Author's Note: I've lurked on this site plenty of times before, and for once, I have decided to try to write something. I have nothing pre-written, so, we'll see how this goes, yes?
*Please excuse any grammatical mistakes.
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I couldn't focus on what our principal was saying. His speech was unimportant to me anyways. I didn't even have to listen to his words. Obviously, he was spewing all this crap about how the school year went by so quickly, our accomplishments of the year, and how proud he is of us to finally have reached promotion.
I fumbled with the complementary keychain in my hands, we were only promoting from middle school after all, so we didn't have those fancy graduation caps. If I had a cap, it probably would have broken from how distracted I was.
A keychain, that's okay.
"…and I present to you, East Middle School's class of 2009!"
We did it, we're in high school.
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"FRESHMAN, up, out of bed!" one of my brothers, Sean, called from the outside of my bedroom as he knocked continuously.
I wanted to just to ignore him. I tried to ignore and hoped to savage just a few more seconds, or minutes of sleep. But, I couldn't block him out, he was just too loud.
"Wake up, rise and shine! Today is all about you!" Michael added noisily.
"Fuck you Kuya, it's only like what," my eyes opened and averted their attention to the red numbers on my alarm, "five in the morning?! Orientation doesn't even start until seven, so why are you even trying to get me out of bed?" I flared back as a buried my head under my pillow to attempt to silence whatever stupid responses my brothers would use next.
"It's a good thing we're at least trying to get your butt out of bed! If it wasn't for us, you'd click the snooze on your alarm so many times, you wouldn't get out of bed. And then, you'd be late." Michael retorted.
Finally, it was silent.
I heard water flowing from the bathroom closest to my room, the one the three of us share. Good. Hopefully, whoever is in the shower will take a long enough for me to fall back into my perfect dreamland.
Only, I couldn't go back to sleep, not after being so rudely awakened.
Damn it.
I heard my door opened, and I was prepared to cuss out either Michael, or Sean, depending on which of them hadn't stepped into the shower.
"Gabrielle," a very calm and sweet voice called out. "Open your eyes and get ready for your orientation."
My given name is Gabriella Mae Montez, but towards the end of this past school year, I decided Gabrielle sounded more mature, and sophisticated. After a bit of time, students, teachers, and my siblings adjusted to the new name and stopped calling me Gabriella.
It definitely wasn't Sean or Michael, the voice was feminine. Oh well, I guess I'll save the cussing for another time.
"Alright, I give up on sleeping longer, when clearly it isn't working out. I'm awake, and today, I'm a freshman." I mumbled as I pushed my blankets off, lifted my body out of my comfort zone, and found myself staring into the face of my older sister, Jasmin.
"I'm going to go downstairs and make everyone some breakfast, okay? Sean just got out of the shower, and Michael is showering right now. You can shower in my bathroom after you pick your clothes." she said as she turned on my light and gently closed the door behind her.
I opened my closet, and tried to allow my eyes to adjust to the light that instantly flooded the room. I grabbed a white tank top, blue and black flannel shirt, dark blue skinny jeans and a black belt that didn't serve the typical purpose of holding my pants up. It just looked pretty when I placed it over my flannel shirt.
Once I picked out my clothes, I stepped into the shower and let the warm water wash my sleepiness away. As I stepped out, I wrapped myself in a towel and started blow-drying my hair. When my hair was completely dry, I straightened my repulsive curls. I loathed my natural hair, and wished I had naturally straight hair like Jasmin.
When my hair was straightened, I grabbed a comb, and some hairspray to tease my top layers. Once my hair looked presentable, I changed into my 'fit and opened the drawer where I kept make-up. I would only use a little bit of eyeliner, to make my eyes look a little prettier than they actually were.
Soon after, I found myself grabbing my backpack for loose papers and textbooks I'd be getting later on. Then, I descended down the stairs to see my brothers sitting comfortably in the kitchen as Jasmin prepared eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, and some orange juice.
"Good morning!" I said happily, awake and alert after that wondrous shower.
"Freshman." Michael and Sean replied in unison, the nerve of those two.
