Chapter 1

The Arrival

Well, it's no secret. My family and I are on the run, again. Nothing criminal. Just adjusting to the traveling demands of Military life. Yes, duty calls. My father's next assignment requires our family to relocate to Maryland. As a result, my father chose Wake Falls, a small outmoded town in Maryland. Perhaps, I exaggerated a little. By the way I'm the self-proclaimed hyperbole queen. According to Dad, Wake Falls is a historic town with lavish lifestyles and old money. Dad wanted us to be a part of this lifestyle that we knew nothing about only through Forbes magazines and Television. It is one of the richest towns in the continental US. It was much different from what we were used to in the Carolinas and Alabama. Obviously, my mom and I were summoned.

It was not by our choice. This was a whole new atmosphere and I think mom and I worried about fitting in. It felt so surreal. So, I've been doing a lot of research on this town. All I could find was it's known as "The Town that Never Sleeps." What a reputation? I guess that means 24 hr. access to malls, restaurants, bars, and in my case libraries. Not exactly, I soon found that this town could be called the town that forgot Day. It was quite an experience. Super weird, I may add. My house was adjacent to two very extravagant homes. It was mediocre compared to my neighbor's places. But I was content. We've been here almost two weeks. Oddly, I never met my neighbors. Come to think of if not too many people roamed during the day but at night I could hear the town stirring through my window. The noise didn't interfere with my sleep but anticipation created Insomnia.

It's Sunday night and I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow. Due to my anxiety, I could not close my eyes. I was super excited about my first day at a new school. It was my junior year of High School. Now realizing that I never really made friends because my family and I moved regularly. It was easy to leave my old life behind. However, that still doesn't bury the pressure of being the new girl. With much on my mind to ponder, I finally got some shut eye. It was less than three hours of sleep but I'll manage.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! My alarm went off exactly 6:00 am. I hit the snooze button twice. Finally, I got out of bed. Jumped in the shower. After completing my hygienic duties, I put on my favorite Maybelline Lip Gloss. I was torn between a matching skirt and pant outfit. After minutes of going back and forth, I chose a completely different outfit. I opt for LEI Skinny Jeans, white tank, Teal Slim Lapel Office blazer, accessorized with gold earrings, Luggage colored pumps to match my Luggage Color Bag and Leopard print scarf. Meanwhile, I wore my raven hair down. Observing myself in the mirror, I approved my first day look. Mom knocked on my door reminding me not to be late on my first day. When Mom dropped me off., I got out of the car, took in the fresh air, and I exhaled. I was in front of my new school.

I entered the front office to pick up my class schedule. Mrs. Bloodworth the tall, slim, brunette hair School Guidance Counselor was very friendly. She looked like she recently graduated from College. Honestly speaking, I'm not feeling the surname "Blood-worth." As I walked nervously down the Hallway, I realized I was now attending Wake Falls High. The Holly Wood of schools. Where there is no such thing as the Have Nots. If you didn't have it all you had to pretend to have it all. It felt like Mean Girls time 200 except everyone one is in on it. Well, excluding me of course. I had a bad case of the butterflies. I even skipped breakfast and was the first to arrive to class. Great, I didn't have to worry about the attention of the class as I searched for a seat. Mr. Gravely taught my first period history class. When the rest of the class arrived, no one seemed interested in sitting next to me. That's cool. I needed the extra space. Mr. Gravely checked attendance. When he called on me he asked me to introduce myself to the class. I hesitated but the words slowly came out,

"Hi, my name is Mallory Rose Townsend. I recently moved here from Alabama. My father is stationed at Ft. Meade. It's a pleasure to be here."

Intimidation consumed me as I was not able to find anymore words.

"Military Brat." Someone whispered.

Then the awkward silence ensued. My classmates were totally uninterested in my introduction.

"Thank you, Miss Townsend. We are honored to have you." Mr. Gravely responded.

Thank you, Mr. Gravely. I replied.

He went over the class syllabus and began our lecture on the War of 1812. I was already well informed about the subject. Yet, I pretended that I knew very little. I consider history my strongest subject, but I could not match the wits of Alexander "Alex" Fitzgerald Rosemond. He was the expensive suit wearing student history expert with Ivy League written all over his face. He was well-versed and outspoken. Maybe too advance for our class. He was tall, fair skinned, athletic, and well- groomed. He was extremely good looking. My dream guy "Adonis." But I knew he was out of my league. I gawked at him uncontrollably. When he noticed I was admiring him, he simpered? His words sound as if he was from a different time. Oddly, the Zach Morris of Wake Falls High impressed me. I was far from "Kelly Kapowski's popularity, equally intelligent like Jessie Spano, but more like Lisa Turtle in appearance. Ding Dong". There goes my metaphoric daydreams. The bell indeed saved me. Litersally, Saved by the Bell. As I was leaving the class, I could feel his eyes following me. How long was I daydreaming? How long was I gazing at him without blinking? I had to carry this huge boulder of embarrassment on my shoulder. I rushed out of class and walked to my locker to switch out my books but could not get it open quick enough. Suddenly, a slender, kind-hearted, brunette offered me a hand.

"I'm Elizabeth, but you can call me "Liz". I'm in your history class." She says.

"Thanks Liz, You're a life saver." I replied.

"What's your next class?" Liz asks as she gazes over my shoulder at my class schedule.

"Oh, Bio with Ms. Atwater. She's great. I'm headed that way. My class is next door. We can do lunch after." She recommends.

While Liz was uttering the last sentence, I lost the sound of her voice. It was Alexander and he was headed in our direction. Liz places her hand on my shoulder and states jokingly,

"Trust me "Fitz "has that effect on all the girls."

I looked down and shook my head no as if I was unbothered by his presence, but Liz knew I was crushing.

