I hate new people. Everyone new has this look about them, like they're sizing you up. I feel like I'm being placed in a box on a shelf to be pulled out when they need "the bad boy" or "the quiet one." Gran always says that people are too focused on themselves to give two shits what you do, but I dunno, it never feels that way. I discovered sometime around middle school that if you don't say much and wear a leather jacket no one questions you. Which is fine, because I hate talking. There are only two people in this world I can really talk to. Archie, who has known me since before puberty and Nan, who always has something to say about everything. I love that about her. It means I can't screw my words up too much, with her always going on.

The thing about being quite means that I don't object too much, aloud. Archie can always tell when I'm pissed, but for the most part I just keep it to myself.

So when Chloe starts nattering on about a new friend for the group, I don't say anything despite my protests. God, I hate new people. This girl, Rae apparently, is going to change our whole group. How will she fit in? Archie and I are best mates and keep the music amazing, Chop is the ringleader of bad decisions, Izzy is the supporter, and Chloe is the spotlight. We've already got our roles. There is no room for someone new.

I hate new people.

She comes to the pub, Rae I mean. I glance at her as I begin rolling a cigarette. She's tall and quite. She has a pretty face. Chloe and she exchange a silent look before Chloe offers her a drink, which she refuses. I immediately dislike her for it. It felt like she was passing judgment on the rest of us. Its clear she's uncomfortable, like she doesn't know where she should sit or what's okay to say.

Chop starts making jokes about how buff we are and insists that Izzy takes our picture. That's a laugh, and it means I can try to stop worrying about what that girl thinks of us. She continues to be watchful, but silent.

Then Archie gets on stage and I forget all about that girl. I love music. He does this really neat cover of a Mark Morrison song that make the fairly upbeat song sound somber and genuine. He does a fantastic job, he's been working on that one for a while. I seal up my cigarette, bobbing my head to the music. Its times like this when I wonder why Archie doesn't date. Archie is very shy when it comes to women I think that he's very selective and it's hard for him to let loose. Still, he's got a lot of talent and I smile up at the stage. I'm so proud of him.

Anyway, after the show we head to the chippy, our chippy. New girl sits separately from the rest of us. I'm glad I can enjoy this without new eyes watching, I feel no restrictions. We're all goofing off when Chop makes the epic mistake of saying a joke about my mum when I have a ketchup bottle in my hand. Things escalate quickly into a food fight between the whole gang that ends with us getting kicked out.

We take a picture outside and I feel like nothing could go wrong. We're all laughing and I feel like I'm invincible. It was a great night. I head home say hi to my dad, quickly before he can go on a rant and head to my room. I put on a vinyl, and fall asleep listening to Oasis while recounting an excellent day.

When we meet up next day that girl is not brought up and it's clear she won't be joining the group anytime soon. She was unremarkable. She gave nothing to the group. I relax as Chop and I start talking trash. Throwing around the phrase "your mum" like its going out of style. I lean back and listen to Chop's new sexual exploit, which has a 50/50 chance of being completely fake.

I am completely relaxed, nothing can ruin this day. Until the new girl stomps in.