Sean Montez. Michael Montez. They're my older twin brothers, whom I call Kuya respectively. Although, I don't think I should respect them half as much as I do, they're both a pain in my ass. They're upcoming juniors this year school year. Sean is the captain of the football team. Michael is the co-captains of the basketball team, and the other co-captain is unknown to me. Sure, they're nice, on occasion and I know they got my back. But as of right now, I'm only a freshman. They don't plan on letting me forget it.
"Be nice to her." Jasmin scolded as she placed our breakfast onto the table.
"Exactly, you guys were freshman like two years ago! Besides, it's not so bad being a freshman; I'm finally in high school, aren't I?" I said between bites.
Unlike Kuya Sean and Kuya Michael, Ate (Ah-teh) Jasmin is amazing. She's an upcoming junior at Stanford University, and manages to balance her studies, her modeling career, and taking care of us. Since she doesn't start school until November, and we're year round, meaning we start school in July, she's home and keeping the chaos to a minimum.
Our family consists of only the four of us. Our so-called father left us when I was like two, and mom died two years ago from cancer.
Jasmin had barely graduated high school, and if she wanted, she could have just left us behind and lead her life however she wanted without us. But, she didn't. Instead of abandoning her siblings and letting us get sent to our relatives or orphanages she fought to be our guardian and won.
Overall, the word amazing couldn't truly describe Ate Jasmin.
"Ey, Sean, Gabrielle, let's go, or we'll be late!" Michael said smoothly as he gulped his orange juice and grabbed his car keys with his other hand.
I walked over to the shoe cabinet, found my black sandals, and turned to Ate. "Bye!"
In moments, the three of us were sitting in Michael's car and driving to orientation.
It wasn't that they had orientation as well, because obviously they don't. Both of my Kuyas were Link Crew leaders this year. My brothers, being my brothers, hadn't done enough community service yet, and being a Link Crew leader would help them with that. Link Crew leaders are put into teams of two, one girl and one guy. They are suppose to tour the freshman around campus, answer any questions and help them be less nervous and whatnot. Thankfully, neither Sean, nor Michael, is my guide.
"What kind of music is this Elle?!" Sean moaned as one of my favorite songs from the 90's started playing.
"You know it's good, I heard you humming along under your breath, don't deny it Kuya!" I argued back.
Michael kept silent in our argument as he followed the road to East High. Regardless of how the main road was shorter in distant, it usually had more traffic and red lights. So, on the way to and from school, we're always on the back road, no red lights, and less people.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Michael interrupted our argument as he slammed on the breaks.
Some asshole in a nice car swerved in front of us, stopped and completely blocked our way.
"Out." The guy in Aviators said to the blonde, seemingly slutty girl sitting next to him in the car.
"No," she cried, rather melodramatically might I add. "You can't dump me like this. I thought you actually liked me. It hasn't even been a day, and you're already breaking up with me?"
"Serena, you thought wrong. I only went out with you because of a bet. In twenty-four hours I would have your kiss. You aren't even worth the twenty-four hours, not even a challenge." He smoothly replied as he gestured for her to step out of his car.
I burst out of the car and entered their argument. "I can't stand guys like you. You use people for your own personal benefit. Have you taken into consideration how Ms. Serena feels about this? No, you're just being an asshole, and clearly, you have to realize there are more people in this world than you!"
"Miss," he took off his Aviators, and revealed his crystal blue eyes. "This doesn't concern you. This matter is only between Serena and I. So, butt out!"
"On the contrary, it does. My brothers and I are on our way to school, but with you blocking the way, we can't possibly move."
He took a step closer to me, I took one back. He took another, I took another. This continued until I was backed into his car door with no way to move back any further.
"Kuya, let me handle myself, okay?" I said towards the car as I prepared to sock this guy in the face.
But, before I could, I felt his lips press against mine. I could only stand there in shock.
One. Two. Three. Four.
Four seconds of having his lips pressed to mine. Who the hell was this guy?
My first kiss, stolen by him.
I found myself guarded by my brothers as they intervened.
Mr. Aviators acted as if we weren't there as he turned his attention to Serena.
"See, I can so easily replace you. Your kiss, you liking me, it means nothing. Thanks for letting me win my bet though. For that much, I am grateful."
