But she just shrugs. "Suit yourself." She then turns her attention to the trio with furrowed eyebrows, looking confused. "Girlfriend-eses?"

Maya nods. "It's complicated."

"You know what's not complicated? Me and TJ. We're available." Zay spoke with a grin.

"Stop dragging me into this." TJ shook his head, feeling uncomfortable about someone who's basically a stranger to him trying to set him up with another stranger.

The brunette senior looks at the girls and Lucas. "Well, I'm sure you all are adorable together."

"And thanks for being a distraction until the football team finished practice." The blonde senior smiled.

Zay raises his hand. "I'm trying out for football."

TJ looks over to the left when he hears multiple footsteps, and his eyes grow wide when he sees the football team, who all look like they could crush him. "Well, it was nice knowing you." He spoke, patting Zay's shoulder.

The love triangle steps to the side when the football team walks over to them, realizing the football boys are half their size. Riley peeked out from behind one of the football boys, who stood before her and moved to stand beside him.

Lucas looks at the boys with wide eyes. "You're the football players in high school?"

Each of them nods their head in response. Lucas' voice wavers as he looks at his friends with nervous eyes. "Hey, that's great."

Riley sheepishly smiles, turning to look at the cheerleaders who sat by the window, and TJ then realizes some more cheerleaders came down the hallway with the football players. "You're the cheerleaders in high school?"

"Hey, that's great." Riley nervously smiled.

Then Farkle and Smackle push their way through the football players looking upset. "The scientists here are gigantic." Farkle whined and Smackle raised her arms up to show everyone how tall they were with an upset expression on her face.

TJ sent the couple a sympathetic smile. After Farkle and Smackle walk off, he turns back to the football player behind Lucas when he speaks. "So, you guys decided to come up stairs, huh?"

"I've been up here the whole time." TJ shrugged his shoulders.

The football player looks at him with confusion. "Who are you? I don't remember seeing you here with them earlier."

"I'm TJ." TJ informs them, feeling like he wanted the floor to open and swallow him up because of the football player's stare. "Just moved here from Canada not long ago." He explained.

"Canada? Nice." The football player smiled. A relieved smile tugged on TJ's lips, and he hoped that he stayed on his good side. Then, he realized that this was one of the seniors the others were talking about. The football player seemed nice...To him anyway.

The football player behind Lucas looks at him. "You think you're ready for the big time?"

Lucas was quiet for a moment, he then glanced at his friends and formed his lips to a tight line. "Maybe not just yet." He replied, walking down the few steps to the main hallway.

****

After school, TJ had closed his locker and jumped, startled when he suddenly saw Maya in front of him. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Maya smiled.

"It's okay." TJ laughs nervously. "I was just surprised. Didn't hear you come up to me."

"My bad. I'll make sure to warn you next time." Maya grins, leaning against the locker. "Riley and I were wondering if you wanted to come hang out with us at this bakery called Topanga's. Her mom runs it and it's a great place. We usually do our homework there and hang out there a lot."

"I've heard about that place." TJ admits, smiling a little. "And I would love to hang out with you guys."

Maya beams at his response, causing him to smile more. He was glad he made her happy. "Awesome. We'll wait for you outside so we can walk there together. You know the way out, right?"

"Yeah, I do. Thanks." TJ nodded, watching her walk off. Once she was gone, he let out a breath. He was happy to know she liked him enough to invite him to hang out with them. He knew it was just as friends, but it was still nice. He'd get to know her more and he'd get to spend more time with her. He knew his parents didn't care, and he knew if he asked them if he could go while they were working they would be mad at him for bothering them so he didn't bother to say anything to them.

TJ met up with them outside and they walked to Topanga's together. As soon as they arrived, he looked around the bakery in awe. It was a cute and cozy place. The perfect place to do your homework. It had a warm atmosphere and the smell of baked goods filled his nose. "Wow, this is a nice place."

"Thank you." A woman's voice said from behind the counter. TJ looks over to see a brunette-haired woman who looks similar to Riley. "Hi, I'm Topanga. Riley's mother. Are you new here? I don't remember seeing you around before."

