Chapter1

#Chapter1

Saintwood

Starting over is not the hard part. The hard part is leaving everyone and everything you know behind.

My dad got a new job after getting laid off for the past few months. He and my mom hated telling me we’re moving, but we didn’t have a choice. My parents fell behind because his unemployment ran out, and we needed the money.

Even though they were afraid to tell me when they did, I shrugged and agreed with their decision. I know it’s a shocker since I’m a teen girl. Most girls would throw a fit about leaving their friends. Unfortunately, I didn’t have friends.

It wasn’t because I was unpopular or anything like that. It was a whole other reason; I’m shy and quiet. I didn’t speak to people who I didn’t know. My parents thought I needed help, so they sent me to a therapist.

There was nothing wrong with me except that I’m awkward with people. I didn’t fall under the category of having Autism since they tested me. I was shy ever since I can remember.

It didn’t help that my classmates didn’t associate with me because I don’t think they knew how. It also didn’t help that I had a high IQ of 210 and a photographic memory, so I got straight A’s. I didn’t even have to study; I looked at the assignment once and remembered everything.

Besides my shyness, I was afraid people would treat me as someone who knew it all. Yes, I’m that insecure. I figured if I said nothing, then they wouldn’t judge me. I don’t like it when people assumed things about me. Assumptions always bothered me. I wanted people to accept me for who I am, a quiet girl who wanted nothing in return, except friendship.

We moved to the city of Saintwood, where someone offered my dad, a job working in a casino. I didn’t understand how he could work in one when he has a gambling problem; that’s how we’re in our current situation. A man came to our old house and explained that he set everything up for us. I didn’t know who he was and why he helped us?

Walking into the house, I made my way to my room to find a note with the letter M at the end. After skimming through the message, I set it down and looked around the room. They decorated it for a typical teen girl, but I’m anything but ordinary. I preferred books because they’re my escape from everything. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; it’s a romantic classic. I always envisioned having a Mr. Darcy to my Elizabeth Bennett. I would be lucky to make at least one friend.

I could hear my parents’ voices and other sounds as they brought our items into the house. I left my bedroom and came downstairs as I stood there and watched the movers bring in moving boxes. My parents were talking, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. They finally realized I was standing there.

/"Hey, Honey,/" my mom acknowledged me as I stood there.

/"We ordered pizza for dinner since we’re getting settled,/" my dad added as I looked at them, not saying a word.

I turned and went back upstairs.

/"I told you she wouldn’t be happy,/" my mom said to him.

/"Once she settles into school, she’ll be fine. We have to have faith that she’ll adjust,/" Dad reasoned as my mom gave him a concerned look.

I didn’t know what would happen tomorrow when I enrolled in a new high school. It’s hard to acclimate to an unknown place, let alone a new high school. I didn’t even know what the people are like there. It’ll be my luck that I would have to deal with some weirdos.

I didn’t realize any of this would matter until the day I met them, and my life would change forever. Who may you ask, they are? Well, I guess you must read to find out.

My name is Alex Hartley. It’s my story about how I met the three most feared boys of Saintwood and formed an intense bond with them. This meeting would also lead me to my Mr. Darcy.