"Look," Michael grabbed him, and turned him so he was clearly paying attention to us. "You can do your little bets to steal girl's kisses, but when did our sister become one of your targets? You met her like three fucking minutes ago and you already pressed your lips to hers. You're a good guy, I know you are and we haven't interfered with your bets before. Lip-locking with our sister, without her consent, that just makes you a bastard."
Sean grabbed Serena's hand and led her to our car. "You don't need to be with him, believe me." He said as he opened the car door and she stepped in.
"Kindly, move your car, so we can drive to school." I added as I got into the car.
Michael said a few words; I couldn't make out the rest of the conversation. Then, he moved his car and we continued the drive to school.
We turned the music off, and the ride was pretty much silent from there.
As we entered East High's parking lot, I saw my friends standing in a deformed circle. I laughed, and when Kuya Michael parked, my brothers, Serena and I opened our doors and got out.
I kissed both of them on the cheek, and said "Bye see you later," as I walked towards the group and the three of them walked to the Gym. My friends and I would be walking there later.
"Good luck!" they chimed back.
"Hey!" I smiled as I neared everyone.
"Elle, I didn't think your brothers could get more gorgeous. But, somehow, they did! But, who is that chick walking next to them?" Sharpay Evans exclaimed, drooling over my Kuyas distant images and curious about Serena.
"Don't worry about Serena, I just met her today, she seemed pretty broken, so we gave her a ride here. We'll probably give her a ride home, or she'll find one, I don't even know."
And EW. I made a gagging motion. My brothers? Gross.
Then, I noticed her usual brown locks were transformed. They were a golden blonde and made her brown eyes pop out.
"You went blonde without even telling me?!" I shrieked. My voice went up a few notes, but it wasn't like I intended for it to do that.
She shrugged and turned her attention away from my Kuyas. "Blondes have more fun, and it is high school after all. Something different never hurt anyone." She countered in a "duh" tone.
"She's right, blonde is what it's about." Her older brother, Ryan agreed.
Ryan Evans was a sophomore and one of our drama club's choreographers. His best friend, Chad Danforth, was also a sophomore and member of the basketball team.
For reasons unknown, Ryan and Chad managed to snag two spots as Link Crew leaders, even though most of the guides were juniors or seniors.
Ryan ended up with naturally blonde hair, while Sharpay received her brown locks from the gene pool. But, it was like a medium brown, definitely not like my weird color, so dark brown, it could be considered black.
The rest of the group consisted of Kelsi Nielson, a shy girl with auburn hair, glasses, and a talent for music. She was Ryan's girlfriend of half a year. Then, there was Taylor McKessie, my best friend since fourth grade, known for her intelligence, ability to speak her mind, and variety of colorful headbands. Jason Cross, another member of the basketball team, and one of the funniest, and sweetest guys I know. Richelle Ma has all the news on the hottest Asian dramas and Asian boy bands, although, none of us are into that kind of stuff, we let her ramble on because she wouldn't be Richelle without her Asian-ness. Her newest obsession is Autumn's Concerto, some Taiwanese drama or something like that. And lastly, there's Isaac Han, first chair in East Middle's violin section of orchestra, Richelle's boyfriend, and music composer, like Kelsi.
We're an odd bunch of people that you wouldn't expect to be close. Somehow, we are though. In the end, even though I can't bring food without it disappearing somewhere in the group, they keep me sane and I definitely love them for it.
"Alright, let's go before orientation starts without us!" Taylor suggested as the rest of us nodded in agreement.
The ten of us walked towards the gymnasium, and the eight freshman of our group found seats towards the middle of the bleachers, close enough to hear, but not so close that we'd have people stepping on us trying to get up higher.
In the next ten minutes, the bleachers were packed with freshman, all awaiting the start of orientation. It was then I turned my head and saw him.
Him. The cocky bastard who stole my first kiss not an hour earlier.
"Damn, he's here." I muttered under my breath.
"Who?" Taylor asked.
I described him. "That guy wearing Aviators, and walking towards all the link crew people on the other side of the gym. Shaggy brown hair, white Nikes, you can't miss him."
