Us Against the World

Prologue

September at last. As much as he hated to admit it, Danny was glad to be back in school. There had been too

much time between ghost fighting and awkward family moments. Who was he kidding, ever since he and Sam had started

going out, life at home was nothing but awkward moments. He sighed as he slid into his desk and looked around, actually

soaking up the atmosphere with a smile on his face. "Dude, you're here early," Somewhere from outer space came Tucker's

voice, and as Danny pulled himself from his thoughts, he met his best friend's smile, along with his girlfriend's. She had her

hand on his shoulder, and was gazing at him lovingly. The idea was enough to make him return the sentiment as he reached up

and took her hand, giving it a small squeeze. "What happened to us all coming together this morning?" She asked, noticing

the look Tucker was shooting them after a moment. "Mom and Dad made me leave early this morning, something about

starting off the school year on the right foot."

Tucker looked around and shrugged, grinning. "Anyways. Looks like everyone from last year's homeroom is here."

He wrinkled his nose in confusion. "Except someone is missing." Just then Star strode in and took her seat, looking around.

"Where's Val? She's never late on the first day." Both Tucker and Sam's eyes flew to Danny to see his reaction, mostly out

of habit, but they were pleasantly surprised to find only a curious look grace his features. "Weird. I'm sure she'll be here

soon enough though."

"Not likely Mr. Fenton," Came Mr. Lancer's voice from the doorway as the bell rung. "Miss Grey moved away

over the summer, her father accepted a better paying job out of state. Now please take your seats, I'll be calling roll today."

Tucker shot a look back at the disappointed Star before turning back with a grin. "I think I'm gonna have a new desk this

year, have fun you two." Sam watched him as he took his seat next to Star, carefully watching her facial expressions to see if

he was safe for the time being, before picking up her bag and moving it to Tucker's old desk. "Strange isn't it, looks like she

didn't even tell her best friend," Danny murmured, as their classmate's names were called over their heads. Sam chanced a

look back at Danny, worried about what she would find etched into his features. Her fears were quickly displaced, as she met

calm blue eyes, with maybe just a hint of sympathy in them. And affection. But not towards Valerie. He was looking at her. A

slight blush warmed her cheeks and she hastily turned her attention back to Mr. Lancer. There was nothing to worry about,

nothing at all.