Aria Winters stood anxiously in front of the large, black gates of Whispering Pines High School. The gates shaded the immaculately trimmed grass. Aria gripped her backpack tightly, her clammy hands adhering to the fabric. She breathed in deeply and told herself that this was a fresh beginning.
New town, new school, new life. That's what she kept repeating to herself. She had relocated from Seattle to Whispering Pines with her family, expecting to put the past behind her.
Whispering Pines was light-years away from her previous school in the city. The structures were newer, the campus was spotless, and the kids appeared to hail from another universe. Aria felt like a stranger, and the sensation grew stronger as she navigated down the corridor.
"Hey, lost?" Aria turned around to find a smiling girl with auburn locks and brown eyes shining like warm chocolate regarding her.
"Um, yeah?" Aria's cheeks flushed as she blushed. "I'm new. Aria Winters."
The girl's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh, you're the new student! I'm Emma. Welcome to Whispering Pines." Emma slung her arm through Aria's, and Aria relaxed.
As they strolled down the corridor, Emma pointed out a number of landmarks along the way, such as the cafeteria, library, and gym. Aria listened attentively, attempting to absorb everything.
"So where are you from?" Emma asked as they came to a halt outside Aria's locker.
"Seattle," Aria answered, having difficulty with her combination lock. "I needed to make a change."
Emma gazed interested, but didn't ask questions. "Well, you've definitely arrived at a unique location. Whispering Pines has its idiosyncrasies."
Before Emma could describe, the hall grew quiet. Aria turned as a cluster of students floated down the hall, seeming confident and self-assured. One boy in particular stood out.
"Who's he?" Aria asked Emma in an attempt to be nonchalant.
Emma inched forward, speaking softly. "That's Lucas Reid. His family founded this school. He's brilliant, a good athlete, and sort of off-limits."
Aria's heart fluttered as Lucas glanced at her, his green eyes cutting through her. She felt a shiver course down her spine.
During lunch, Aria ate with Emma and her friends, Maya and Lily. Maya was a model type, with her dark hair and dramatic makeup. Lily was sweet and friendly-looking, with her glasses and ponytail.
While they were eating, Aria felt as though she was being stared at. She tried to brush it off, but it was difficult to get rid of the sensation.
Then the cafeteria went quiet once more. Aria turned to watch Vanessa Sinclair, the school's most popular girl, approach her. Vanessa was blonde, tall, and flawless.
Vanessa smiled, but it wasn't genuine. "Well, well. New girl's getting along just great."
Aria attempted to remain calm. "Thanks. I'm Aria Winters."
Vanessa gazed at Emma and her friends, then turned back to Aria. "Making friends already? That's nice. But remember, some things are not for you."
Vanessa gazed at Lucas, who was sitting with his group of friends. Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"I don't know what you mean," Aria said, attempting to sound confident.
Vanessa smiled once more, but it still didn't appear real. "Oh, I think you do."
Vanessa strolled off, her entourage behind her. Aria felt relief spill over her.
When the cafeteria filled with sound once more, Aria sat down beside Emma. "What is it?" she whispered.
Emma hunched over, keeping her voice hushed. "Vanessa is just trying to scare you off. She sees you as a threat."
Aria furrowed her eyebrow. "A threat? Why? What did I do?"
Aria nodded, a feeling of discomfort. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into.
As the bell sounded, announcing the end of lunch, Aria got up, relieved. She was ready to leave.
But as she left the cafeteria, she saw Lucas's eyes again. He smiled at her, and Aria's heart skipped a beat.
She had no idea what to make of Lucas, or Vanessa, or any of it. But she knew one thing: she was in for a wild ride.