She couldn't respond because Mr. Matsui, the principal started to speak.
"What team?" he said into the mike, intending for us to follow the school's chant.
"Wildcats!" we screamed back.
"What team?"
"Wildcats!"
"Wildcats." Mr. Matsui repeated.
"Get your head in the game!" The class of 2013, Link Crew Leaders, and faculty exclaimed in unison.
"Welcome, class of 2013, to your freshman orientation. In my mind, there are three kinds of people in high school. As I explain, please think of which category you belong in."
Kuya Sean and some chick walked up to Mr. Matsui.
"There are people like Sean Montez. He's the captain of the football team, maintains a 3.6 average, and takes advantage of all the opportunities East High provides."
Sean winked and with his "Montez Charm" probably managed to make a couple girls in the audience swoon. He calls it his Montez Charm, but I call it a huge ass ego.
"There are people like Audrey Marines. She's on the volleyball team, homecoming committee and when there's an event to be planned, you can always find her right there, helping out. These two students get involved, they're the ones you see front and center because they choose to be there"
Exactly, I would see my brothers front and center, they crave attention, but not in a bad way.
Mr. Matsui spoke once more. "Can we have ten volunteers from the audience? Five boys and five girls?"
Of the five boys, I only knew one of them. He was this guy who always got in trouble in English last year.
For the girls, I somehow ended up down there when I didn't even volunteer. Sean's fault no doubt. At least, I knew one girl, Andrea. I wasn't completely alone in this weird activity.
Audrey had a mike and turned it on. "For this activity, we'll be hugging to pop balloons. When Mr. Matsui blows his whistle, one guy at a time will run towards me and we'll hug until the balloon pops. Girls, you'll be running towards Sean."
"Yuck." I stuck out my tongue at Sean, like I would want close body contact with my brother.
We lined ourselves up and I found myself the first one in line. The whistle blew and I charged towards my brother. I could try to tackle him to break the balloon faster.
"Kuya, you need better smelling cologne."
"I love you too baby sister." He smirked as we popped our balloon and I ran to the back of the line.
In the end, we won and Mr. Matsui turned his mike on again.
"There are people like you in the bleachers who watch the activities without quite getting involved. And, then there are people who don't care, letting their lives flash before them. They go without even watching or getting involved in what their high school has to offer. During your four years here, you have a choice on who you want to be."
I found myself back with my group of friends. Mr. Matsui was definitely better at speeches than our middle school principal. Matsui's speech was brief and meaningful. The other speech, like from promotion, was a load of bullshit that just wouldn't end.
"So, the first row, please come down and get your schedule and name tag. The number on your name tag corresponds with a number on the wall. The two people under that number are your link crew leaders."
Soon, our row was called and I picked up my schedule.
The little half sheet of paper read:
Gabriella Mae Montez
Period 1: Japanese ½ – Tanaka
Period 2: World Geography – Potter
Period 3: English – Brooke
Period 4: PE – Willow
Period 5: Biology Acc – Loera
Period 6: Geometry Acc – Shinee
I got Link Crew Leaders 43, so did Isaac, and just my luck, Mr. Aviator-and-White-Nikes was my Link Crew leader. In a moment's time, there were seven of us total.
Link Crew leaders were supposed to have something that distinguishes them from the rest of the other groups, like hats, whistles or something.
Mr. Aviator gave us each superman capes and led us out of the gym.
"We're supposed to go to room 401, right?" the girl questioned.
"Oh, I don't know, read the paper in your hands." Isaac muttered as I laughed quietly.
"Yeah, that's what the paper says." He replied.
"Let me see your schedule." Isaac said as he grabbed it out of my hands.
I looked over his shoulder and compared as well.
"English, PE, and Geometry, not bad, at least I know someone." I declared as I snatched my schedule back.
In the next few seconds, we found ourselves in room 401, organizing the desks so we could sit in a circle in the middle.
"Let's start by introducing ourselves. Say your name and something about yourself, it doesn't have to be personal, okay?" the girl explained, like we were five or something.
She continued. "I'm Vanessa Song, a senior, and I love The Notebook."
