Disclaimer: I do not own any characters involved in this fanfiction. Sadly...

How did things wind up like this?

He let out a sigh, head resting in his propped-up hand. A twin sigh could be heard to his left, but the Irish boy didn't bother looking over. His eyes were tightly closed, trying to fight off a pounding headache. No use.

The day had started off shakily, but he had been sure that things were headed uphill...

*Flashback*

"It'll be fine, dear. Trust me."

Damian didn't bother responding. He was too busy sulking. Images flew past the car window as they sped toward their destination. Highschool. That dreaded word. It was bad enough back in Derry where all his friends were. At least there, there would be times when he could just get away and relax. Here, he'd be staying with an aunt and uncle he'd never even met before.

Speaking of which, didn't he hear something about them having a daughter in highschool? What was her name again? He thought for minute before giving up. He'd probably meet her before long. For now, they were all just strangers.

The Irish lad groaned, laying his face against the cold glass window. It calmed him down to a certain extent. Perhaps if he fell asleep now, he would somehow wake up back home.

"Hun, are you listenin' to me?"

Another groan. "Yeah, mum. I heard yeh."

"Look, it'll be fine. I promise. You'll adjust, just give it some time. Besides, it's only gonna be a couple months and then you'll be home. Who knows; you may even come to like it here."

Damian bit back a sarcastic response, instead keeping his silence. He hated acting like a kid, but he was just so angry. Nothing was going as planned anymore.

"We're here, hun!"

His mothers voice snapped him out of his daze. They were now pulling up to a large, dull building - the kind that could only pass for a school. His mom came to a stop near the front, unlocking the doors to let him out.

There was no putting it off any longer. Grabbing his bag in one hand, he jumped out of the car, closing the door with his other. The navy blue van (a rental) took off, leaving him in its dust. His mother would be headed back to the airport now. She had only really come to see him off, feeling that was the least she could do for him.

It was a cold October Wednesday in Lima, Ohio. The sky was cold and bleak, to match Damian's mood as he approached the imposing building. It was about half an hour into school, so the halls were relatively empty when he entered. Those who remained gave him the same judgmental stares he had been expecting. And they hadn't even heard his accent yet.

Finding the main office, he approached a middle-aged woman sitting behind the desk. She looked bored. He had to clear his throat to get her attention.

"Excuse me, my name is Damian Mcginty and I am new here."

As always, anxiety brought out the worst of his accent. The blank stare he received from the woman was nearly enough to send him running for the door. As it was, he looked around awkwardly, hoping for some sort of escape. Thankfully, she seemed to finally come to her senses. She turned to her computer, apparently looking him up.

"...Right. Mr. Mcginty. Here's your schedule" - she handed him a sheet -"I'm assuming you'll be finding your classes alright."

It wasn't a question. And even as he read out the classroom numbers and realized he had no clue where any of them were, he couldn't bring himself to ask. She'd already turned her back to him.

Wandering aimlessly back into the hallway, he reread the schedule. As if that would help. What if he just left? It's not as if anyone would notice he was gone. He could walk back out those front doors right now and be done with it all. You know, besides the whole being-in-a-whole-new-country-and-not-knowing-anything thing.

He felt a light tap on his shoulder and jumped. Turning, he came face-to-face with an intimidating sort of guy. He was tall, with sharp, angular features and dreadlocks all the way down his back.

"'Sup? You looked a bit lost, so thought I'd come over and see if I could help any. You're new here, right?"

Even at the stranger's kind tone, Damian felt the blood rush to his face. Did he really stand out so obviously?

The boy gave a short chuckle. "It's fine, man. You'll get to know this place soon enough. Might not be the most likable place, but it isn't exactly hell on earth. Trust me, you'll adjust."

It wasn't the first time he'd heard that today. Still, it did calm his nerves a bit. At least the people here weren't all bad.

"Thanks, really. My names Damian, Damian Mcginty." He held out his hand, not too phased by the boy's look of surprise. He knew it wouldn't be the last time he got that reaction today. Damn accent.

"Oh. Oh, cool, man. Nice to meet you, too. The names Samuel Larsen." The dreadlocked boy shook his outstretched hand, smiling a friendly sort of smile. "You really aren't from around here, are you? You Irish?"

Damian nodded, smiling back at him.

"Cool. Need help finding your classes? I'm ditching, but you probably shouldn't your first day. Lemme see that schedule." Samuel took the paper from him, reading it over once before nodding. "Not bad. You've got English with me for second. Follow me, I'll show you around."

He proceeded down the hall, Damian following like a grateful puppy.

Perhaps today wouldn't be so bad after all.

This is a prologue for my very first fanfiction. I just started it, but I'm already a ways into it. Please comment, I really need the feedback before continuing. I will not post again until I have at least three comments.

Thank you. Lots of love. 3