I got a burrito for lunch. The guy, in the "Grub Truck", was rather… odd. Then again, I saw some very odd people, over the past few periods. I had no idea how strange it was gonna get.

Tori walked towards a table, where Andre, a boy with an afro and… puppet, a scary-looking girl and a cute boy were sitting. I thought I recognized them from some of the classes. However, I hadn't had time to get to know anyone or even remember who each person was. She sat beside Andre and made room for me to sit beside her.

"Hey, guys," she greeted.

"Hey," said the cute boy.

"Aloha," said the puppet.

Scary girl didn't even look up. "I'm not your friend."

I glanced at Tori, who rolled her eyes. She looked at me, gesturing to the people.

"Gwen, you know Andre. This is Jade, Beck, Robbie and Rex."

Rex, the puppet, gave a wave. "What's up, hot cake?"

My eyes narrowed.

"Rex," scolded Robbie.

The puppet "looked" at Robbie. "I say what I think."

I looked back at Tori with confusion. She only shook her head.

Andre changed the subject. "Where're you from, Gwen?"

"Well… I was born in Ireland, but I've lived in America for six years, Ireland for ten years and… well, other places."

"Her dad's in the military," added Tori, giving an explanation.

Beck looked intrigued. "What did he do?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, to be honest. He never told us."

"Maybe it was top secret," said Robbie. "You know, battle plans."

Just then, a bright red-head walked over, sitting beside Robbie. "Hi, everyone."

"What's up, little red," asked Andre.

She held up a thin, rectangular object. "My parents gave me my credit card back!"

My one brow rose. The girl had a credit card? What were parents not giving their kids, these days?

"Cat, this is Gwen," said Tori, gesturing to me.

The tiny girl gave a little gasp. "Is it short for Guinevere?"

"No, just Gwen," I answered.

Her lips stuck out and she lowered her head. "Oh, phewy."

I looked at the others, but they were just as confused as I was. "I'm sorry?"

"I've always wanted a red-haired friend named Guinevere," she pouted.

Jade leaned forward. "Too much dye."

I was still confused, but brushed it off.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters," asked Tori.

I nodded. "I have two older brothers, an older sister, two younger sisters and a little brother."

"That's a lot of kids," stated Beck. He reached down to pick up his pizza. "Do you have a big house?"

I swallowed. "Yeah."

Jade stood up. "I'm leaving."

Beck rolled his eyes, as she walked off. I leaned forward.

"Is she always-?"

"Yes," said everyone.

I looked at everyone for a moment, but then got back to my food. The others started talking about schoolwork and teachers. I looked at each of them. Tori was in super-short jean shorts and a tank top, while Cat was wearing a super small dress, leaving her legs bare up to mid-thigh. I glanced down at my clothing, wondering how these girls would take to me, after a while.

"Are any of your brothers and sisters in the school," asked Tori.

I nodded. "Only my older brother and sister, Kayla and Garrett. They're twins."

Cat gasped again. "I'd love to be a twin!"

"One Cat's enough," muttered Andre.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Beck continued. "So, what talent do you and they have?"

Tori turned to me. "Yeah, you never told me what got you into Hollywood Arts in the first place."

"Well," I said, clearing my throat, "Kayla and Garrett play both play the electric and acoustic guitar, they sing great and they act."

"And you," asked Andre.

I swallowed. "Well… I sing and play some piano, but… well, that's it."

"Is something wrong with that," asked Beck, noticing my pauses.

I shook my head. "No. I'm just not as talented as they are. I was surprised that I was put here in the first place."

"If you got here, then you are good," pointed out Andre. "They don't let just anyone get into this school."

"Yeah," said Tori, putting an arm around me. "Don't be putting yourself down on your first day."

I knew they were right, but I couldn't help but still feel insignificant in this place. Things were so different here. It was hot and full of rich people with mansions. I guess my family fit in that category now. I knew I never would fit in, though.

Just then, a girl bounced by. "Hey, Tori. Tori's friends."

We all looked at the girl with confusion, except for Tori.

"That's my sister," said Tori, her head resting on her fist.

"And we pity you," muttered Rex, the puppet.

Beck nodded. "A lot."

After a moment, I stood with my trash. "I'm going in."

Tori turned. "Do you want me to come with you?"

I shrugged. "I'll be fine."

"Ok. I'll meet you in there."

I walked away, letting out a sigh. Lord, what am I doing here?

The last class was over before I knew it. Tori and I walked back to our lockers, trying to get through the gaggles of students. I had finally learned Tori's story. She really was amazing.

Jade and Beck were standing nearby. Tori leaned over, upon seeing Jade's face.

"What," asked the scary girl?

"Do you have another nose piercing," asked Tori, her eyes narrowed.

"Yes," she responded.

Her brows furrowed, as she pushed a finger against it. "Does it hurt?"

"Don't touch," screeched Jade, slapping the hand away.

I couldn't help but giggle a bit.

"Hey, Gwen!"

Garrett and Kayla walked over, obviously ready to go.

"I'll be there in a minute," I said, putting books in my locker.