In my mind, I classified her as one of those typical sappy girls, who loved romance, and cried while eating ice cream.
Mr. Aviator was next. "I'm Troy Bolton, junior, and I think the girl wearing blue and black over there looks pretty cute right now."
He winked. I gagged. Isaac laughed.
The other three freshmen were Annabelle Moroz, Stephan Vaseli, and Andrew Chavez. I didn't really pay attention to what they were saying. It's not that I was trying to be rude or whatever, but at least I caught their names.
"Hi, I'm Gabriella Montez, call me Gabrielle, freshman, and I hate when people don't care about how what they do affects others."
Clearly, I was talking about Bolton.
"I'm Isaac Han, freshman, and I think Elle needs to share her food."
"Does anyone have any questions before we start the tour?" Troy asked.
We shook our heads no and everyone stood up to follow our Link Crew leaders out.
"This is the gym, and the locker rooms are to the left. Girls' locker room up the left side of the ramp, boys up the right. You only need to take PE for two years, unless you don't pass the fitness test. If you don't pass, you have to take Fitness for Life until you do pass it." Vanessa explained.
As Vanessa was explaining everything, Troy was silent. After a few minutes, he was standing next to me, and I was speeding up.
Isaac followed my pace, and so did Troy.
"Why are you ignoring me?" he questioned.
"You play with girl's hearts, and you kiss people you don't even know. Look, don't take it personally, but I don't want to associate with people like you." I paused. "Then again, just take it personally. My words should sink into your thick-headed skull."
"You know him?" Isaac mouthed.
I shuddered in response and replied "Unfortunately."
"Who says I'd play with your heart?"
I kept my voice low so Isaac couldn't hear me. "I didn't know you for three minutes, you kissed me. You broke up with Serena after not being with her for a day. You were with her to steal her kiss, and you've done it. You've messed with her feelings, and made her believe you actually liked her. Sorry Bolton, I'm not giving you that opportunity with me. Mess with me, and you will have all the Montez's against you."
"Are you so sure of that Gabriella?"
"It's Gabrielle." I replied icily and grabbed Isaac so we could walk away from him.
During the tour, we walked towards the library to pick up our textbooks.
Fuck, five textbooks, they didn't even fit all the way in my backpack. I put Japanese, English, and World Geography in my backpack and carried Geometry and Biology in my arms.
"God, why did we have to pick up textbooks first, I'll be sore and sweaty by the time orientation is over." Annabelle complained.
"I know, so fucking heavy." Andrew agreed.
After picking up our textbooks, Vanessa led us to the dance studio where we would be taking our yearbook and student I.D pictures.
My brothers did their touring together, so it wasn't too much of a surprise when I saw their two groups in the dance studio with us.
"Save me!" I yelled at my brothers.
They threw questioning glances as they noticed Troy was my Link Crew leader. Then, even though my intention was very much noticeable, I walked over to my brothers' groups.
"She is supposed to be with us!" Vanessa exclaimed when she saw me walk over.
"Montez charm." I whispered as my brothers used a little bit of flirting to keep me with them.
Take that Troy Bolton.
After pictures, buying PE clothes, and all that stuff, I was sitting back in the bleachers with the rest of the freshman class.
"Education is like money," Matsui held up a dollar. "small amounts like this don't seem like much."
He ripped the dollar and there really wasn't much of a reaction.
"Then, after a period of time, you get more money, like this $20 bill. But, if you choose to throw away your education, it's like choosing to rip all of your money up."
Mr. Matsui then prepared to rip up the $20 when my brother came sprinting towards him screaming "NO, you can buy food with that money!"
Matsui stopped ripping the money and gave it to my brothers as if it were nothing. And to him, it probably wasn't that much compared to what he made a month or year.
Then, after a few more words, the last part of orientation came to an end. We were dismissed by rows again, and I said my goodbyes to my friends as I walked towards my Michael's car.
There would be time for comparing schedules and being nervous about the upcoming school year later. For now, I had more important things on my mind.
"How was orientation freshman?" Sean questioned.
"Now you're all grown up, aren't you freshman?" Michael added.
Freshman. They'll never let me forget it.