I sat down at the kitchen table, "Morning Mom!" I said in a cheery manner. I'm so excited for the first day of school. The first day of my sophomore year that is. She set a cup of coffee and some pancakes in front of me. I made sure not to get it on my new outfit.

"You're growing up too fast kiddo." she said as she sighed.

"Hardly Mom. I still have two years left!"

She gently ran the back of her hand down my face. "And your brother only has one year left. Soon enough you both will be leaving me."

I giggled, "Don't worry, we'll visit. And you still have dad!"

Loud footsteps came from the stairs, "Hello my favorite ladies, how are we today?" Liam was the best brother I could have asked for. I must say, I have no complaints towards my family.

"You're awfully happy for school to start." I said as I scarfed down my pancakes.

"Well it's my last year Ada, you'll feel the same way in a couple of years too."

"I'm already excited!"

"Oh yes, my little geek. How could I forget? You do love your Friday night study sessions with Oakley." I rolled my eyes. Liam grabbed the keys,

"Let's go! I don't wanna be late for the first day of senior year!"

---

When we arrived it was just like the year before, everyone talking about their summers and wondering what this year has in store. Some are sitting in the back of trucks planning the first party of the year and others are rushing in the building, curious to see where their locker would be for the year.

"I'm going to try to find Zayn, catch ya after school?"

"Yeah, good luck with your classes." And Liam was off. I've never seen him so excited. I walked towards the big brick building I've missed so much. Unlike a lot of others, I love school. I love learning new things and meeting new people. And the best part is, I can be my geeky self with no one judging me. I still go to parties and have boyfriends, I just know how to balance my priorities. Here, almost everyone I encounter is nice, to my face at least. And I have Liam, the girls are in love with him. They wouldn't dare say anything to me.

Our first class would begin soon and Oakley still wasn't here. He's like me, never late. Oakley has been my friend for, hmmm, going on eleven years. We went to the same schools throughout the years and surprisingly had a lot of the same classes. I was happy we were on that friendship level where we were in no doubt only friends--best friends. Oh well, I thought. I would just have to find my locker and first class on my own. What a struggle. I grabbed my "1st day of school" folder out of my bag and searched for the location of my locker. Wonderful, I sighed. I'm right next to the boys locker room. I don't think I have ever smelled something so bad in my life. The only thing worse was when I went to a horseback riding camp a few summers ago and the manure made me throw up. My stomach is a weak one.

I held my breath as I got closer to the locker room. Thankfully when I turned the corner it didn't smell like anything at all! I guess it would start once football began, which is next week. I put every book in my locker neatly. Statistics, Chemistry, Literature, History, and lastly, Eastern Religions. I'm not very excited for that one. Hopefully I would learn to enjoy it like my other classes. I jumped as the first bell rang and carried my literature and chemistry book with me.

I walked in happily, literature is my favorite. I quickly let go of my smile when I notice there are only a few seats left--all towards the back. I love sitting in the front row. I'm able to really focus with no distractions. Now I'd have to sit next to Amelia Radford. She's one of the only girls at our school who is a bigger nerd than myself. I always wondered why she didn't sit up front, and then I realized it was because people did make fun of her. She wears glasses that are taped together and her hair is always greasy. I guess her family probably doesn't have much money and it saddens me.

"Hi Amelia." I said with a smile as I sat down. There's no reason for me to be judgmental. She turned to me with a disgusted look. It was a bit scary as she opened her mouth. It was hard not to stare at her pink braces considering they had pieces of cornflakes wedged in.

"Just because we're sitting next to each other doesn't mean we have to speak." The last time I heard her talked was freshman year. I forgot how low it was. I accidentally laughed. "What's so funny?" I can't help it. No wonder she doesn't have any friends. It isn't because she's smart, it's because she's mean.

"Oh, I," how could I save myself from this situation? "I just thought you were joking." Awful. That is an awful answer.

She mumbled under her breath and continued to stare. I swear her eyes squinted harder as time went on. I looked away, trying to hold in my laughter. I don't know why it's so funny, I guess I was just expecting something a little friendlier. The second bell rang and class began.

---

After literature I had chemistry--the hardest class I would take all year, study hall, and then lunch. I was hoping I'd find Oakley. When I didn't I sat in the spot we always sat and pulled out my phone.

To: Oaks
Where are you? You do know it's the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!

I put my phone away quite upset. Eating alone is the worst. A few minutes later a new face appeared in front of me.

"Hi!" She said, reminding me of, well, me. I smiled politely and set my chocolate milk down,

"Hi. I'm Ada." I stuck my hand out and we shook. I had never seen her before, a freshman I suppose.

"I'm Elisha, or El for short."

"Great name!" It was so unique. She's definitely a friend in the making.

"Thanks! So what are you doing sitting by yourself?" She took her big, stylish glasses off and set them on the table and took a bite into an apple. She's so cute, I can't help but have strong jealousy towards her white flowy skirt and orange top.

"I usually sit here with my best friend but apparently school isn't a priority of his anymore. And the others I sit with are probably in the bathroom smoking. The first day is always rough for them."

She giggled, "Sounds like my cousin. I'm not sure if he's even here today." Finishing her apple, she pulled her brown hair out of her face and braided it. "What class are you in?"

"I'm a sophomore. What about you?"

"Oh, I'm a junior. My family just moved here. My dad's a pastor and he's starting a new church."

