Inside was everything she had expected. People who acted like they haven't seen each other for ages came together and discussed their summer. She, on the other hand, had nothing to discuss. Every summer proved the same, only this time, Papa's health wasn't the greatest. Still, they made it through and Papa was starting to get better, albeit slower than they had hoped. 

Alex pulled out the schedule of classes she had received in the mail about a week prior. Her blue eyes peered over the paper looking for her first destination when she was interrupted by a familiar voice. 

“Alex!” 

It was Chelsea and she was running towards her excited as ever and dressed to impress. She was a true Barbie doll if there ever was one to roam these halls. How they were friends, remained a mystery, then again. She wasn't smug or obnoxious, merely “fashion-savvy” as Alex always put it being sure to add air-quotes. 

They exchanged a friendly embrace before she began excitedly, “You're never-” she was cut off.

“Farmer Jane.”

They stopped and looked. It was Cristian. They had shared a class last year, science if memory served, and forced to work together on a project. That was the only reason she knew him that she could recall. 

“I half expected you to start the year off in overalls and a nice pair of pigtails…” 

Chelsea huffed animatedly, “What a jerk.”

Alex merely shook her head. There was nothing to say. Just another rich kid who thinks he is better than everyone else. She sighed as he made a point to look back with a smirk.

“No biggie,” Alex said looking back down at the paper, “I got science first period then study hall and two free periods.” 

Chels, in her normal bubbly excitement, “I got science and homeroom too! C'mon!”

As they walked through the hall Chelsea greeted many people, she was well known after all. There wasn't much to not like about her, she got along with most and it showed. A few new faces would catch her eye. One in particular, a young man, his chin stubbled and his jet black hair in a messy do. His attire was a bit classy for the setting, at least Alex would think. Chels, was actually impressed.

“I've never seen him before,” she added.

Alex shrugged, “I'm sure we'll see him around.”

Without bothering to find her locker Alex and her companion made their way to the science class.

~ ~ ~

Making herself comfortable in the second to the back row Alex set her bag under her desk, Chels was a couple seats to her left conversing with more friends. When who would come in but the dark-haired boy from earlier. Chelsea apparently noticed too and glanced at him for a moment, spellbound. He took a seat just behind Alex and greeted her warmly.

“Hey,” he said, his voice rugged but sweet as a clover honey.

“Hey,” she replied simply as she took in his features. Even Alex had to admit his features were flawless. He looked like something out of a movie. It was strange. His complexion was nice and had a light even tan. That was more than she could say, given a misaligned strap on her tanktop would give away her fair nature.

“Sullivan,” he said extending his hand, flashing perfectly white teeth.

“Alexis, most just call me Alex,” she replied. 

Alexis gave an awkward smile and turned back forward in her chair. This exchange, however, did not go unnoticed by her more socially adept companion. Alex knew it wouldn't go unnoticed under Chels's watchful eye. She didn't want to entertain the idea she knew was boiling over in Chelsea's mind. She just wanted to get this year over with. 

Quietly she sat as more and more people filtered into the room.