"Hi, Liz" a familiar voice states.

"Greetings, cousin." Liz replied.

I looked up and it was Alexander. God knows how long he was there.

"Hey, Fitz. This is Mallory." Liz introduced.

"I'm aware. She was in our history class. You two share the same middle name Rose. Nice to meet you Miss Mallory Rose Townsend." He avowed.

In my head I was shouting OMG, he knows my full name. He noticed me.

I replied timorously "Likewise." Nothing else came out. Awkward silence. I just wanted to disappear.

Liz interrupts, "So I'll see you guys after class."

We parted ways and headed to class. The never ending hall killed my feet but I was forced to keep my composure. Especially, with the hottest guy in school walking next to me. It seemed all of his moves were in slow motion. Just picture the male version of Jennifer Love Hewitt's character in "Cant' Hardly wait." He demanded attention everywhere he went. The only sounds throughout the halls were various greetings for Alex. Everyone seemed to admire him. Finally, we arrived to our class.

"After you, Miss Mallory." Alex says.

He allowed me to walk in first. However, there were no vacant seats. Except for one and the prissy strawberry blonde made it clear that it was for Alex.

"This seat is taken, it's reserved for my Fitz. Move along new girl. Shoo, shoo, boo." She proclaimed in a domineering tone.

Alex took the seat and I found my way to the back of the class. He looked back ensuring that I had found a seat. I did manage to find a desk which was covered with various types of gum underneath. I was so uncomfortable. I avoided touching the desk at all cost. I used my lap as a desk top. After trying to make the most of my seat, I discovered Alex and the Strawberry blonde deep in conversation. I was curious about what they were saying. Hence, my talent of reading lips gave me a advantage.

Alex whispered to the strawberry blonde, "You didn't have to be so uncouth to her, it's her first day. That was unnecessary."

At that moment Strawberry Shortcake started to bat her eyes seeking Alex's forgiveness.

"I'm sorry Hun, it won't happen again. I was only making sure you had a place to sit." She whispered.

She looked back with intentions of finding me. Her eyes met mine and if looks could kill. I would be six feet under at this point. Apparently, I was grouped with the "Mid-cards" or wealthy geeks. I blended very well except for the wealthy part. Well, I mean my family was comfortable, but I didn't have the luxury of having unlimited credit cards, inheritance, or other perks of the rich and prominent. Bio was entertaining such as the study of life. My new life at Wake Falls High was just beginning.

How do I compete with the luxurious lifestyle? How do I win the love of "Adonis?" It was simple. Be myself. Being truthful was always my best quality and I was not about to fabricate the lives of "the Haves" or "Mid-cards". I always felt closer to the "Have Nots." I wasn't born with a silver spoon, but I was comfortable. That's all that matters right? Enough rambling.

It was lunch time and I waited for Liz. We put our books away and headed to the café. I settled for a veggie burger, mixed fruit, granola bar and sweet potato fries. Liz opted for a chicken salad drizzled in a scarlet red mystery dressing. Meanwhile, most of the students opt for the mystery scarlet beets and veal soup with rosemary bread. Apparently, it was the students' favorite entrée. Water, green tea, mystery tea, and "Red "fruit punch were our drink choices. You can't go wrong with water. I grabbed a bottle of water but drifted in the direction of dessert island. Dessert was plentiful. I wanted red velvet cake but chose a slice of carrot cake. I guess I saw enough red for one day. Liz and I took our seats to enjoy our meals.

Liz looks up and says, "So tell me what you think about our school so far?"

"It's ok. I'll get used to it." I said dejectedly.

Seemingly, hanging my head and slowly munching on my sweet potato fries. My words were limited and my mind was on Alex.

"Let me guess you ran into Fitz's mistress Madeline." Liz says jokingly.

I laughed at her humor. Then came Madeline and her cheerleading cronies taking a seat at our table.

"Greetings love." She acknowledges Liz and blatantly ignored me.

"Hi, Madeline." Liz kept it short and revert her attention back to me.

Through my peripheral vision, I could see Madeline looking at me as if she was sizing up the competition. Why? Well, I couldn't tell you. I never had a problem with anyone disliking me but now it's a different story.

The Jock table was across from us. According to Liz, it was game day and supposedly the football players made a pact to have lunch together.

"Players Only", the jocks made it clear.

They laughed, joked, and conversed. Clowning every nerd and hitting on every girl in their path. One guy looked over at me and winked. I quickly dropped my head and I looked over at Alexander who's eyes met mine. I turned away in time to see Strawberry Shortcake scowl. She got up and went over to Alexander's table and kissed him. Hoping I would get the picture that he was spoken for. Liz and I smiled at each other and shook our heads at the length Maddie went to make that statement. After lunch, the school day seemed to go by quickly. Math and Government classes were a breeze. The final bell sound and it was time to go home. Liz offered to drop me off in her custom-made Benz, but I declined. I needed the exercise.

For nearly a year, I was committed to a strict diet and exercise regimen because of health issues. I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type I and Severe Anemia. It's probably more than the two issues I mentioned. At lease that is how I feel on most days. No, I'm not a hypochondriac but I was misdiagnosed twice before. So yes, I don't believe doctors have all the answers. I often try to keep my condition out of conversations. As a result, no one except for my family and selected school administrators including Mrs. Bloodworth are aware of my condition. I am managing my condition well. I guess you're wondering why I was trying to hide this or avoid the only friend I might have. Believe me. My diagnosis has nothing to do with it, but it is a constant reminder of the betrayal I had endured months earlier. Well, time will tell, and you'll understand why I ty to keep my condition under wraps. There you have it. It has nothing to do with being slightly anti-social or Liz. Besides, Liz and I were only friends for a half day. Maybe, I'll accept the ride on tomorrow if the offer still stands.