I woke up relatively early today. I could hear Lucas shuffling around outside. I moved slowly. I wasn't much of a morning person, and I didn't want Lucas to hear me. I internally groaned as I went to get dressed. I hated lying to my brother. But, everything will be fine. Because he'll know the truth in a couple hours. Then everything will be back to normal. Right? That was the hope anyway. I grabbed a pair of black jeans, fitted white tank top, and a gray flannel. I tied the ends of the flannel around my stomach. I put on a pair of white high tops with black laces. I put the top part of my hair in a messy bun and left the bottom half down. This was my signature look. I wore it most often. When I was positive that Lucas was out of the bathroom, and wouldn't be going back in, I headed inside. I did what I needed to do before going to grab a bite to eat. By now, Lucas had already left to catch the subway. Zay was on his way to pick me up. He would be giving me a ride.

"Hey sweetie. Are you going to eat something?" Mom called out as I made my way into the kitchen.

I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. "Sorry, can't. Zay is already on his way. I don't want to be late for my first day of school."

Mom smiled and nodded. She came over and gave me a hug. "Good luck," She whispered before releasing me. I returned her smile before leaving the apartment. I locked the door behind me. Mom had given me a key yesterday. I went downstairs and waited outside for Zay. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a little late.

While I waited, I munched on the apple. I watched the cars as they drove on by. I watched the people as they walked to wherever they needed to be. I really did miss Texas, but this place was starting to grow on me. I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard a honking noise.

"Are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to get in?" Zay called out at me from the passenger seat. I smiled at him before I made my way towards the car. I hopped into the back seat and stared out the window as his mom drove us to school. Even though Lucas is a year older than me, we're still going to be in the same grade. He was held back a year after that incident at our last school in Texas.

We pulled up in front of John Quincy Adams Middle School much sooner than I would have liked. I gulped as I slowly made my way out of the car and up the stairs. Zay was right behind me. We had to head to the office first so we could get our schedules and everything.

"Alright," The secretary said as we arrived at her desk. "So you are Emily Friar and you are Isaiah Babineaux. The new students from Texas."

"That's right, ma'am," Zay confirmed as I nervously fidgeted with the strap of my tote bag.

"Okay, here are your schedules and your transcripts. Just give the folders to your first period teacher. If you two need anything, just stop by and let me know. I'll do my best to help you." She smiled warmly at us before she returned to her typing.

"Thank you," Zay and I both thanked in unison.

I looked over my schedule.

Locker: 124

First Period: History - Mr. Matthews

Second Period: Art – Ms. Kossal

Third Period: Language Arts – Mrs. Smith

Fourth Period: Science – Mr. Wittrock

Fifth Period: Math – Mr. Jenkins

Sixth Period: Photography – Mrs. Thomas

"Who do you have first period?" I asked Zay after I had finished examining my schedule.

"Some dude named Mr. Matthews."

"Me too."

"Well, then, we better get going."

After a few minutes of walking the halls, we arrived outside of the room. I could hear the muffled talking coming from inside. The bell had just rung only a minute ago. My heart was pounding as I took deep breaths.

"You okay?" Zay asked as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"No. Definitely not okay," I replied, my voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm nervous beyond belief. But let's just go in and get it over with." Zay nodded as he removed his hand. He dramatically threw open the door.

"… Belgium," Mr. Matthews was saying as Zay waltzed in.

"What? Y'all started without us?" Zay exclaimed dramatically as I quietly walked in behind him. I shut the door behind me.

"GET OUT!" A brunette boy in a green turtle neck and red and blue striped polo shirt jumped out of his seat as he yelled demonically at us. My eyes widened in surprise. Great start so far… not. The blonde sitting diagonal from him slowly lifted her head to see what was going on. I saw Lucas sitting behind her. He looked unhappy. Oh dear.

"Somebody in this room is gonna be very surprised to see us," Zay stated matter-of-factly as the boy sat back down. The girl in front of him looked up curiously.

"Is it me?" She asked.

"Don't know sugar, but could you be any cuter?" Zay asked as I let out a little giggle. He was too over the top.

"Well, I can't answer that," She replied as she glanced towards our new teacher. I couldn't help but see the similarities between them. I could see Lucas trying to shield himself from us. He was annoyed and unhappy. I gulped. I knew this wouldn't end well.

"You got a transcript kids?" Mr. Matthews questioned as I handed over the folder the secretary had given me.

"Ah, I do," Zay said as he handed over his own folder. "Check out them grades. Here let me sing it to you." Mr. Matthew nodded, playing along with Zay's antics as he looked over his transcript. "D, D, D, D… D, F"

The blonde sitting in front of Lucas smiled and nodded. "Hey, I know that song!" Zay returned her smile as I playfully punched his arm.

"Isaiah Babineaux. From Austin Texas," Mr. Matthews announced as everyone turned to look at Lucas. "Huh. Do you want to introduce yourself, miss?"

I glanced in Lucas's direction. He gave me a warning look. I knew what it meant. "I'm Emily, from Austin, Texas."

"Emily…" The brunette girl asked, trying to find out my last name.

"Just Emily," I said as I looked over at Mr. Matthews. He gave me a small smile, indicating that he wouldn't tell anyone.

"What are you doing here Zay, Emily?" Lucas finally spoke up.

"Well, the first thing I'm doing is waiting for a better reaction from you," Zay announced as he looked over at me. He silently asked if I was okay. I simply nodded, keeping my gaze on the floor. It hurt that Lucas didn't want anyone to know that I was his sister.

"Maya, something's changing," The brunette stated as the blonde looked over at her. Their expressions were a little concerned.

"Okay, Mr. Teach," Zay began, trying to diffuse the tension, as he normally did. I couldn't help but crack a smile. "Where do I sit? You know usually, I'm more of a back row kind of guy." I leaned against Mr. Matthews desk as a nerdy brunette dressed in all red waved over at us. Zay frowned as I giggled. Definitely not a back row kind of guy in here. "Well, that's unusual."

"Don't worry, Zay," I placed a hand on his shoulder as I looked at Lucas. "I'll take the hit for you."

"What a great friend you are," Zay said as he placed a hand over his heart.

"Have a sit right there Mr. Babineaux," Mr. Matthews pointed to the seat behind Lucas. "You sure you want to sit in the back, Ms. Emily?"

I nodded as I made my way over to the empty seat. I knew that Lucas wouldn't want me to sit next to him. I can appreciate that, for now. I held back the tears as best as I could. I didn't want everyone to know how upset I am right now. My big brother just rejected me in front of our entire class.