"Uh, yeah." TJ nods, approaching the counter. "My name's TJ. My family and I just moved here from Canada recently. I started attending Abigail Adams High School today."

Topanga smiles at him. "Welcome to New York, how are you liking it so far?"

"So far, I love it." TJ admitted with a smile. He couldn't believe this is where he lived now. He was going to miss Canada, but he loved the change. It was refreshing and exciting. He got to make new friends, explore the city, and try new things.

"Glad to hear it. Do you want anything?" Topanga questioned politely.

After TJ paid for his order, he went to sit by the girls near the door. Riley and Maya had already started working on their homework while he was busy talking to Topanga. TJ took out his math homework and started working on it while listening to Riley and Maya talk. He looked over at the girls, smiling softly when he saw the two girls were sitting close and laughing together. They seemed like best friends.

He felt a pang in his chest when he saw the way the two interacted with each other. It wasn't like he was jealous, it was more of him feeling alone in a new place. He missed having someone he was so close to like the two girls. While TJ was working on his math homework, Maya glanced at him, admiring him. She thought it was cute that he bit his lip when he concentrated. She then noticed how good looking he was, even more up close. Riley noticed how Maya was looking at TJ, and she smiled to herself. She didn't want to say anything in front of him so she didn't say anything. She would have to talk to Maya about it later.

A little while later, TJ was now working on writing a song. He had finished his math homework and wanted to try to finish this song he had been working on for awhile. He had the first few verses, but he was having trouble with the chorus. He had a notebook that was full of songs he had written in it, and he wrote in it daily. It was one of the only ways he could express himself without being judged.

Riley and Maya were busy chatting, and they were too focused on their conversation to notice TJ was now humming and writing on the piece of paper. "So, do you like him?" Riley asked Maya in a quiet voice.

Maya looked down, avoiding eye contact with Riley. "I mean, yeah, he's nice."

"You know that's not what I meant." Riley rolled her eyes. "Do you like him as more than a friend?"

"I-I don't know." Maya sighed, closing her math book. "He's sweet and a good guy, but I barely know him. How could I know if I like him or not?"

"Just go with what you feel, peaches." Riley responded with a soft smile.

Maya bit her lip and looked at TJ. His brows were furrowed as he stared down at the notebook. He was now writing and crossing something out. She felt bad that he was having a hard time. "I'll think about it." She mumbled, looking away. Riley could tell that she was feeling conflicted and she didn't want to press it any further.

"They're not gonna show up, are they?" Riley realized, setting her laptop down on the coffee table in front of them.

Maya shakes her head. "No."

"We do our homework here every night together." Riley sighed.

Maya nods. "Yeah."

TJ looks up from his journal and looks over at Riley with a sympathetic smile. "Things change in high school. People change in high school, Riley."

"That's another reason why I don't like change." Riley frowns. "I can't believe they're actually upset with me. The fight I had with Lucas was real." She looks at Maya as Maya looks back at her. "Is this happening? It's the first day of high school, and we thought we were ready."

Maya points at her. "I told you we shouldn't go."

"Friendships can come apart in high school. I guess I just thought that it could really happen to us." Riley admits. She looks at Maya and TJ. "How stupid was I for trusting people I don't even know?"

"Well, it seems like you trust me, and you don't know me at all." TJ shrugged.

"That's true." Riley nods. A small smile then appeared on her face. "Tell us about yourself, TJ."

TJ began to grow nervous. He wasn't for sure what to say or where to start. "Um, well you guys know I'm from Canada, and I know how to speak French. I can play acoustic and electric guitar. I write songs, and I'm an only child."

"And you have bad handwriting." Maya notices. She squints her eyes, leaning forward to get a closer look at what he wrote. All she could make out from her spot was the word 'bright' "What even is that?"

TJ quickly shuts his journal, his face tinted pink from embarrassment as he avoided eye contact. "It's, uh, just a song I've been working on."

