Alyssa's POV
Today is the big day. After months of not leaving my house or the hospital, it's time for me to go to high school. Not only am I going to high school, but I'm going to a new high school where I don't know anyone other than Jessie. Today should be fun.
"Alyssa, you haven't touched your breakfast." My mom says as she gestures towards eggs that are sitting right in front of me.
I'm not really hungry. Every time I think of swallowing my eggs, I feel a bit nauseous. I'm too nervous to hold down breakfast, and I wish my mom would stop talking about it and eat her pancakes.
"I know you're nervous for your first day at a new school, but you're going to need your protein." My mom tells me seriously.
I don't have the energy to respond, so I simply shrug my shoulders. My mom sighs, before planting a soft kiss on my forehead. I can tell she's nervous for me. Maybe she knows that no one will like me, and I'll have to eat lunch alone like I had to do at the end of last year. I bet I'm an embarrassment to her.
"Why don't you get ready while I make your lunch?" My mom suggests.
That's a good idea. I'm sick of being in the same room as her, and I need to make sure that I look somewhat presentable for my first day. I nod before standing up, and walking upstairs to my bedroom.
When I open my closet, I realize that my mom unpacked and organized everything for me. I have a lot of cute clothes from when I was a normal teenage girl, but I don't know if I feel comfortable in any of them anymore. Oh well. I'll have to make something work.
After staring at my closet for a solid ten minutes, I decide on a creme sun dress with a black leather jacket and boots. I don't exactly feel comfortable in this outfit, but it's the cutest thing I have, and everyone in Rosewood looks like they belong on the cover of a magazine.
I quickly throw on the outfit before combing out my long curl hair, and applying some eye linear and mascara. I guess I look somewhat presentable. Hopefully my mother will be pleased.
A startled gasp escaped from my lips when I walk downstairs, and see Jesse Rivers standing in my kitchen, and chattering with my mother and father. He's wearing a pair of blue jeans and his letterman's jacket, and I have to admit that he looks exceptionally handsome.
"Look who stopped by!" My mom exclaims as she gestures towards Jesse.
"Hi Alyssa." Jesse says with a wave and a friendly smile.
What is he even doing here? I expected to see Jesse at school today, but not in my kitchen. My parents seem happy to see him, and I hope they don't expect me to date this guy just because they're friends with his parents.
"What are you doing here?" I question.
"Your mom mentioned that you don't have your license, and I was wondering if you needed a ride to school today." Jesse informs me.
Do I really want to ride alone with a guy who I just met? Of course not, but I also don't want my mom to be the one driving me to my first day of junior year. It's really embarrassing that I don't have my license yet, but with everything going on I didn't have time to go through the long process.
"Sure. Thank you." I say with a nod.
"Oh my gosh! I didn't realize how beautiful you look until now! Doesn't she look beautiful Jesse?" My mom asks as her eyes dart over to the muscular football player.
"Mom!" I hiss in annoyance.
"It's okay Alyssa, and yes she looks beautiful, Mrs. Fitz." He says with a charming smile.
"Make sure you keep an eye on her today, Jesse." My dad says as he rests a hand on my shoulder.
Oh God! Now what am I? A defenseless little girl who needs some guy she hardly knows to protect her? I think my dad just set feminism back fifty years.
"I will." Jesse assures him.
"Good." My dad says as he breathes out a sigh of relief.
"We should get going. We don't want to be late on our first day, do we Jesse?" I ask as I offer him a pleading look.
"No we do not. We should get on the road." Jesse says, obviously picking up on my hints.
"Okay. Alyssa, have a great first day. If you need anything at all don't hesitate to give me a call okay? If anyone gives you any trouble..." My mom starts to ramble.
"Mom, I'll be fine." I say with an exasperated eye roll.
"I know you will. I love you." My mom says before pulling me in for a long hug, and kissing my forehead softly.
"I love you too, sweetheart. Remember to sit in the front row in all of your classes, and introduce yourself to your teachers." My dad says before giving me an awkward hug.
"I've got it, Daddy. See you both after school." I say before waving goodbye, and following Jesse to his black BMW.
Being the perfect gentlemen, Jesse holds the car door open for me, and I climb into the passenger's seat. As soon as I'm buckled in, he begins the short drive to Rosewood High.
