Ashley and I compared schedules, sadly, we had barely any classes together, only English. But I overheard Jason and his friends talking.
"Yo dude! Jason, whatcha got 1st period?" One of his friends asked.
Jason looked at his paper, "Eh, Math. Whattabout you, Manny Mcgonigiggle?"
Ashley seemed to see that I was listening to their conversation. "No June, he is not in your first period class." She pause, then said, "Or second, it seems."
The homeroom teacher was Mrs. Corma, a stern old lady with all white hair. She tapped her knuckles on the board whenever she wanted us to be quiet. This wasn't a very effective technique. I mean, who can hear someone tapping their knuckles when Jason and his friends are telling jokes and laughing, and the girls in the homeroom (mostly wannabees) were giggling and discussing hair and makeup.
First period I had Science. It was a good thing I had all Seminar courses…Alicia and her friends were nowhere to be seen.
I tried to make more friends. It didn't really work. I started with the girl sitting next to me. She was a wannabee, I could tell, but hey, who said they couldn't be nice?"Hey, I'm June."
She turned to me coldly and said, "I don't really care". Very welcoming. Very nice. Couldn't have wanted a better reply.
I decided not to let that discourage me. "Okaaay…what's your name?"
She replied unwillingly, "Morgan".
"So, do you know Jason McGuire?"
That really opened her up. "Oh my gosh, how could I not know him? I had a crush on him last year, but now he's going out with Alicia Ferdale. They make such a cute couple! Don't you think?"
I felt my heart sink. I had no idea Jason was going out with Alicia! "Yeah, they…do make a cute couple. I wish them…the best of luck."
Morgan prattled on and on. I zoned out on both her and later on, the teacher. Who cares? Jason was totally taken.
The rest of the morning passed in a daze. When I finally met Ashley at lunch, she was sitting at an empty table.
"Jason's going out with Alicia?" I burst out.
"So I was right! Yes, Jason's going out with Alicia. Anything wrong with that?" Ashley asked.
"No, but…I just can't believe it." I sighed.
"They're perfect for each other! I mean, just look at them, they're both empty and popular, superficial and cold. You're too good for Jason, June." Ashley consoled.
I didn't say anything. "Whatever. I understand that. Who needs guys?"
Ashley smiled, "Good".
I had English 6th period with Ashley. She had to be one of the most sensible people I'd ever met. She had this air of calmness that I wish I had.
I finally found one class I had with Jason. Gym. My worst class. I knew he was already claimed, but a girl can dream, can't she? (Ashley would probably say no).
He was so incredibly athletic. We were playing basketball and he totally took over. Me? Trying to stay on the sidelines for as long as I could, and when on the court, trying to stay away from the ball.
It turned out that Alicia, Susannah, Jackie, Chloe, Chelsea, and Kayla were in Chorus same as me. They snickered when I walked by.
"Hey new girl! What did you say your name was?" Susannah called out.
"Do you know what Abercrombie is?" Kayla added.
I turned around, trying to muster Ashley's air of disdain and confidence. All I could manage was a feeble, "Leave me alone!"
They looked smug, vaguely reminding me of the Egyptian cats I'd seen in King Tut's display at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
While this thought was passing over me, Chloe had decided to add another dig in.
"Abercrombie, Hollister- don't expect her to know."
I took a deep breath, these girls were seriously mean. I wish Ashley were here.
This year was going to be difficult, starting with the very first day.