Riley smiles widely, and excitement is clear to see in her eyes. "Ooh, can we hear it?"

"I-It's not exactly finished yet." TJ stuttered, not use to people giving this much attention to him. The most attention he gets is when he plays at talent shows or open mic nights. But other than that, no one really cares about his songs. "But maybe someday. When it's done."

"Can't wait." Maya grins. "We better be the first ones to hear it when it's finished." Maya pointed at him, reassuringly smiling at him, and somehow that smile seemed to calm him down.

His lips curve upward while he nods. "Yeah, for sure."

"You're not exactly stupid." A voice suddenly spoke up, referring to what Riley asked earlier.

"You." Maya growled and TJ looked at her with a bit of surprise. He made a mental note not to make her mad. He didn't want her to be angry at him, and he was also a little scared of her. She had a pretty intense look in her eyes.

He looks over at the three seniors who walk over to them.

The two senior girls stand beside Riley while the senior boy stands between Maya and TJ. "Why are you guys doing this?" Riley questions. "Our friends left, you know."

The blonde senior nods. "Yeah, that's what happens. People leave."

Maya sighs. "So, what? You're following us now?"

The boy senior chuckles. "No. You're following us."

"Yeah, we're in here all of the time." The blonde senior informed them.

The brunette senior nods. "This is our place."

"How come we never noticed you?" Maya asked them.

"Because you guys have been stuck in your own little world this whole time." The brunette senior tells them. She looks at TJ with a smile. "Well, not you. You're new." She looks him up and down. "You're a cute one."

TJ shifts in his seat, not liking the way the senior was looking at him. "Um, thank you?" He mumbled awkwardly.

"Now you guys wanna grow up and join ours? You guys have to stop and look around more." The brunette-haired senior asked, sitting by her friend.

"That's why we put you down there." The blonde senior explains. "Don't jump so fast. Look around."

"Are you guys good people or are you just messing with us?" Riley inquired.

"Well, we're definitely messing with you. But we like to believe we're good people." The boy senior answers. "You know, you guys just have to figure that out, okay?"

"Not okay." Maya replies. She looks at the two girl seniors. "I don't believe in you." She looks at Riley with a smile. "But I do believe in her. And him despite the fact I recently met him." She added, motioning her hand towards TJ, causing him to smile a little.

"Thanks for coming. Hope you find another project." Maya told the three seniors.

The seniors then leave, and TJ looks at the door when he hears footsteps walking in. "Hey." Farkle greeted, and the girls looked at him.

"Look, I spoke to everybody. I know we were supposed to be here. Everyone is just a little upset. You know, you kind of just ruined our first day of high school." Farkle said to Riley. "So we all just did our homework at home tonight."

"Farkle, I'm upset with you." Maya told him.

Farkle nods. "And I'm upset with you."

"This is how a real fight begins." Maya sighed.

Farkle shakes his head. "No, I actually think we're in one right now."

"Hey, we're not the one who made high school harder than we thought it needed to be." Maya defended herself and Riley.

"And we're not the ones who trusted in complete strangers." Farkle defended him and the others.

"I believe in people, Farkle, and you know that." Riley responded, looking upset.

Farkle forms his lips to a tight line. "Maybe this will teach you not to."

Riley stands up and walks over to stand in front of him. "You tell them that it doesn't matter if you think standing in a hole is stupid. What matters is us, Farkle. We don't leave."

"And I'm gonna go back in that stupid hole tomorrow, and I don't know what I'm going to learn. Because I believe that I'm gonna come out not knowing more than I do now. And I hope I'm making the right choice, Farkle." Riley said to him as her eyes started to get teary.

TJ also noticed Maya had tears in her eyes which made him frown. He didn't know much about these people, but what he got from today was that they have been friends for a long time and are always there for each other. He thinks that this group of friends is a great group to be friends with. They were the first people to act like they want to be friends with him, and he hopes that high school doesn't break them a part.

"I hope my friends will be there right with me."

A/N here's the first chapter!! wow it's really long, but it was fun to write! I'm already loving tj & maya tbh