"So I told all my friends about you. I was going to introduce you before first period started. We can help you find all your classes, and you can sit at our table during lunch." Jesse offers.
As much as I'll probably hate Jesse's popular friends, I don't want to get lost or eat lunch by myself. Maybe I'll take him up on his offer.
"Yeah, that would be great." I say as I force a smile.
A nervous lump forms in my throat as Jesse pulls into the parking lot of Rosewood High. I'm finally here, and I feel absolutely sick to my stomach. What if no one here likes me? I can't be a friendless loser again... I can't!
"Alyssa, what's wrong?" Jesse asks as he turn to face me.
"What if your friends don't like me?" I blurt out nervously.
"Alyssa... Why wouldn't they like you? You're smart, and beautiful, and... Just don't worry about it. You'll be fine." Jesse says as he grabs my hand, and gives it a gentle squeeze.
"You don't get it. I'm not the most social person in the world..." I start to ramble.
"Trust me, I know. But you don't have to pretend to be social. Just be yourself." Jesse tells me softly.
"You don't even know me." I say as I shake my head slowly.
"Well, I'll get to know you." Jesse says with a shrug.
If only it were that simple. Jesse has no idea how dark my past is, and I'm not exactly good at letting people in.
"Okay." I say with a sniffle.
"Are you ready?" He asks me gently.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I say before letting out a breathy sigh, and walking out of the BMW.
As we approach the stairway, a cute and tall blonde girl runs over to Jesse, and wraps her arms around him. Are they dating? I hope this girl doesn't think I like her boyfriend...
"Hi, Jesse! You must be Alyssa! I'm Nichole." The girl says before pulling me in for an awkward hug.
Okay. I guess this girl likes to hug. At least she's friendly.
"Hi." I say as I force a smile.
"Nichole and I met each other in first grade. We've been best friends ever since." Jesse explains.
Okay so they're not dating. That's sweet though. I lost all my "lifelong" friends, and it's nice to see that some people are able to maintain healthy friendships for long periods of time.
"That's so nice." I tell them truthfully.
"Yeah, he's pretty cool sometimes. So you're from New York! That's so awesome!" Nichole says as her eyes light up with excitement.
"It's not that awesome. I grew up there, so it was normal for me." I say with a shrug.
At that moment, a muscular guy with dark hair and blue eyes approaches us. He fist bumps Jesse, and begins to eyeball me.
"You must be the city girl." He says as he offers me a charming boyish smile.
"Yeah. I'm Alyssa Fitz." I say as I shake the stranger's hand.
"I'm Noel Kahn." The boy tells me.
Noel Kahn? Why does that name sound so familiar?
"Your mom dated his date for like three weeks in high school. It ended badly, but I'm pretty sure they're cool now." Jesse informs me.
"Yeah, my dad is super modest. He named me after himself." Noel says with a smirk.
"Yeah, who the hell names their kid Noel? The spelling of your name means Christmas in French you know." Nichole says as she hugs the boy.
"What can I say, I was a gift to humanity." Noel says with a chuckle.
"I guess you also inherited you father's modesty." I tease.
Nichole and Jesse burst into laughter, while Noel stares me down. Shoot. I hope my joke didn't upset him.
"You're a sassy one." He says in a fake angry voice.
Okay, he's not angry with me. That's good! At least no one's running away from me yet.
"What do you have first period, Alyssa? We have to be in class in five minutes and I want to make sure you get to the right place." Jesse says as his tone turns serious.
I pull my schedule out of my binder, and hand it to Jesse, who looks at the paper intently. I'm so glad I have someone here to help me find my class.
"It looks like you have English with Mrs. Allen. My classroom is just down the hall, so I'll walk you over there." Jesse says before handing me my schedule.
"Thank you so much." I tell him gratefully.
"It's not problem. Honestly." Jesse says before waving goodbye to his friends, and leading me into the English building.
Jesse gestures towards the classroom 109, and I thank him one last time before scurrying over to the room. I enter just as the bell is ringing, and everyone is already in their seats. Great. I'm already drawing negative attention to myself and it's only the first day.
"What is your name?" A woman in her early sixties asks as she glances down at the attendance sheet.
"I'm Alyssa Fitz." I mutter as I avoid looking into the teacher's eyes.
