Disclaimer: This goes for the whole story. I don't own Shiver or anything related to it.

A/N: Hi! This is just a short chapter to start off the story. I really hope you like it, and please review!

Liz

"Bye Liz! Have fun! I'll pick you up right here at 2:46!" my mom yelled as I walked from the curb to the bus. It was just like her to check the schedule and see exactly when I'm supposed to get off. I hopped up the stairs and sat in a seat towards the middle. I didn't want to look to eager by sitting in the front, but all the cool kids sat in the back. Needless to say, I'm not part of the cool kids' group.

I unzipped my backpack and brought out my favorite book, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. It was one I've read a thousand times, and will probably read a thousand more times. I moved closer to the window, so that there would be room for my best friend, Bonnie.

I was lost in the book as I felt someone sit next to me. I snapped Shiver shut and looked up, surprised. Bonnie was grinning at me.

"YOU GOT YOUR BRACES OFF!" I shrieked. Bonnie had braces since sixth grade. We were going into tenth grade now. Without her braces, she looked great. She was a complete contrast to me. While I was barely 5'2, she was 5'8 and half. She had beautiful, straight blond hair and a tan, and I had wavy brown hair and was pale. She had emerald green eyes, I had sapphire blue. We weren't the most beautiful people in school, but neither of us was bad looking.

"I KNOW!" she shrieked back. She took out a king size Snickers bar from her messenger bag, unwrapped it, and took a big bite. She was the queen of candy, and missed eating chewy things when she had her braces. Then she grabbed a bag of skittles and tossed it onto my lap. I shot her a grin as I tore open the red bag. I fed myself as I read for the rest of the ride, and only looked up when Bonnie stole a skittle and threw it at my head.

"We're here," she said with a 100-watt smile. We walked off the bus and into the heat. The weather wasn't unusual for Virginia. We made our way to the auditorium, where we received our schedules. I went to my first class, Algebra 2. I took a seat in the middle, because the same rules applied as on the bus. I looked to my left. A boy absentmindedly slid into the seat next to me. He was about 5'9, 5'10, with tanned skin and spiky dark hair. He looked at me with striking hazel eyes. I quickly looked away, because someone that good looking had to be popular, and I didn't want to be caught staring at him. It occurred to me, however, that I hadn't seen him before this class. Maybe he was new? I didn't let it bother me for long. As soon as the teacher walked in, I opened Shiver and hid it under the desk. I read for the entire class, losing myself in the world of Sam and Grace.

I jumped as the bell rang. I noticed Bonnie waiting for me outside, and we continued through the day. The rest of the day was normal, as was the rest of the week. I learned that Mystery Boy's name was Brian, but that's it. I didn't know anything else about him. We never talked or acknowledged each other in class, and I didn't really mind. I could have sworn, though, that on the third day of school I caught him staring at me.

Brian

I was grateful for the heat. This year I was going to try to stay in school for as long as possible, which meant I had to stay warm for as long as possible. I got off my bus and pulled on a sweatshirt as I walked in to the air-conditioned high school. I could never be too careful. I went to the auditorium and got my schedule.

I listened to tidbits of conversations as I walked to my first class, Algebra 2.

"Like, omigawd, did you hear about Kelley?" said the girl who passed me on the left.

"Yes! She's, like, dating Jim!" said the girl next to her. Somehow, I knew they were cheerleaders. I winced as they squealed. Every other conversation I eavesdropped on was about the same. Kelley and Jim must be really popular. I also noticed that I stopped a few girls' discussions. I never gave much thought to how I looked, but I guess the girls liked me. Or maybe it was just the fact that I was the mysterious new guy?

I walked into class and slid into a random seat. When I looked at my neighbor, I saw she was a cute girl. She quickly looked away from me when our eyes made contact. I assumed she was shy. We didn't talk to each other at all; we barely even recognized each other's existence. That was fine with me. It's hard enough to have this…curse. I don't need a girlfriend, or any friends for that matter.

The rest of the week was normal. Every now and then I sneaked glances at the girl in Algebra, who I learn was named Liz. If only I was a normal guy. Then I could be popular, have friends… I stopped that thought. There was no use saying "if only, if only." I will forever be burdened with this condition.