NINA

"Ughhh..." I groaned, slapping my alarm off. I hate mornings. But I had to get up if I wanted to make it to school on time, and I definitely didn't want to be late on my first day.

I rolled out of bed grumpily, the sheets tangling around me as I struggled to get my eyes open. "Why do we have to go to school? Can someone please remind me?" (please do not answer that).

I quickly got up, not in the mood to hear my dad lecture me about always being behind schedule.

I went straight to the bathroom, I did my business in thirty minutes—fresh and ready for my senior year. And let's not forget, I was starting at a new school today. "And I literally hate it." I muttered under my breath.

Do you know what it feels like to be the new girl at a school?" Let me tell you, it's very depressing. Not only will everyone stare at you. But you'll also be the talk of the whole school —whispers, stares, and yes, lets not forget the bullying. I shivered, thinking about my last experience with bullies. But I had no choice. I had to look at the bright side.

"I'll be done in a year, and I'll be out of this house and town. Can't wait, I smiled to myself."

I stood in front of the mirror after dressing. and looked at my depressing self. It's not that I wasn't beautiful—I've had people call me beautiful, and my dad never missed a chance to remind me of that. But I just couldn't see it. I hated the way I looked most times, I was incredibly insecure about my body and how I appeared to others.

I had big, dull brown eyes, which could sometimes be mistaken for black, a small round nose and full lips. My dark brown wavy hair reached past my waist. I was skinny and pale- looking. There was nothing special about me.

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I left my room and went downstairs to find my older sister, Lisa, in the kitchen, making breakfast.

"Good morninnggg!!!" She sang, her voice high and cheerful. I laughed and greeted her back. I had three siblings, I was the youngest . Lisa, being the eldest, was home on holiday from her studies in California; where she's training to become on a lawyer,

"Elsa," the second, had always been most intelligent. She was studying at Princeton, planning to become a surgeon.

Then there was Reid, with just a year older than I am. He was my best friend. He'd always had my back, keeping me out of trouble. He was a little over bearing with the "big brother" act, though. He'd always been protective of me, never letting any boys talk or get close to me during pre-school and junior year. 

He's just been drafted as an MBA player at NYU. He was amazing at basketball, but he would be leaving next month, although he'd still get to visit some weekends since we were now living in New York. We'd moved moved from Arizona because Dad's job required it. He's an accountant , while mom owns a clothing brand.

"Mom and I don't get along," I thought, remembering all the complaints she had about me. She always said I was too stubborn, that I never listened to her. She'd constantly criticize the way I dressed. " you need to be more lady-like," she'd say, and less than a depressing teenager. Her words used to hurt, but now I was used to them. I loved my hoodies and baggy clothes. They made me feel comfortable, and they were my style .

"Where's everyone?" I asked Lisa.

Reid had just left, saying something about helping Sam with an important matter. Dad was still sleeping. Lisa mentioned, going back to what she was doing.

I laughed, amazed that my dad was still asleep by this time. It was almost 7am, and he was usually up before 6.

"Yeah, well he could be tired from yesterday's work load," and you know since mom travelled, dad has been restless. She said winking at the last part, I laughed understanding what she meant.

Lisa was wearing a black fitted pair of shorts, paired with a white tank top— flawless, as always. She has always been beautiful. She was tall, with long, straight black hair, and had the most beautiful bright blue eyes, like the ocean on a summer day. I admired her confidence. She was everything I wasn't.

She placed a plate of toast and eggs in front of me. I smiled in appreciation and began eating.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\After breakfast, I waved goodbye to Lisa and grabbed my backpack, slinging it sideways over my shoulder as I headed towards Lisa's car. I hadn't gotten a car yet, so I'd be taking Lisa's 2020 Land Cruiser today. I got my license before we moved, but I hadn't needed a car until now.

I set my phone's map to Winters High, hoping I'd make it there on time to get my schedule and find my first class.

I arrived at Winters High in less than fifteen minutes, parking under a large oak tree. I said a short prayer before stepping out of the car. The school was freaking huge, with a unique blend of old and new architecture. It looked both intimidating and interesting.

There were a lot of people around the parking lot, some coming in, some with their friends and others heading into the school building. The whole place felt so… bustling. The first day of school was the most chaotic.