"Welcome to AP Language and Composition, Alyssa Fitz. Why don't you take a seat in the back?" Mrs. Allen asks as she gestures towards the empty row in the back of the classroom.
My dad would have a stroke if he knew I was sitting in the back of the classroom, but I'm glad I'm not sitting in the front. None of these snobby Rosewood kids will be able to judge me if they can't even see me.
"I'm so sorry I'm late!" I hear a familiar voice say.
I look up and gasp when I see that boy who I met in church standing in the front of the classroom. What was his name? I'm pretty sure it started with a B or something. I remember he was rude and obnoxious, and I hope I don't have to spend a lot of time with him this year.
"Take a seat in the back, Blake. I hope your tardiness doesn't become a habit again this year." Mrs. Allen says with an eye roll.
"It won't." Blake says before walking to my row, and taking a seat directly next to me.
Perfect. That's exactly what I needed today. Blake's eyes begin to roam my body, and I literally feel like I'm about to throw up. I really want to move seats, but I don't want to distract the class more than I already have.
"Hey Alyssa." He whispers to me.
He remembers my name? That's actually kind of surprising.
"Hi Blake." I mutter as I avoid looking into his hazel eyes.
Mrs. Allen begins to go over class rules and expectations, and I try my best to listen, but my mind is elsewhere. Why is this Blake kid staring at me? It's making me really uncomfortable, and I wish I had worn a more modest outfit.
"Alyssa... Are you okay?" Blake asks me gently.
"Y-Yeah I'm okay. Why?" I ask as I avoid looking into his eyes.
"You seem upset. Is someone giving you a hard time?" Blake whispers.
Why is he being so nice to me? I don't even know this boy. Then again, I didn't know Douglas either... And that's when it hits me. Blake is just like Douglas. He wants to get close to me for his own personal gain, not because he cares about me.
"No. Please stop talking to me. I don't want to get in trouble." I snap at him.
"Alyssa..." Blake starts to ramble.
"I said stop! You don't even know me, and you don't want to. Just stop being so nice to me because... Because I know guys like you Blake. I don't need another asshole in my life." I spit out furiously.
For a minute, Blake looks hurt. Genuinely hurt. But I don't care, right? He can find another girl to flirt with because I'm not going to be his stupid little doll.
"Can I please be excused?" Blake asks as he raises his hand in the air.
"What is the matter, Mr. Cavanaugh? We're in the middle of something." Mrs. Allen hisses angrily.
"I know... But I'm not feeling well. Can I please go to the nurse?" Blake asks with an ounce of anger in his voice.
"Fine." Mrs. Allen mutters as she gestures toward the door.
Without saying a word, Blake springs to his feet and sprints out of the classroom. What the hell? Did my comment really upset him that much? Maybe he's in denial about being an asshole.
"Mrs. Fitz, is everything all right?" Mrs. Allen asks as her eyes dart over to me.
"Yeah. Everything is fine." I say as I force a smile.
Line Break
By the time lunch rolls around, I'm exhausted. The day has gone by smoothly other than my run in with Blake, but I forgot how tiring sitting through an entire school day can be. When I walk out of Biology, Jesse is waiting for me in the hallway.
"Ready for lunch?" Jesse asks as he offers me an awkward wave.
"Yeah. I'm starving." I say with an eager nod.
Jesse leads me to the cafeteria, and everyone stares at us as we walk towards the table in the middle of the room. Noel, Nichole, and a tone of other people I do not know are already sitting at the table, and I start to feel nervous. These kids are obviously the coolest kids at school, and I don't want to make myself look like an idiot in front of them.
"Hey Alyssa!" Nichole says as she offers me a small wave.
"Hi Nichole." I say with a nervous smile.
"Sit with me!" She says as she gestures towards the empty seat next to her.
I look to Jesse for approval, and the blonde quarter back gives me a warm nod. I take a seat next to Nichole, and pull out the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that my mother made for me without saying a word to anyone.
Everyone at the table begins to chat about typical high school drama that I couldn't care less about. I have bigger things to worry about than who's hooking up with who, and who is throwing the biggest party this weekend. I'm just trying to get through the school day without having a mental breakdown.
"Oh God." I hear Nichole mutter.
What's wrong? I look up, and gasp when I see a group of boys from another table staring at me intently. What's going on? Why are those boys staring at me?
