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4

“When you fall, everyone stands.”

The All-American Rejects, Move Along

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?”