The morning sun filtered through Crystal's window, but for once, she barely noticed it. Her thoughts drifted to Jason Thompson, the quiet, composed guy she'd met at Maya's party. She shook her head. Focus, Chris. You're not even at school yet. Ignore him.
She let out a long sigh, still tense from last night's argument with her mom. Jenna had been short with her all morning, and Chris wasn't sure she even wanted to try talking to her right now.
"Chris! Alex needs to get to school," Jenna called from the kitchen, breaking her thoughts.
Chris groaned and went downstairs. Her little brother was already waiting by the door, backpack slung over one shoulder and cereal-stained shirt.
"Ready, Alex?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful.
"Yep!" he chirped. "You're driving today, right?"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Yep. Buckle up." She grabbed her keys from the counter.
Jenna got into the car, muttering about being late. "I have to get to the firm first," she said. "Drop me off, then make sure Alex gets to school on time."
Chris grunted in acknowledgment. "Got it." She adjusted the seat, started the engine, and pulled out of the driveway.
The drive to Jenna's firm was quiet. Jenna fiddled with her phone, clearly busy, and Chris focused on the road. Once they arrived, Jenna gave her a quick nod.
"Thanks," she said. "Don't be late picking me up later."
Chris rolled her eyes subtly but stayed silent. After watching her mom walk into the building, she started the car again and turned toward Alex's school.
"Ready, little brother?" she asked cheerfully.
"Yep! Let's go!" Alex climbed in, backpack snug on his shoulders.
The drive to school was uneventful. Chris kept sneaking glances at Alex in the rearview mirror. He's excited for the first day here. At least one of us is handling this transition well, she thought.
After dropping Alex off with a quick wave at the school entrance, Chris took a deep breath and headed toward Sunnyside High School. She tried to calm her nerves, replaying what Maya had said about fitting in. New school. New people. You can do this.
As soon as she pulled into the parking lot, a familiar voice called out.
"Chris! Hey!"
She turned to see Maya waving, grinning ear to ear. Relief washed over her—seeing a familiar face in a sea of strangers was exactly what she needed.
"Maya! Hey!" Chris jogged over to meet her.
"Ready for your first day?" Maya asked. "Don't worry, I'll introduce you around. You'll fit in in no time."
Chris smiled, grateful. "Thanks. I hope so."
Together, they wandered toward Maya's friends, who were gathered near the lockers. Chris quickly met a few of them: Lila, the outgoing one who loved teasing people; Max, who was funny in a quiet way; and two other girls who immediately welcomed her like she'd been there forever.
They laughed as they walked, making Chris feel less like the new girl and more like she might actually belong.
When the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Maya led her to the chemistry classroom.
"Chris, you'll be sitting over there," Maya said quietly, pointing to a seat beside a dark-skinned boy with short-cropped hair and warm brown eyes.
Chris slid into the seat, feeling a mix of nerves and relief.
"Hi, I'm Chris," she said softly.
The boy looked up from his notebook and offered a calm, easygoing smile. "I'm Andre," he said in a smooth, friendly voice. "Don't worry. First days can be rough, but you'll be fine."
Chris noticed the quiet confidence in his posture—he wasn't showing off, but there was a natural calm about him, the kind of person who could quietly make everyone feel at ease. He had a lean, athletic build, like he played sports, and a relaxed style—simple t-shirt and jeans—but he carried himself like he knew who he was.
"Thanks," Chris said, relieved. She felt a little more at ease just sitting there. Andre's presence was comforting, like a steady anchor in the whirlwind of her first day.
The teacher, Mr. Owen, glanced at the student list and then at Chris. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. This is Crystal Jones—Chris, if you prefer. Let's give her a warm welcome."
Chris felt herself blush and nodded. "Chris is fine," she said softly.
A few heads turned, some whispered greetings followed, and Chris tried to focus on the lesson. Mr. Owen began writing chemical formulas on the board, explaining the basics of chemical reactions, but her mind was only half on the lesson.
As she tried to concentrate, a figure across the room caught her attention.
Laura. She was impossibly pretty—always perfectly put together, with an amazing figure that seemed to turn heads wherever she went. Her cream-colored hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, catching the sunlight streaming through the windows. Laura's presence had a natural aura of confidence and pride, and Chris immediately understood why she was one of the most popular students at Sunnyside High.
Chris's stomach tightened as she realized Laura wasn't just any student—she was Jason's girlfriend, according to what Maya had said. Laura's eyes flicked toward Chris briefly, lips curving into a subtle, knowing smirk. Even without a word, it was clear she was already judging the new girl.
Chris straightened in her seat, determination hardening in her chest. Don't let her intimidate you. Just focus on class.
Andre, sitting beside her, gave her a small sideways glance, his calm expression silently reassuring her: Ignore her. You've got this. Chris smiled faintly in return, feeling reassured, and turned her attention back to Mr. Owen.
By the end of the class, Chris had survived introductions, ignored Laura's subtle jabs, and even started taking notes with Andre's quiet support beside her. Sitting next to him made her feel more confident, and having Maya's friends as a social anchor helped too.
As she walked out of chemistry class with Maya, Chris thought to herself, Maybe this town isn't so bad after all… but Laura and knowing Jason exists just made this way more complicated.