4

"When you fall, everyone stands."

Sawyer

The hallways were vibrant and full of light, despite the stormy day. The narrow halls filled with people reminded me of the hustle and bustle of the city. I had to slide off my cardigan because of the increase in temperature. Bodies were abundant.

It wasn't difficult to find the office; it was one turn to the right. I walked inside and closed the door behind me, shutting out the ruckus in the hallways. I closed my eyes and welcomed the silence.

"Hi."

Although the gentle voice didn't disrupt my calm, I opened my eyes to see a timid girl standing behind the office counter. She had to be a junior, just like me. Her wide, round face was strained by her wide smile.

"Hi."

I approached the desk and placed my hand, palm down, on the counter.

"I'm -"

"Sawyer Whitlock." I raised my brow in suspicion. Her almond-shaped eyes widened, showing me more of the chestnut color. "We don't get any new kids, so you and your brother are already the hot new gossip."

I dropped my head in my arms. So much for being inconspicuous. She slid my schedule to me. My saving grace was English first period and Art last.

"I'm in Ms. Beech's class too." She said, referring to the English teacher. "I can show you the way."

I glanced over my shoulder into the bustling hallway. There was no way I could face the lion's den on my own. I expressed my gratitude, saying it would be wonderful.

"I never got your name."

"I'm Stella."

She seemed sweet, showing me everything I needed to know as we walked down the hallways, but wow, she was a talker. She pointed out every classroom, giving me a critique of each teacher. The conversation shifted from the faculty to the student body.

"That's Ava Lambert."

She motioned to a girl that would have any modeling agency in the city fighting for her to be their next It Girl. She said something to the group of girls fawning around her, causing them all to laugh.

So, she was funny too.

"Stay off her radar," Stella said. "Annoy her, and your reputation is over."

I rolled my eyes and hoisted my bag higher on my shoulder.

"I don't plan on it." I said. "I'm an expert at being unnoticed."

A familiar figure approached her, tossing his arm over her shoulder. She gazed at him with admiration, as if he held the power of the stars.

"And that's-"

"Asher Hart," I said before she could finish. "I'm familiar with him."

She looked at me with disbelief, as if I had just confessed to being an alien visitor.

"How do you know him?"

"Our moms are best friends."

She placed her hands over her mouth as if she'd just reached the plot twist of a mystery novel.

"You have no idea how lucky you are." She said. "You know the Hart brothers."

I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know them." I said. "It's not like we're friends."

How long are these hallways?

I turned the corner, only to collide straight into Noah.

"Sorry, sis." He said without a trace of sincerity.

"Learn to walk, Noah."

"Someone's grumpy already." He nudged Joshua.

"Are you finding your way around?" Joshua asked.

I nudged my thumb in Stella's direction.

"I have my very own tour guide."

Josh waved, unaware of her identity.

"I'm Stella."

He nodded and smiled.

"Pleasure meeting you, Stella."

The ding of the bell disrupted our unpleasant interaction.

"See you at home." I said to Noah before grabbing Stella's wrist. "Let's get going."

I followed her to class 23B. There were fewer people than I had expected. Everyone appeared unhurried to arrive on time for class. I took a seat beside Stella in the middle row.

Laughter captured my attention as the pretty committee walked in. They reminded me of the Pink Ladies from Grease. I slouched in my seat to hide myself from their gaze, but it didn't work. Ava's eyes landed on me, and her nose scrunched as if she hated what she saw.

It's like I never left home.

The middle-aged woman, whom I assumed to be Ms. Beech, strutted into the classroom. I'm not sure if her scowl was natural or if it's because her face was pulled back from her tight hair bun. She seemed uninterested in anything other than the curriculum.

I appreciated the fact that she pretended I didn't exist. There's nothing worse than the awkward introduction, exposing me as the outlier. It would ruin my plans of surviving in this new town until I graduate. One drawback of living in a small town was the limited hiding places.

As soon as the bell rang, Stella and I were both eager to leave. In my rush to leave the classroom before everyone else, I accidentally collided with someone.

This is not a good first day.

"My apologies, Ms. Bennet."

I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry." I tried to move past him, but he blocked me. "Please move, Asher."

He raised his hands in surrender.

"I just want to make sure you're being cared for and not wandering."

I nodded my head to the left, towards Stella.

"I'm good."

His corner lip twitched.

"Very well, then." He said. "Lovely to see you, Stella."

Stella's eyes widened as he brushed past. She followed his movement until he rounded the corner.

"He knows my name."

I snorted and rolled my eyes before placing my hand on her shoulder.

"Let's go," I said. "I need help finding room 45E."

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