Disclaimer: As much as I would like to, I do not own Friday Night Lights or any of it's characters. I only own my OC's.

Full summary:

Charlie is new in town. Her father's the new assistant coach. On the outside life seems perfect, but in reality it's far from it. She fights her inner demons every day. Will she learn to trust a kindred spirit? Someone know knows all about inner demons?

Rating:

Begins as K. MA in later chapters.

This is my first attempt at a fanfiction. I would love reviews. Let me know what I'm doing wrong… or right! Thanks! xo

** CHAPTER 1

Charlie was early to her first class at Dillon High. She liked to be early. She hated walking in on her first day, to a room full of people, having them stare at her, the teacher announces the new girl, blah, blah, blah. She had already introduced herself to her teacher, and explained her dislike for the new-girl-introduction. He teacher was very understanding, and promised to make it as painless as possible. They'd get along just fine. Just as she took her seat in the second last row, students began to file into the room.

She busied herself with getting her books and pen from her bag, but she could feel their eyes on her. She simply looked up, and gave a small smile to those whose eyes she caught. She could do this. She's an expert at this by now. She looked at the newest arrival and found a familiar face. Julie Taylor. She had met her the night before at a welcome dinner for her father. The Taylors had invited the new assistant coach and his daughter to dinner. She had taken to them on sight. Very warm, and personable, she and Julie had hit it off over their love of books and Julie's interest in Charlie's passion for photography.

Julie looked up and broke into a wide smile. "Hey!" she beamed, dropping her bag onto the table next to Charlie. "I was hoping we'd have some classes together. Are you nervous? You shouldn't be nervous. Generally people here are nice. Did you find your way around the school ok? I really like your top!" Charlie laughed softly at the tirade and tucked her hair behind her ear. She was about to reply when the teacher stood up and shushed them.

"Good morning class. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Just quickly, I'd like to mention the new addition to our class. Charlie Pippen has joined us from Memphis, and I hope you make her all feel very welcome". As the teacher turned towards the blackboard, a sea of heads turned towards Charlie. She looked down at her notebook, then spared a glance at Julie, who pulled a face and stuck her tongue out. Charlie laughed softly again, and tuned in to today's lesson.

**Tim's POV**

He closed his locker with a slam, startling the kids at the neighbouring lockers. They stared at him for a second or two then quickly averted their eyes. Tim Riggins' anger is not something they wanted directed at them. He began to walk down the hall to class, nodding to his team mates along the way. "Heeeey Tim", chorused the rally girls. A quick nod was their only reply. It was enough for them, though, and their giggles made his inwardly cringe.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He was angry. He was trying to do better in school, and Billy was riding his ass for it at home. Trying to be all encouraging and supportive. It was driving him mad. The extra study was keeping him up at night, and his game was suffering. He was coping flak from the coaches, flak from his teachers, flak from Billy... he just wanted to drown his annoyance in a six-pack, but, oh no, he's given up drinking too! Maybe he'd go shooting tonight. Work off some of that anger.

He walked into his class just as the teacher was closing the door. As he was making his way to his usual seat in the back row, he noticed Julie Taylor talking to someone he didn't recognise. Had he met her before? Maybe when he was trashed? Nah...surely he would have remembered seeing her around. That hair and the nice frontage she had goin' on in that top.. Yeah, he would have remembered her. He took his seat behind Taylor, and had a good view of the new girl's profile. She had some nice lips. Full, inviting...damn, she was a looker. She'll be a hit with the male population at the school, for sure.

Their teacher turned around and began to introduce the new girl. Damn! She was the new assistant coach's daughter?? The old Riggins wouldn't have cared. He would have had her in the supply closet by the end of the day, but the new and improved Riggins knew that he didn't want to piss off the new coach. He needed the coaches on his side for college references. At that moment, she laughed at something Taylor said or did, the low husky sound making him narrow his eyes at her. Did she realise how sexy it was?! He just sighed, ran a hand through his hair and relaxed into his seat. This was not going to be easy.

"Ok class. Don't forget to do your homework, and tomorrow I'll outline the new, partnered assignment. Enjoy the rest of your day". The began to pack away their books and make their way to the door when the teacher called out "Charlie. Hang about and I'll give you the work you need to catch up on." Charlie made her way to the teacher while Julie leaned against a desk to wait for her.

As Charlie watched the teacher shuffle through various papers, she heard, "Hey Tim", and the low, gravely reply, "What's shakin' Taylor?" She looked up in time to see a glimpse of long hair and plaid, disappear out the door. 'Nice voice' she though to herself.

Her teacher handed her an envelope and took a couple of minutes to explain things to her. Once they were out in the hall again, Charlie let out a sigh. When Julie looked at her, she grinned. "This envelope is not small or light. And it's only my first lot of make-up work.. this is going to be hell!". Julie chucked and offered to help wherever she could.

"What's your next class? Maybe we have something else together.." Charlie wrestled her schedule from her bag and handed it to Julie. "Hmm.. you have biology next and a free period after that, while I have PE and Chem. We have lunch together though. Did you want to go to the library during your free to start your work, and I'll swing past and pick you up for lunch?"

"Sound like a plan, 99". The girls laughed and parted ways, Charlie's heart feeling a little lighter. She was beginning to like Dillon. Hopefully most people are as nice as Julie. Her next class passed without incident, and Charlie had her head buried in a mountain of work when Julie found her in the library. "Hey, you ready to eat?"

"Starving", came Charlie's reply, as she started packing away her books. "Do you mind if we stop off at my locker and off load these? My arms are killing me already!" Laughing, they made their way out of the library, to Charlie's locker. They linked arms and headed towards the cafeteria. "So, partnered assignments in English, huh? Any idea who I'll get stuck with?"

Julie's brow furrowed as she tried to work out the last names of the kids in their class. "Ok, you'll either get Gordy or Tim. Cross your fingers that you get Tim, 'cos Gordy has a sinus problem and always smells like Vicks and moth balls!" They broke into loud laughter, gaining the attention of those around them in the hall. The boys gawked with interest at the new girl, with the long red hair, bright green eyes and big smile. The two girls, oblivious to the stares around them, continued laughing as they pushed the doors open to the cafeteria. The grabbed their trays and joined the cue of lunch-goers.

They slowly made their was down the line, grabbing things here and there, when from behind Charlie she heard, "So you're the new assistant coach's daughter, huh?"

'Oh that voice', she though to herself 'Lord help me!' She turned and took in the plaid, the long hair and the green eyes. "If you believe the last name", she grinned and reached for an apple off the shelf.

He chuckled and held out his hand. "Tim Riggins..."

Nodding, "First string, Fullback", she stated while slipping her hand in his. His touch was warm and strong, and the hair on the back of her neck raised. When he regarded her with a questioning look, she grinned and explained that her dad likes to know all of the players on his team, so she helps him learn them.

He returned her grin and reached for a bottle of water. "Nice meeting you, Pippen", and with that he left them in the line.

When she turned back she saw Julie turn away with a smile. "What are you grinning at?"

"Me? Nothing!" came the indignant reply.

"Yeah right! Don't get any ideas in that pretty little head of yours, missy!" They laughed as they made their way to an empty table.