Chapter One:

I groaned as I looked at the mirror mounted on my room wall. I have ten minutes before I have to head to school. For fucking really? The mother unit had to choose this year to yank me out of my life in New York and stick me in California. The view is nice – yeah. My friends aren’t here. That’s what gets me.

My mom isn’t a parent. There is no maternal bone in that woman’s body. She thinks about herself and no one else. Did she care that I’m a border-line klepto? No. Of course not. Does she bother me when I don’t come home at night? No. That would require effort.

Apparently, she has a new, swanky sugar daddy that lives around here. For some reason, she decided it was mandatory that I come with her. The way I see it: if it sucks here, I’ll high-tail it straight back to the city. She may be blood, but she’s not family.

Sure, I’m not abused like a lot of kids my age, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not neglected. I have a few gypsy family members that seem to float into my life whenever I’m in a bind, but that’s it.

By the looks of the cookie-cutter neighborhood we moved into, I can already tell that I’m not going to fit in. Between my dark tresses, my tattoos and my killer style, that most stick their noses up to, I’m sure to stick out. In high school, that means I’ll be the newest target. Oh, joy.

I pulled on my charcoal boots and took a last look at my first day get-up. My hair’s in place. My dark hair only made me look that much paler. Not much I can do about that. I smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles in my tight-fitting, pale gray jeans. I paired them with a black, lace embroidered bralette and a teal oversized tank. I completed my look with my leather jacket.

I grabbed my things and bolted downstairs. If I’m lucky, I’ll completely miss my mother. She got home God-knows-when, last night. I’m not really in the mood for the ‘you need to make this work for me Lydia’ speech. Because I’m the problem – cue eye roll.

So far, so good. I head to the door and escape with no detainments. Her car isn’t even here. Go figure. I climb into my monstrosity. It’s old – yes. It gets me where I need to go and it hasn’t failed me yet. I have a little Cavalier that’s almost as old as I am, but I love her.

---

Apart from the change of scenery, school is basically the same. The same chatter fills the crowded hallway. The same curious looks fly my way. Every single fucking person looks like a robot. I get it; everyone wants to be part of the ‘in-crowd’, but seriously? Anybody ever discover individuality? I guess not.

I wrestled with my locker for a minute before it finally gave way. I grabbed the book I needed for class before shutting it. I thought about ditching, but where would I go? What would I do? I don’t know anyone here.

I walked face-first into someone. I cursed under my breath as I started picking up my things. I looked up and saw the finest honey that I’ve laid eyes on in this school. He looked at me and smiled. He handed me by history book.

“Sorry. I try not to plow into the fresh meat.” He apologized. I took mental note of his dark hair, nose ring, and killer eyes.

“I’m sure that’s what you want all the girls to think.” I countered, taking my things back from his grip. His smile broadened when he caught my joke.

“I’m Brian.” He introduced himself.

“Lydia, the new girl,” I told him. He took the opportunity to check me out. I did the same. Damn.

“Where did you move from?” He asked me, leaning against the lockers.

“New York… What’s the deal here? What do you do for fun?” I asked him. He laughed.

“I understand the lack of appeal. I’m in a band, but my friends make it better.” He revealed. I nodded.

“That’s something I’m definitely lacking in.”

“Friends?”

“Yes. I’ve never been so bored in my life.”

“Let’s change that.” He suggested. He offered me his arm.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m walking you to class.”

---

“What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?” I asked Brian as I lounged in the cafeteria with him. He smirked and thought it over.

“I got shit-faced with my friends last year and they dared me streak across school on the last day. Luckily, the principal retired early, and none of the teachers recognized me because I had a mask on.” He grinned.

“Dude, no fucking way! That’s awesome.” I exclaimed, giggling.

“Don’t believe anything he tells you. I’m sure he’s just trying to make himself look good. He does it with all the hot girls.” Some blue-eyed, lip-pierced hottie took a seat next to my new friend.

“Is that so? Either way, it’s working. And you are?” I asked him.

“Zacky Baker,” he introduced. I nodded.

“‘Baker’, how do I know that name?” I asked myself, quietly. I racked my brain as the rest of the table filled up. Zacky just shrugged. “Wait, you dad isn’t Doug Baker – is he?” I asked. He nodded, looking surprised.

“You know him?” He asked. My eyes went wide.

“Personally? No. My mother on the other hand… I’m pretty sure she’s been shacking up with him and he’s the reason we moved out here.” I told him, grimacing. He looked amused.

“Lynn is your mother?” He asked me. I just nodded.

“That bitch that your dad is seeing is her mom?” Some guy echoed. Brian hit him in the chest.

“Sorry.” He apologized.

“Don’t be. I was birthed by her. If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me.” I told him.

“You’re so much different that she is.” Zacky mused as he ate his lunch.

“I get that a lot.” I agreed. Once the initial shock wore off, Brian introduced me to the guys. Matt was the guy who thought my mother was a bitch. That hot piece of man meat didn’t know how right he was. Matt… he definitely caught my interest. They’re all pretty attractive, but Matt… he’s something else. Jimmy and Johnny were both pretty cool. Brian has good taste in friends.

---

“So, what are you doing after school?” Brian asked me, walking me to my car.

“Is that your way of asking me if I want to hang out?” I asked him. He smirked and nodded. “Did you drive to school?” I asked him. He nodded, again. “Grab your car and follow me back to my place. I still have to unpack. You can help.” I winked. He laughed.

“I pretty much walked into that.” He groaned.

“We’ll see how handy you are with a box cutter.” I teased.

“You’re lucky it’s Friday and I don’t have any other plans.”

“Oh, please, how else are you supposed to get to know me?” I asked him. He didn’t say anything. “That’s what I thought. Quit whining and get your car.”

“Alright. Keep your panties on.” He made a face. I chuckled. “Be back, Lyds.”

All in all, the first day, has been a success. Made friends? Check. Survived? Check. Avoid bitches? Double check. But, hey, there’s always Monday.

Notes

Alright all, here's my new story! Hopefully, y'all enjoy it. Comments would be most appreciated. :)
-Katie