Paige Elizabeth McCullers, was a girl who hate surprises, and for good reason too. The worst surprises were birthday surprises, because for her nothing really ever goes as planned. On her 13th birthday her mom was killed by a drunk driver, on her way home trying to make it to her birthday. Not to mention on her 15th birthday her girlfriend who she loved cheated on her with her brother. So, no when asked if she likes surprises, the answer will forever be now…..until it isn't.

:

I woke up to the sound that killed my happy place. Or at least one of four of my happy places. I slap my alarm clock and notice it's 5:00. I get up with a sigh and get ready for my run.

My family just moved in a few weeks ago, this summer. I try to keep to myself as much as I possibly can.I don't leave the house, unless it's absolutely necessary, or unless I'm going for a run. The only person that's not my family that I've even interacted with was is a girl I run with.

Well, I guess you can't really say interact because we never really talk, just run. To be honest I don't mind at all. The first time I went for a run, I felt someone coming up from behind me. After getting over my minor heart attack from the strange brunette with the intense eyes, and playing it cool I just ran a little faster. To my surprise, the taller brunette actually kept up with me. Which was quite a shock considering not many people are able to keep up with me, and so from then on it became a silent agreement that we would run with each other.

So, it's 5:30, and I'm waiting for my running buddy with my water bottle in hand, music in ears. Music is my safe haven right after swimming. Yeah, I'm a swimmer and I'm pretty damn good, if I say so myself. I was number one in my old school. I'm hoping that I will still be able to swim in Rosewood High the new school I'm attending, and everything will be fine. I mean swimming is serious shit, you can't just expect to be all new girling it up and be a really good swimmer like me. Not everyone likes being showed up by the new girl. I saw first and in my old school, but that's not something I want to dwindle on.

I'm scrolling through my playlist in search of the song I want to run to. when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I look up, and I see intense eyes looking right at me. I give a small smile and nod in the direction of the trail, and she nods her head in agreement. We take off sprinting through the woods.

By the time we're done my lungs are burning, and I love it. I chug the water like it's the last time I'll be able to. I look at the taller brunette when I'm done, about to give a nod saying I'm gonna go when her lips looks like they are about to speak.

"You going to Rosewood High right?" she asks, and her voice sounds a little raspy.

"Um, yeah actually I am. You go there?" I ask back.

"Yeah, I'm Spencer Hastings."She says standing up a little straighter, sounding extremely confident.

"Oh, uh Paige McCullers. I'm going to be new in case you haven't noticed." I say not really knowing what else to say. I mean give me a break here, this is the longest conversation we've ever had

"Oh, I know. I just want to wish you good luck on your first day of school." Spencer says, starting to back away slowly.

"Am I really gonna need that luck?" I ask, trying to figure out how this school year will turn out.

"Oh, trust me, you will." and with that she turns away.

:

I get out of bed and starts to get ready for morning swim practice with a groan. I love swimming, but I just wish I could have gotten a few more hours of sleep. Last night was horrible, Samarah and I had a huge fight and we ended up breaking up because of it. I spent nearly almost all night bawling my eyes out talking to Hanna on the phone about.

After changing into a simple pair of light blue jeans and pulling on my yellow top I grab my things and drive to practice.

I quickly change and say a couple of "hi's to my fellow Sharks that like me don't need to tryout because we've been on the team since freshman year. I hurry out the locker room, because I'm so excited to be back in the water. I've been swimming over the summer so I probably shouldn't be this excited, but it's just something about this swimming season that just has me feeling so anxious and excited.

"Alright, welcome back ladies." Coach Fulton begins."Next week we will begin tryouts for the new swimmers. Don't forget to spread the word. I hope you are ready to bring your A game, and have been practicing over the summer. Now let's see some laps."

And with that coach blows her whistle, I prepare to dive in the water, and finally escape to the inviting blue liquid….

After swim practice, I meet the girls at Spencer's locker.

"Emily!" Hanna squeals and gives me a bone- crushing hug. Followed by A warm hug from Aria, and another one from Spencer.

"How are you doing after last night?" Spencer asks with concern. Good, so Han already caught them up. so I don't have to relive the whole thing again. Thank God.

"I'm...okay. Dealing with it. I'll be fine though." I say giving Spencer a small smile.

Sensing I wanted a change of topic, Hanna changes the subject, taking the light off me."Hey did you guys know there's going to be a new student attending here?"

"Oh, McCullers? Yeah, I've already met her." Spencer says quickly.

"Wow, that's kind of sad don't you think. To have McCullers as a first name. I mean seriously that couldn't have been here last name?" Hanna says seeming truly sad over it.

We all just stare at her for a moment in silence."Hanna, if you weren't one of my best friends I would punch you. McCullers is her last name!" Spencer shouted breaking the silence.

"Oh...well why didn't you just say the new girl's first name in the first place?" Hanna says, while me, and Aria chuckle at their banter.

As they continue, with Aria being the voice of reason trying to stop it my eyes drift. My breath hitches, as they lock sight at who must be the new girl. I mean I know it probably sounds cliche but I know I'd absolutely never forget seeing her face because she is really hot. She talking to a girl, well more like listening to a girl whom name I believe is Pru. I take this time to check her out. She has long auburn hair that's a little curled at the end. Her arms looks amazing, she must be an athlete. She has warm creamy pale skin that I wouldn't mind kissing all day. She's wearing black skinny jeans with a plain white V-neck shirt that seem to hug her body perfectly. I start to wonder what was under that shirt. I wanted to take off-"Emily!" Hanna shouted.

"What!" I snapped.

"Whoa calm down Em, I was just trying to get your attention. You've been staring at the hot new girl for like years." Hanna says sounding a little hurt.

"I'm sorry Han." I sigh. "And I was not staring at her, I was simply observing her."

Spencer then was about to make a comment when the bell start to separate, agreeing to meet up at lunch for at our usual seat. I take a quick look back at the new girl and I feel my heart skip a beat as we lock eyes. I feel an electric shock as I continue to stare into those beautiful chocolate eyes,

Yeah this school year, will definitely be different.