"I'm timing you," warned Garrett, holding out his watch.

I rolled my eyes, as they walked away. When I turned towards Tori and the others, they were staring at my siblings' path.

"Ahem," I uttered.

They turned towards me, their eyes wide.

"T-that was your brother," sputtered Tori.

I nodded. "And my sister."

Jade walked over to me, staring into my eyes. "Your brother is beautiful."

My brows rose. "Pardon?"

Robbie appeared, his mouth wide open in a smile and his eyes even wider. "I've just seen an angel!"

Rex nodded. "Yeah. A hot angel."

I narrowed my eyes at the puppet.

"You can look at me funny, but it's true."

I knew that it was true. My siblings were always popular and adored by all. I gave a slight shrug, lifting my backpack over my shoulder.

"I'd better go," I said.

Tori grabbed my shoulder. "Wait! How are you gonna decorate your locker?'

I looked at the bare door for a moment. "I'm not sure yet."

A car horn honked. I recognized the high-pitched ending and walked towards the door.

"Bye, Tori," I called.

"See ya tomorrow!"

I swallowed. Yeah. Sure.

Dinner was never silent, in my house. The younger kids would be talking at once and we older kids would be trying to reach over everyone to grab some food. When my parents would lay down the law, though, the table would go silent.

Tonight was no exception. After Gael, one of the younger girl twins, had spilled her milk, Mom and Dad told everyone to calm down. Silence followed.

Tristan, the youngest, looked at Kayla from across the table. "How was acting school?"

Mom looked over at us. "Yes. You've hardly said a word, you three."

I was playing my broccoli and steak, pushing them to the side and then back again. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Garrett poking Kayla into talking. She glared at him, but then relented.

"It was different," she answered. She stabbed her fork into a piece of steak. "You'd think that it was bikini season."

Dad gave a slight chuckle. "Kayla."

"It's true," she exclaimed. "Garrett, tell them."

He raised his hands. "Don't look at me."

"Well, anyway," sighed Kayla. "Some of the kids are nice, actually. I met an eleventh grader named Judson. He goes to the Christ Community Church."

I could see relief in Mom's eyes. She smiled at Dad, before taking a bite broccoli.

"We also have to decorate our lockers," added Garrett. He rolled his eyes. "So stupid."

"It sounds creative," said Mom.

"He's just grumpy because he actually has to be artistic," said Shannon, the other twin.

"I sing and play guitar," he stated. "I'm artistic enough that I could be degraded among the jocks."

Kayla's brows furrowed. "Don't you end up being one of the jocks anyway?"

"How was the tenth grade, Gwen?"

I looked up, startled by my Dad talking to me. Everyone was quiet now, waiting for my response. I ran my fork into a noodle.

"It was fine."

Dad leaned forward. "You don't seem to be excited about it. Did you meet people?"

I shrugged. "A few."

Kayla leaned over. "You were with five other people."

"That's because Tori Vega was being friendly to me."

"The girl who's supposed to be fantastic," asked Garrett, sarcastically.

Mom gave him a narrowed look. "Garrett."

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Do you like your classes," asked Dad.

I nodded. "They're ok."

Mom and Dad shared a look, while the younger twins started talking about their school. I finished my food and began loading dirty dishes into the dishwasher. I glanced around at the marble counters and shiny appliances. Again, this was all way too big for me. It was too… different.

"Gwen."

Mom walked into the kitchen, as calm and relaxed as ever. I wished that I was like her. She was beautiful, with long, blonde hair and beautiful gray eyes. In high school, she was known as the attractive, athletic singer, who starred in the best performances and sang in everything.

"Alright," she said, walking to my side. "What's wrong? You've been like this for the past week."

I looked at her, giving a sad smile. "I just don't fit in, Mom. That's all."

She sighed. "Gwen. You have a beautiful voice. You'll have no problems getting into the choirs, chorales and anything you can think of."

I shook my head. "It's not really that. It's just… you have to be gorgeous and have talent to do anything here. And… Mom, I'm a Christian with… well, clothing. What am I supposed to do in that place?"

She thought a moment and then gave a nod. "You're a strong person, Gwen. You may not know it, but you will see it in time. You know Who you believe in. God will bless you, as long as you remain with Him. Remember… this is also a chance to be a good testimony… to reach out to others. Your brother and sister met a Christian. There are probably more in the school, who are not strong enough to stand for the truth. You can help them… if you allow yourself to see this as an opportunity."

I thought on this. God put us in the school for a reason? Why on earth would He do such a thing? Did He expect me to do something great? If so… what?

"I'll be giving small group voice classes," said Mom, as she was leaving. "You'll be in my tenth grade class."

I watched her, until she was gone. My eyes went upward, as I let out a sigh.

Do you expect something from me? Stupid question. Alright, Lord. I get it. You're in charge. Just give me the brains to remember that.

Author's Note; Here it is! Ok. This felt a little rushed. Hopefully it doesn't affect the quality of the writing!

As I said, this is Christian. And again, if you don't like it, don't read it. NO FLAMES! Gwen will be growing physically, mentally and spiritually throughout the rest of her high school years.