"Nichole... Who are they?" I ask as my eyes dart over to the boys at the table across from ours.
"Those are the baseball man whores. Everyone here hates them. The baseball and football teams have a huge rivalry, and they're always giving us shit." Nichole mutters as she takes a bite of her salad.
Baseball. I immediately think of Douglas, who lived and breathed baseball. All of the sudden, I feel sick. Absolutely sick. To make matters worse, two of the baseball guys are approaching our table. This can't be good.
"Who's the new meat?" A baseball player with red hair and freckles asks as he gestures towards me.
"This is Alyssa, and she's with us. Sorry Alex." Nichole says with an eye roll.
"That's too bad. You don't want to waste your time with the football players at this school. Last year they didn't even make it to the playoffs." The other baseball player with brown hair and brown eyes says as he high fives his friend.
"Whatever, Nick" Nichole says with an eye roll.
"Hey, what the hell is going on over here?" Jesse asks as he springs out of his seat, and walks over to me and Nichole.
"They were giving Alyssa a hard time." Nichole informs him.
"Hey guys, back off. Alyssa is new here, and she doesn't need any of your crap." Jesse says as he wraps an arm around me protectively.
"You need to relax. We weren't giving her trouble. Your friend is smoking hot, and we wanted to invite her over to our table for lunch. Geez." Nick says with an eye roll.
"I already said she's with us, so get lost." Nichole says as she begins to raise her voice.
"What did you say your name was?" Alex asks me curiously.
"I-I didn't. My name is Alyssa Fitz." I mutter as I avoid looking into their eyes.
Both boys gasp, and within seconds they're laughing hysterically. What did I say that was so funny?
"Oh my God! That's Josh's cousin! No wonder she's hanging out with the football losers." Alex says through his laughter.
Cousin? I don't have any cousins at this school. My dad has a brother named Wes, but his family lives in California. My mom has a bother who I've never met, and it occurs to me that he might live in Rosewood. Does he have kids at this school? Is this Josh kid my cousin?
"Are you a slut like your mom?" Nick asks me with a smirk.
Did he just call my mom a slut? For the first time since I've been at this school, I don't feel nervous or intimidated. I feel flat out furious. How dare these boys call my mother a slut! They don't even know her!
"My mother is not a slut!" I say as I begin to raise my voice.
"Really? Josh told me she banged like, ten of her perverted teachers in high school." Alex tells me cruelly.
"She had an affair with one teacher, and he happens to be my father." I say as I cross my arms over my chest.
"They must have had some fun detentions together. I bet you were conceived on a desk." Nick says as he high fives Alex.
"That's enough." Jesse growls furiously.
"Are you into the kinky stuff like your mother is? I'd have no problem handcuffing you..." Alex starts to say.
His words strike a major chord in me. The though of this stranger handcuffing me and touching my body is absolutely sickening.
"I-I have to go." I mutter as I spring to my feet.
"Alyssa..." Jesse starts to say.
"No! Just let me go. Please." I say as my voice gets softer and softer.
Jesse nods, and I scurry out of the cafeteria. I run through the courtyard, and onto the empty football field in the back of the school. As soon as I'm away from everyone, I start to cry. I cry so hard that I worry I'll flood Rosewood with tears.
It isn't until about ten minutes into my pity party that I realize I'm not alone. I turn around and gasp when I see that Blake kid sitting on the bleachers, and crying hysterically. Does he see me? I doubt it because if he did, he wouldn't be here.
All of the sudden, I feel guilty for snapping at Blake in class. He looks sad... Maybe even more sad than I am. I wonder what he has to be sad about. I hope my comments weren't what caused his break down... Then again why would he care about the opinion of some girl he doesn't even know?
Our eyes meet at the exact same time, and Blake goes from looking sad to absolutely furious. What did I do?
"Blake..." I mutter as I begin to approach the bleachers.
"Stay the hell away from me." He growls furiously.
I want to apologize for everything. I'm sorry that I was so mean to him earlier, and I'm even more sorry that he looks so hurt. I try to find a way to express my emotions, but I don't have it in me. So instead I just nod my head, before running far, far away from Blake Cavanaugh.
AN: What did you think of this chapter? Did you love or hate the Blake and Alyssa scenes? What about Alyssa and Jesse? Please review and tell me what you thought. Thanks for reading :)