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part.

“Are ya new?” He asks, his grin fading into a soft,

friendly smile.

“Sort of. I lived here in Georgia until I moved to

California when I was seven. I’ve recently moved back.”

“Ah! So you’re familiar with the area?”

“Somewhat.”

“Well, I moved here from Ireland a few years back.” “Ireland! That’s cool.”

“Indeed. I miss it all the time. Do ya miss California?” “I’m not sure yet. I guess time will tell.”

There’s a slight pause before he continues.

“So, what’s a pretty girl like you doing sitting next to

me, of all people, in this class?”

Usually, I get queasy when guys make comments

about my appearance, but the way he says it feels oddly

comfortable. Like he means it in a respectful way rather

than lustful, which is what I’m used to from teenage boys,

and unfortunately, even some adults.

“What?” I’m taken aback, unsure of the angle of his

question, if there is one at all.

“Well, I just mean, look around. I saw you talkin’ to

Drew Sterling. You seemed to know her. Better than ya did

me, considering we’ve only just met. Nobody ever

acknowledges me.”

“Well, I did, so screw them!” I respond, suddenly

feeling even worse for making assumptions about him. Thom’s face widens, and his eyes lighten, relaxing into

a smile. The class quiets down as the teacher announces

the lesson for today. I sit back in my chair, suddenly feeling

slightly less anxious about coming back to school here.

Maybe Thom could be my first friend here, besides Drew,

if I could even call her that.