Chapter 2 – The New Girl:

I arrive at school that day, expecting it to be like any other. I walk through the school confidently, smiling at my friends. Almost everyone looks at me as I walk past. I still don’t understand how I am so popular at this school. Back in Ireland everyone hated me. I guess here I interest people, like I have a hidden past. I suppose my accent helps. No one seems to understand that I’m a regular kid. They treat me like I’m royalty. It’s a little overwhelming sometimes. Most of the time it’s cool though, it makes life easy.

Anyway, I was walking across the courtyard of my ancient school when I bumped into a girl. Obviously she was new, looking a little lost and confused. Besides, I’d always remember someone like her. She had reddish brown hair and stunning blue eyes. I was gobsmacked. She was beautiful. One thing I noticed was that her eyes were sad, like she’d suffered hard times. I suddenly remember the manners my mum taught me when I was just a boy.

“Sorry ‘bout that. Hi, I’m Alex.” The girl seems a little flustered. I smile encouragingly at her. She begins to say something but trails off. Then she clears her throat.

“I’m Hannah M…” She is cut off when my girlfriend, Regina appears beside me, almost knocking Hannah over. I feel annoyed.

“Oh, Hi! I see you’ve met my boyfriend.” I hate the way she can only introduce me as her boyfriend. To be honest I don’t even like her that much. In fact, the only thing she has going for her is her looks, which aren’t as pleasant as the new girl’s. Hannah seems dismayed at this news. For a second I wonder if she likes me, but that can’t be true. She looks like a nice, smart girl. She wouldn’t fall for me. She’ll be eaten alive here.

“Come on, sweetie.” Regina tugs at my arm. I glare at her.

“I’m busy and you can’t boss me around.” She seems put out and flounces off. I feel obliged to apologize for her actions.

“Now, what was your name? Hannah something.” I smile at her.

“Oh, I’m Hannah Miles.” Suddenly she doesn’t sound as enthusiastic to be talking to me. “I gotta go.” With this she runs off. I want to call after her, but that might be a little weird. I’ve only known her for a few minutes.

I wonder why she ran off.

***

In class I can’t stop thinking about Hannah. I wonder what the other kids will think of her. She is definitely attractive, but she doesn’t flaunt it as much as some other girls I could mention. For example, she was wearing a little white top with a mini purple short sleeved jumper. Her jeans were flared and changed shades of blue as they went down. I have always prided myself on not following the trends but this girl is something else.

I think I’m falling in love with her.

Oh my god. Did I just think that? Is it true? 

Maybe.

My train of thought is cut short as Hannah herself walks through the door. I feel embarrassed but I smile easily at her. She stares coldly, mouth unmoving. She sits down next to this girl, Casey. Casey always seemed a bit strange for my liking, but at least she is true to herself.

At this school athletes rule. In order to be popular you must be:

1.      Attractive

2.      Athletic

3.      Unintelligent

Unfortunately I am actually quite smart. I am at this school on a scholarship. I don’t let anyone know this. My social status would be ruined. Actually, I wouldn’t mind all that much, but I put so much effort into getting to where I am now. No one can know my true personality. I must keep it hidden.

I don’t know what would happen if they found out.

Would it be worse than what happened to me in Ireland?

Maybe.

Are the kids here that phony?

Maybe.

Will I ever let my secret out?

Never.