"Oh, that's awesome! What church? I'd love to go!" The church I go to is full of old people and it always smells like a nursing home. Another smell that made me feel sick.

"It's the one on the corner of Cherry and Franklin. It's nondenominational and pretty laid back. We'll start this Sunday and I'm going to start a small high school group to meet once a week for those who don't go to church. I'd love to spread the word!"

I loved this girl already. I was a church go-er myself. I'm not a head-over-heels Jesus worshiper but I am a Christian. I went to church with my family but I never had any friends to go with. Oakley is aesthiest so he wouldn't dare step in a church. It drove me insane. "Yes, I'll definitely be there."

"Do you need a ride or anything? I'm going to the eleven o'clock service if you'd like to join me."

"I can't wait!"

Lunch ended and I went to a couple more classes until I ended up in my religions classroom. I got a front row seat finally. I checked my phone again, nothing from Oakley. I really hope he's okay. This is extremely abnormal for him. The late bell rang and El ran in and sat next to me. I smiled, glad I had someone I could talk to. Since I signed up for classes late all of my friends got the easy A classes like woodwork and home ec. I got stuck with religions where I would have to actually do some work.

"Hey!" She whispered. "I couldn't find the classroom to save my life!" We both giggled quietly. "At least you got a front row seat!"

Another giggle and class began.

---

I walked to Liam's car and threw my books in the back seat. Everyone said how much sophomore year would suck but I already met a new friend and had no homework. I sat on the black mustang, "Ouch!" I jumped.

"Too hot?" I heard a voice laugh. I got up and pushed him hard.

"What was that for?!" He exclaimed.

"Where the hell have you been all day?! I waited for you to find our lockers, I texted you, and then I saved you a spot at lunch. You didn't even have the decency to call me?" I was furious until he pulled me in and hugged me. I could only be mad at Oakley for so long.

"I'm sorry. I was running late for the first time ever and I left my phone at home. You know I was in literature with you today but I didn't see you until we left because you were sitting all the way in the back. You rushed so fast out of the classroom I couldn't even call your name."

"Well I was mad!" I paused, "You had me worried sick Oakley. And where were you at lunch?"

"Oh, Mr. Lane asked me to stay and help him hang up some stuff for his next period. I guess he didn't have time all summer." We laughed, Mr. Lane was always behind. I swear he just needs to retire.

Oakley and I sat on the sidewalk. "Well I met a new friend today."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, her name is Elisha or El for short. She's really sweet."

"Sweet enough for me to take her on a date?" I laughed, Oakley is such a ladies man. He's one of those guys who is great to be best friends with but wouldn't want to date him because he could be a dick.

"No way. Plus, she's too much like me."

"What's wrong with being smart and beautiful."

"Don't make me blush," I said sarcastically, "and no, that's not what I meant. She's a churchy and I know how you feel about that stuff."

"I wouldn't mind that!"

"I know, but she would." He nudged me and pulled his shirt back and forth.

"It's way too hot out here. I'll take you home, come on." I looked at my watch, it was already 3:30 and I had work at 4.

"Alright let's get out of here." I texted Liam and we left.

---

Work was going by quickly as lots of students came in and out. I loved my job, half books store and half coffee shop. The best part was we had music night on Thursday's where people from our town came out and played.

"Hey Ada, how are you?" It was Sarah. She is the captain of the cheer leading squad and one of the nicest girls I have ever met. She's so bubbly and her blonde hair always bounces along with her excitement.

"Oh, hey Sarah," I said as I finished up a latte, "I'm great! How was your first day?"

"Ehh, you know, it was school. I'm excited for Friday though." She smacked her gum as she smiled.

"Oh yeah? What's Friday?"

"Only the best party of the year. You and Oakley have to come!" She wanted Oakley so bad he just wasn't interested. He wasn't looking for something serious and that's exactly what Sarah wanted.

"We'll be there, don't worry!"

"You think we can get some alcohol in your system this year? It'll be a lot more fun." She sang the word 'fun' and raised her eyebrows. No, I thought.

I giggled to please her, "Maybe. I'm not sure yet."

"Maybe Oakley can help you out." She winked.

"What?" I wiped down a counter confused.

"I heard him saying something to Harry about you today. Something about getting with you." I laughed,

"He was probably talking about my friend El. I told him we were similar."

"Hmm," she pondered. "Maybe, but make sure you're there!" She walked off and some more walked in.

I finally got off and walked out of the coffee shop. I'm only two blocks from home so I always walked. Sure enough El was walking down the street with a guy. He was the most attractive male I have ever seen in this small town of ours. I prayed it wasn't her boyfriend. Hopefully it was her brother. No way, his skin is way too pale for them to be related.

"Hey Ada! What are you doing out so late?"

"Oh I just got off work. What about you?"

"I'm just showing my cousin around." It wasn't her boyfriend. "The park is gorgeous!"

"Yeah it is pretty nice." I couldn't make eye contact with him. I could feel my cheeks getting red already.

"This is Niall, and Niall this is Ada. We have a class together." He smiled, oh that smile,

"It's nice to meet you." He stuck his hand out and grabbed mine with a tight grip.

"Mhmm, you too." Was that an accent?

"Well we better get going, it's already ten! Bye Ada, see you tomorrow!" I waved and walked passed them. Chills were going up my spine. I had never felt like this before. What a day.

Notes

Don't give up on me! It will get better!