First Day

"Growing up isn't easy. Maturity isn't either. But, Eve, sweetie, you need to, one day. I know your upset, but you can't keep crying forever. Just know, I love you for whom you are and become. Stay true. Stay kind."

Those were the last words my mother spoke to me, before she went to rehab. I was 10 around then, so I didn't know what she meant. But now, I do.

High school, junior year, first day. I got changed and waited for Ray to get here. My dad was gone for work, so I couldn't hitch a ride from him.

As I did a finale check for my first day, a car honked. I looked out my window and smiled.

"Eve! Hurry up! I have to pick up Dante yet!" Ray yelled, making me giggle. I grabbed my school bag and phone and ran to Ray's car.

"So, are you excited?" I asked Ray. He nodded his head and smiled.

"Hell ya I am! I'm a senior. This is my last school year, before I'm outta hell!" We both laughed, as our favorite song came on.

We drove to Dante's house. Wait...Dante's?! I slightly panicked. Dante was Ray's super duper hot friend, also, who, has a girlfriend.

I checked my phone, to see I had a missed call from Ann. Shit! I can't answer her! Not when Ray is here.

I looked at Ray, knowing he had a sad experience with her. He looked at my phone and sighed.

"You can answer you know. I'll be waiting outside the car." He got out and leaned against the door, sighing.

I dialed her back. As I heard the other line ringing, Dante walked out. Ray went over and walked with him back. Dante looked over at me and softly smiled. I waved.

"Hello? Eve?" I almost forgot I called Ann! "Yea! I'm here! Sorry. What did you need?"

"Oh right. So you know how I said I had a boyfriend?" Where was this going? " Well, I, uh, I told him about you, and, uh, he, uh..." She cut off.

"Ann?" I heard soft sobbing and I knew where this was heading.

"He broke up with me, FOR YOU! WHAT DOES EVERYONE SEE in your?!" I pulled the phone away from ear as she screamed. I was lost for words. The car doors opened and Dante and Ray got in.

"Look, Ann can we -" I was cut off. "NO EVE WE CAN'T TALK! I AM DONE BEING YOUR FRIEND! HECK I FAKED IT, JUST SO I CAN SEE WHAT, people SAW IN YOU! Goodbye, Evelyn." She hung up, leaving me in utter shock.

Ray placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it softly. "Sorry, Eve." His voice full of empathy. I looked down at my feet, as I feel tears brewing.

Every time. This happens every time! I shiver as a large hand patted my head.

"You good, Harper?" I nodded as the hand left my head. I turned around to meet Dante's face.

We both grinned softly and looked away. "Ray! We're gonna be late!" I playfully yelled. Ray looked at the time.

"Shit!" He speed up a little faster and made it to school. When we got out of the car, everyone was staring at us.

"Um, Ray? Do you know what this is?" I heard people muttering and hushing. As we walked, someone cat-called.

"Okay, seriously, why are people staring at us?" Dante laughed.

"Oh, their not staring at Ray or me, no, Ms.Harper, I believe they are looking at you." I looked up at him with wide eyes. My body paled as my blood stopped flowing.

"Why?" Ray and Dante laughed.

"Ain't it obvious?" I shook my head no, confused. " Your chest and legs seem to me, to be out." I stood my ground of where I stood. My body covered in utter shock.

Ray place his hand on my back to help me keep moving. "Tell me you are joking?" He laughed and shook his head. My face didn't blush, oh no. No, instead it became a ghost.

Almost everyone who outside in the parking lot kept cat calling. I ran up to the school and rushed to my locker, leaving Ray and Dante outside.

What a great start of junior year.

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"Can someone explain..." The voice of my teacher drifted out as I zoned out. On the first day, Mr.Strernyl had already decided to teach us.

"Ms.Harper? Ms.Harper? Ms.Harper!" I jumped out of my thoughts and looked up.

"Y-yes?" My.Strernyl sighed in disappoint.

"Can you explain to the class what is it that makes diseases caused by viruses and bacteria hard to treat?"

"Oh um. That's easy.  Influenza viruses and others continually change over time, usually by mutation.

"This change enables the virus to evade the immune system of its host so that people are susceptible to influenza virus infection throughout their lives.

"Bacteria mutate in the same way and can also become resistant if over treated with antibiotics.Is that correct or"

Mr.Strernyl nodded in astonishment. "Correct." I sighed in relief. I knew that answer, as it was easy. My class stared at me. I caught a glimpse of Dante smiling. I smiled back.

"Dante!" Fuck. Well there's that. I looked to my right and saw Ashley, Dante's current girlfriend.

"Yes?" He turned to face her and smack. All eyes turned to me, which I  had a small bright red hand print on my face.

"Damn, that hurt." I held my cheek and glared at her.

"Dante, you owe me one." He nodded his slowly. Yes, I took a hit for Dante. Was it worth it? No.

Ashley snickered. "Why would he help a slut like you?"

Now its mine turn to snicker. "Call what you want, but I never had a boyfriend. And as I far as I know, are you and Evan hooking up?" I say, smugly.

Her eyes widen, as do Dante's. Oops. Mr.Sterenyl looked at the three of us and coughed. "Ms.Harper, Ms.Jones, and Mr. Burns, detention, now." First day, and I'm already in detention.

I gather all my stuff and head to the detention room. Mrs.Canelyn was there, along with,Ray?! Ray notices me and bellows.

"How do you three have detention, on the first day?" He keeps laughing, till Dante punched him. Ashely grabs his hand and drags him to the far back of the class. She sits on his lap, straddling him. Of course, they start making out.

I place my stuff on the desk before me and sit.

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